NCInnovation

What if we could improve mosquito control in communities without the high price tag? Researchers, Dr. Stephanie Richards and Sinan Sousan, Ph.D. at East Carolina University have developed a low-cost wind tunnel that simulates outdoor spraying conditions, helping health departments and companies test what really works—quickly, affordably, and reliably. It’s an inspiring example of real public-health impact, supported by NCInnovation. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/g2qSbhgn #PublicHealth #Innovation #MosquitoControl #NCInnovation Office of Research

Check out these exciting opportunities in North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem! Our partners at the SBTDC’s Technology Commercialization team are hiring for two key positions — one in Greensboro/Triad and another in Chapel Hill/Triangle. These roles are perfect for professionals who are passionate about helping university researchers, innovators, and tech startups secure funding and bring new technologies to market. If you or someone in your network is ready to make an impact advancing research commercialization in North Carolina, take a look below!

What a great visit at the University of North Carolina Asheville! We kicked off with a conversation with Dr. Yvonne Villanueva-Russell, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, about how NCInnovation can support the university’s research and innovation efforts. We also visited with one of our funded projects led by Dr. Amanda Wolfe and Dr. Ryan Steed, whose work on antibacterial molecules is advancing—and brilliantly integrating undergraduate students at every stage. Their research exemplifies how a liberal-arts-based institution can deliver meaningful impact. We ended the day learning about another promising project that’s seeking NCInnovation support. Michelle Bolas, David Wyrick, Ph.D., Meagan Coneybeer, Kym Verhovshek and Carly Hemminger are looking forward to continuing the partnership! #Research #Innovation #HigherEd #UndergraduateResearch #NCInnovation #UNCAsheville

A great conversation at the Chancellor-invite lunch and learn with faculty from around Elizabeth City State University. We appreciate S. Keith Hargrove, Ph.D., CMfgE, P.E., MBA. for hosting! Derrick Welch led the event on behalf of NCI. ECSU Provost Dr. Robert N. Corley III and Dean Dr. Kuldeep Rawat attended, as well. We had the opportunity to share more about NCInnovation, our programs, and how we’re here to support the university’s mission. This looks like a strong partnership and we are looking forward to building on such a well-attended event! #HigherEducation #Partnerships #Innovation #ECSU #NCInnovation

David Wyrick, Ph.D., Meagan Coneybeer, and Kym Verhovshek had an inspiring visit to the College of Engineering & Technology at Western Carolina University, meeting with Randy Collins and leaders from the College of Engineering to discuss the exciting growth happening across campus. We also visited an NCInnovation-funded project led by Drs. Brian Byrd and Scott Huffman focused on La Crosse encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus that poses a serious public-health threat in Western North Carolina. Their work uses vibrational signal analysis to identify mosquito species and infection risk faster and more accurately. It is a great example of applied research making real-world impact! NCI met with several other faculty researchers whose innovative projects show strong potential for future NCInnovation support. We are so proud to partner with universities like WCU that are turning ideas into outcomes for North Carolina. #Innovation #ResearchCommercialization #HigherEd #WesternNC #Engineering #PublicHealth

Innovation and collaboration were on full display at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s 2025 Niner Research Reception! Our own Mary Lou Bourne attended the annual celebration honoring faculty, staff, and students whose research is shaping North Carolina’s future. This year’s event marked another record for the university, with projects spanning advanced materials, clean energy, artificial intelligence, public health, and creative arts. UNC Charlotte is demonstrating how public support in research drives real-world impact. For NCI, events like these are a clear example of why our work matters: research needs resources and partnerships to move from the lab to local communities.

As NCInnovation’s Western Regional Innovation Network Senior Director, Meagan Coneybeer brings a scientist’s precision and a teacher’s heart to her work. From studying invasive plant reproduction to helping small farmers turn ideas into viable businesses, her path has always centered on connecting people, land, and opportunity. That connection runs deep. “We grew what we ate, made our own cheeses, canned produce — and found value in what we created together,” she says. “That link between tradition and innovation still drives everything I do.” Read Meagan’s full story and see how she’s helping western North Carolina become a national model for sustainable innovation: https://lnkd.in/emM8wURi #StaffSpotlight #NCInnovation #AgTech #InnovationEcosystem #WesternNC #Leadership #WomenInSTEM #EconomicDevelopment

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The Fayetteville-Cumberland Drone Challenge brought together student engineers, military operators, and tech innovators from across the United States for two days of competition and collaboration. Unlike traditional drone races, this challenge tested how teams could think under pressure — simulating real-world missions. An unforgettable display of teamwork and innovation that showcased exactly what happens when academia, defense, and industry work together. Read the full story to see how partnerships like this are helping move ideas forward: https://lnkd.in/edpRE3jb Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation America Makes Derrick Welch

This week, NCInnovation’s Meagan Coneybeer joined workforce and economic development leaders from across the state at the NCWorks Partnership Conference in Greensboro — presenting “Building Partnerships to Strengthen Economic and Workforce Development.” The session explored how universities, employers, and local communities can collaborate to strengthen regional economies and prepare North Carolina’s workforce for the jobs of the future. From aligning innovation with employer needs to scaling local impact, Meagan highlighted the power of cross-sector partnerships to move ideas — and people — forward. Thank you to NCWorks and the North Carolina Department of Commerce for hosting such an inspiring event focused on collaboration, innovation, and shared progress across our state. #NCWorks #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #NorthCarolina #NCInnovation