October CIE Connection

On July 31st, the CIE hosted an information session by NC IDEA who provided an overview of their upcoming Fall 2023 NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and NC IDEA SEED ($50K) grants, which provide funding to early-stage, high-growth companies.

David Reeser and Tyler Sugden with OpiAID, a previous recipient of an NC IDEA SEED grant, shared the OpiAID journey and described how the NC IDEA grant was an amazing resource to help scale the business.

If you couldn't make it to the session and are interested in finding out more information about how to apply for these awards, NC IDEA has a webinar recording that covers all the information at the live session. If you're interested in applying for these grants, click below. The deadline for applying is August 28th at 5:00 PM. CIE Director Heather McWhorter will provide feedback on draft applications prior to submission. Contact her at mcwhorterh@uncw.edu.

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

Where: UNCW Burney Center

The CIE embraces the impact the ocean has on Southeast North Carolina’s economy. The Alliance for the Blue Economy ("All Blue"), All Blue 101 and 201, and the Ocean Innovation Conference are examples of how CIE is increasing awareness of the blue economy in our region to establish Southeast NC as a thriving blue economy hub.

The aim of CIE is to contribute decisively to the creation of a blue economy innovation ecosystem where through strategic partnerships with private and public bodies, universities, and investors, it will help convert innovative ideas to products and services.

Join us to explore how Southeast North Carolina is embracing economic opportunities relating to the ocean. We will reflect on current ocean trends and challenges and how we can use our ocean’s resources to grow economics and improve livelihoods.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

Sponsorships remain available. Contact cie@uncw.edu to be part of this opportunity.

Registration is $99. Early Bird Pricing of $69 is available until September 1.

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

Calling all Entrepreneurs!

The UNCW CIE has several incubator offices and coworking spaces available! The CIE provides exclusive benefits such as 24/7 building access, conference rooms, discounts on conferences and seminars, and access to our media team for special projects! Check out our Instagram and Facebook to see more of our unique workspace. Find out more about how you can get involved in this amazing community in the article below!

Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential: A Glimpse into the UNCW CIE Incubator and Coworking Space by Heather McWhorter | Sponsored Insights (wilmingtonbiz.com)

UNCW Undergraduate student Kelsey Pearson was awarded an All Blue internship with Wilmington-based Local Catch, which was founded by UNCW Alumnus Landon Hill (Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurship Studies '20). Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“Working as an intern with Local Catch really gave me a taste of what the real world is like and how exciting it is. I enjoyed learning new skills like Canva as well as training in marketing and sales. I believe that having a broader experience will be beneficial in the future! Working with Landon has been very educational and inspirational. Being able to work next to someone that is capable of starting their own business has been such a privilege. I also was able to experience what it is like building a company and seeing all the hard work put into it. I hope to continue to have a position with Local Catch in the future!”

Kelsey is majoring in business with a marketing concentration and minoring in biology. If you have a blue economy business and are interested in working with a UNCW intern, contact CIE and ask us about our All Blue internship program.

The CIE Media Team is comprised of talented students from the Film Studies and Communications departments. This collective of creative minds comes together to curate captivating and compelling media and digital art content for the members and tenants of CIE. The Media Team is committed to providing a wide array of services, including:

Pitch Videos: Capturing the essence of your project, product, or concept in a concise and visually engaging format that leaves a lasting impression.
Promotional Videos: Crafting dynamic and persuasive videos that effectively convey your brand's unique value proposition and captivate your target audience.
Headshots: Producing professional headshots that convey your personal brand and identity, making a positive and lasting first impression.
Product Photography: Showcasing your products in the best possible light through high-quality imagery that highlights their features and benefits.
Video Editing: Transforming raw footage into a polished and cohesive narrative that resonates with your audience and effectively communicates your message.
Logo Design: Creating visually striking and memorable logos that serve as the cornerstone of your brand's identity.

If you are interested in media services, please contact us at uncwcie.media@gmail.com.

We are excited to announce our newest CIE Media Team Members!

Bella Cacciato is a junior majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Digital Arts and Psychology. She has a passion for graphic design and is looking forward to being able to utilize her creativity at the CIE!

Hayden Rains is a senior majoring in film studies and minoring in psychology. He specializes in videography and is very excited to work with such a talented team!

Preston Hewett is a senior and is double majoring in film and international studies. He has a focus on video editing and is excited to work on a wide range of projects and creating content with the CIE Media Team!

We are thrilled to have these students here and could not be more excited for the skills and creativity this team will bring to the CIE!

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)!

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.

NC IDEA Information Session

On July 31st, the CIE hosted an information session by NC IDEA who provided an overview of their upcoming Fall 2023 NC IDEA MICRO ($10K) and NC IDEA SEED ($50K) grants, which provide funding to early-stage, high-growth companies.

David Reeser and Tyler Sugden with OpiAID, a previous recipient of an NC IDEA SEED grant, shared the OpiAID journey and described how the NC IDEA grant was an amazing resource to help scale the business.

CIE Private Incubator and Coworking Spaces Available

All Blue Intern Learns New Skills at BlueTech Startup

CIE Media Team

Welcome, CIE Media Team Members!

Bella Cacciato

Hayden Rains

Preston Hewett

We are excited to announce our newest CIE Media Team Members!

Upcoming Events - Register Today

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The Business of Innovation

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