Our Model

REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORKS

NCInnovation (NCI) coordinates four regional innovation networks covering the East, West, Piedmont, and Charlotte areas to connect our public research universities, industry partners, and business leaders and drive more effective regional and statewide commercialization strategies.

Each regional innovation network includes the public research universities within that region and is anchored by “hub” institutions. As part of NCI’s support for the four regional innovation networks and each hub institution, NCI positions seven Regional Innovation Network Directors across the state to lead regional operations.

East

Hub Universities: East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, and UNC Wilmington

Regional Universities: Elizabeth City State University and UNC Pembroke

West

Hub Universities: Appalachian State University (Hickory Campus) and Western Carolina University

Regional University: UNC Asheville

Piedmont

Hub University: North Carolina A&T State University

Regional Universities: North Carolina Central University, UNC Greensboro, and Winston-Salem State University

Triangle R1

Regional Universities: North Carolina State University and UNC Chapel Hill

Triangle R1 includes Orange County and Wake County.

Charlotte

Hub University: UNC Charlotte

Click here to view our program contacts by region