How NCInnovation is Helping App State Researchers Bring Rootsii to Market

By Michelle Fiscus, Senior VP & Chief Communications Officer

At Appalachian State University, Dr. Brett Taubman and Daniel Parker aren't just developing Rootsii—the world's first sweetpotato milk. They're building the next generation of North Carolina's innovation workforce.

Students are involved throughout the commercialization process, gaining real-world experience in research, product development, and entrepreneurship while helping transform surplus North Carolina sweetpotatoes into a product that's already generating widespread interest.

This is workforce development in action: preparing students for careers by giving them the opportunity to help bring university research to market.

Watch the video above to learn how NCInnovation is helping Appalachian State researchers create new opportunities for students, strengthen North Carolina agriculture, and turn promising discoveries into products with real economic impact.