Fayetteville State University has been named the newest regional hub for NCInnovation, an initiative promoting applied research across North Carolina’s public universities. This new designation is expected to foster the development of high-growth businesses and create new jobs throughout the Sandhills region.
In a statement celebrating this achievement, FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison expressed gratitude to the North Carolina legislature for their foresight in allocating a $500 million budget for NCI’s operations. “Fayetteville State University is thrilled to become one of the seven university headquarter locations for NCInnovation’s applied research support for the state in the Sandhills region,” said Chancellor Allison. He emphasized the potential impact of this initiative on research endeavors, particularly those connected to defense and security innovations, thanks to its strategic relationship with Fort Liberty, the largest military installation in the nation.
The Innovation Hub at FSU will catalyze collaboration among local and regional researchers, facilitating access to funding and resources needed to transition innovative projects from concept to commercialization. NCI aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, connecting grant recipients with business services that can help propel their discoveries into the marketplace.
“The university-to-industry pipeline is central to innovation here in North Carolina and the United States,” stated Michelle Bolas, NCI’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer. “We want faculty to build something amazing and enduring that grows in the private sector. Fayetteville State University has brilliant researchers working on groundbreaking discoveries, and we’re thrilled to be deepening our partnership with the university.”
FSU’s inclusion as a new hub is part of NCI’s broader expansion, which now encompasses seven university locations across the state. This comprehensive network aims to enhance North Carolina’s reputation as a applied research and innovation leader.
