Orange and Chatham counties – and the corridor that connect them – are emerging epicenters of innovation and entrepreneurship. These communities are launching new innovation hubs with programs and services managed by Innovate Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill’s department for innovation and entrepreneurship. In downtown Chapel Hill, the University, Town of Chapel Hill and a variety of local partners are collaborating to create an innovation district – anchored by a full-scale innovation hub space – that sits at the intersection of campus and community. This is where promising startups, larger innovation-oriented companies and non-profits will collaborate with one another, grow business ideas, and converge with faculty researchers, students, alumni and community leaders around new market opportunities. In Chatham County, a new innovation hub and co-working space called 79° West will become an entrepreneurial hotspot within the MOSAIC mixed-use community of Chatham Park. Local entrepreneurs, new ventures, small businesses, researchers and students will gather here to find flexible workspaces, build their ventures and turn business plans into impact.  

If you’d like to learn more and begin to participate in these innovation districts and hubs, please complete the form below. We’d love to learn about your interest and connect with you about potential opportunities to get involved.