Keynotes Announced for

Ocean Innovation Conference

Get ready for the upcoming Ocean Innovation Conference organized by the CIE! Secure your spot now and take advantage of the discounted early bird rate of $69, available until the end of the day today. 

When: Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Where: UNCW Burney Center

We have an exciting day planned!

We are thrilled to announce that our opening keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Laura M. Dickey. RADM Dickey is the Deputy Commander of Atlantic Area, responsible for U.S. Coast Guard operations across 40 states and five Districts from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. With a distinguished career at sea, including commanding three cutters, she brings extensive experience in law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security.

RADM Dickey is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Government and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She also earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Her remarkable service has earned her multiple awards and medals, reflecting her dedication to national security and strategic leadership.

We are also excited to announce keynote speaker will be Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, renowned for his work as a marine biologist and the author of the book "Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected, and Better at What You Do." Dr. Nichols, also known as J, has explored a wide range of topics such as ocean ecology, animal migration, marine conservation, and cognitive science. His current focus centers on unraveling the neuroscience behind the human-water relationship, sparking a global movement known as "Blue Mind." This movement has given rise to a new realm of research and practices promoting health and wellness.

With the same level of excitement, we are pleased to introduce Jake Kheel as a keynote speaker. Jake is the author of “Waking the Sleeping Giant: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Business to Save Our Planet” and Vice President of Grupo Puntacana Foundation in the Dominican Republic. He will share information about the Dominican Coral Innovation Hub and discuss the role of the private sector in marine conservation. Jake is a sustainability innovator, thought leader, and award-winning documentary filmmaker.

This program is being held in partnership with the North Carolina Ecosystem Technology (NCET) Prospective Engine partners.

This exceptional event is made possible by our valued sponsors: NC IDEA, City of Wilmington, North Carolina Sea Grant, Blue Mind Coworking, UNCW Center for Marine Science, Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center, and SBTDC.

Registration is $99. Early Bird Pricing of $69 is available until the end of the day today.

Register at: Ocean Innovation Conference

Checking in with the CIE Director

Heather McWhorter, who is completing her first year as CIE’s director after serving as interim, gave a presentation July 31 to the Wilmington City Council to share the center’s economic impact and engagement results, as well as programs, during fiscal year 2023. Read the update here.

 Love the Ocean? 

Why would an innovation and entrepreneurship center start an Ocean Innovation Conference? Read about Director Heather McWhorter's vision, and learn about the keynotes and panelists here.

This conference is for people who love the ocean and are a thought leader, innovator, changemaker, or a curious and caring community member. By connecting entrepreneurs, scientists, and the community, we're sparking something new to create impact. Register today.

The Business of Innovation

This program will offer robust content around the topic of innovation with an expert laden set of speakers and panelists! 

When: September 26, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: CIE (803 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC)

Registration and Agenda: The Business of Innovation: 2023 NC Technology Commercialization Event Series (sbtdc.org)

Topics:

• SBIR/STTR Program Overview
• NC Biotech Center Funding Options
• Equity Funding Discussion
• Legal Considerations of Setting up your Innovation Business
• Accounting and Financial Considerations
• One NC Small Business Match and Incentive Programs
• UNC-W Tech Transfer and Collaboration
• Successful Innovation Business Panel

Speakers:
Heather McWhorter, P.E. - UNCW CIE
John Ujvari - NC SBTDC
Randall Johnson - North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) Center
Rob Kaiser - VentureSouth
John Rudd - Hutchison
Lauren Joyce - Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP and Gupton
Dave Kaiser - NC Board of Science, Technology and Innovation
Justin T. Streuli, MBA - UNCW
Stuart Borrett - UNCW
David Reeser - OpiAID
Sam McCall - SeaTox Research Inc.
William Baird - Boreas Monitoring Solutions
Ying Wang, Ph.D. - UNCW

 Building Resiliency 

It's not easy being an entrepreneur. One of the key traits for long-term success is resiliency. Is your resiliency running a little low? Try these:

1. Build a support network
2. Practice self-care
3. Get your blue mind on
4. Cultivate a growth mindset
5. Learn from failure
6. Set realistic expectations
7. Seek continuous learning

To read more about why CIE thinks Resiliency Matters, read this Insights column by CIE Director Heather McWhorter.

 North Carolina Ecosystem Technology (NCET) Update

In May, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded North Carolina Ecosystem Technology partners with funding to develop an economic engine that could rapidly improve the quality of life in rural coastal communities using ecosystem technology, or ecotech, an emerging branch of applied science.

CIE is a partner in this new, collaborative group. Several co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) met in person recently at the UNCW Center for Marine Science. The mission, vision, and approach of the team was solidified, and a community engagement plan was laid out. The focal sectors slated for rapid development include:

- Coastal infrastructure
- Aquaculture
- Renewable energy ancillary services

In the photo (L-R): Shila Nordone, Duke University; Jess Wilkinson, RTI International; Jerry Coleman, Cape Fear Community College; Jennifer Hurtgen, Duke University; David Cerino, Carteret Community College; D. Reide Corbett, East Carolina University; Sara Lawrence, RTI International; Ken Halanych, UNCW Center for Marine Science, and Heather McWhorter, UNCW CIE

Are you ready to take your business to new heights and enhance your online presence? Look no further than the CIE Media Team, a dedicated group of talented UNCW Film Studies and Communications students eager to bring your vision to life. Our comprehensive services encompass everything from videography, photography, and promotional videos to Kickstarter campaigns, training videos, and even recording business focus groups. We also offer headshots, product photography, and graphic design for videos, ensuring all your media needs are met under one roof.

In addition to our visual services, we excel in graphic design, logo creation, web development, modeling, and app development. Our team leverages top-of-the-line equipment, including Canon 5D Mark III DSLR and Sony a7sII cameras, to capture stunning visuals and employs industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and Google Sketchup for modeling. We offer a free consultation for CIE Members, Tenants, and UNCW Faculty/Staff/Students, making it easier than ever to bring your creative projects to life.

Contact us at: ciemedia@uncw.edu. Check out our video below to find out more about us!

We are the CIE Media Team:

UNC Wilmington Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship - YouTube 

Upcoming Events

UNCW Student Scavenger Hunt

Monday, August 28th - Friday, September 1st

This Scavenger Hunt is for UNCW undergraduate students to explore on-campus entrepreneurship resources. Start any time the week of August 28th by going to the Entrepreneurship Club table in front of Cameron Hall between 10am-1pm, the Involvement Carnival, or just stop by CIE to grab a card that shows the locations and get started. Fill your card with a sticker from each location on the map for a chance to win prizes! Winners will be announced at the PIZZA PARTY on Friday, September 1st at 6:00pm at the CIE! The party will be a chance to connect with other students and entrepreneurs in the community (and win prizes)! Prizes have been donated by:

• Apple Annies - Cookies and gift card!
• EBD Professor Jay Schack - Gift cards to the UNCW Book Store!
• Islands Fresh Mex Grill - Gift card!
• Mess Hall - T-shirt!
• Mimi and Papa's Gourmet Popcorn and Homemade Ice Cream - Popcorn and Gift card!
• Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington - Gift cards to Tropical Smoothie!
• PS Solutions - Gift cards to Jungle Rapids!
• Tama Tea - Tea, T-shirt, and stickers!
• The Wall Printer - Suprise gift!
• UNCW Cameron School of Business - Swag!
• UNCW Book Store - Swag!

The Business of Innovation

SBTDC program co-sponsored by CIE

Tuesday, September 26 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Early-stage innovation-based businesses face a unique set of foundational challenges as they get off the ground and grow. This workshop highlights the unique needs of innovation-driven companies, including university spinouts.

Learn from experts in the areas of dilutive and non-dilutive funding, legal & IP, business development, and university tech transfer, and network with successful innovation-oriented entrepreneurs.

Welcome Wednesday

Wednesday, October 4 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, students, and anyone interested in learning more about CIE, are welcome to stop by CIE. The CIE staff will be available all day to provide tours of our facility, to answer questions about CIE or UNCW, and to connect you to programs and ecosystem partners.

Coworking is free all day and registration is not required.

Sponsored by: City of Wilmington

1 Million Cups Wilmington 

Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM, entrepreneurs and the community gather to hear from an entrepreneur or two and to provide suggestions and connections to help them. If you are an entrepreneur and have been in business less than 5 years, please visit the website and apply to present.

Programs

Hustle N Harvest

The Hustle n Harvest Precelerator program was designed to help founders and entrepreneurs scale their business in southeastern North Carolina.

Propel

Propel offers participants in the shellfish mariculture industry a business incubator curriculum and process to assist growers through the stages of business launch and growth. This fully online business training series presents new growers with concepts and challenges of business ownership unique to shellfish growers. This program also provides resources that can be used after the course has been completed.

Contact cie@uncw.edu for more information.

CIE in the News

• Resiliency Matters by Heather McWhorter | Sponsored Insights (wilmingtonbiz.com)
• Love the Ocean? by Heather McWhorter | Sponsored Insights (wilmingtonbiz.com)
• UNCW Burney Center to host Ocean Innovation Conference
  (Wilmington WECT)

The Coalition

Your go-to business resource for Southeast North Carolina.

UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), 803 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA, 910.962.2206