NC IDEA Foundation is pleased to launch a new partnership with NCInnovation focused on accelerating commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s universities. Under the partnership, NC IDEA will implement an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) network and deliver educational programming in support of NCInnovation’s four regional innovation networks.
Now Hiring: Regional EIR Independent Contractors
EIR Network
NC IDEA will recruit and manage four Regional EIRs cultivating project opportunities and building a pipeline of innovation across the NCInnovation regional hubs. Regional EIRs will cover activities including sourcing projects, coaching faculty on their applications, fostering connections with industry, and facilitating training programs. Learn more about the part-time independent contractor role, share with your networks, and apply online here.
Additionally, NC IDEA will support a network of Project EIRs, recruited on a project-by-project basis to work directly with NCInnovation’s grant-funded project teams. The EIR network will expand over time based upon each region’s activity. In addition to NC IDEA’s network support, EIRs will work closely with NCInnovation Regional Innovation Network Directors to coordinate project activities and cultivate private-sector partnerships.
NCInnovation operates four regional innovation networks anchored by hub universities.
Entrepreneurial Programming
NC IDEA will coordinate a network of training providers to facilitate the entrepreneurial programming component of the partnership. In cooperation with NCInnovation’s Regional Innovation Network Directors, the programming content will form two distinct tracks:
1. “Pipeline Workshops” track offered to all interested participants designed to build a more entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem on partner campuses. This includes past and potential NCInnovation grant applicants, along with other support partners and stakeholders.
2. “Grantee Cohort” track for NCInnovation grant recipients working closely with EIRs and the NCInnovation team. Modeled after the programming NC IDEA provides to its MICRO grant recipients, the Customer Discovery Intensive training program will help project teams develop an understanding for how their technology will achieve commercial viability.
We formed this partnership because we believe NC IDEA’s network in North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem combined with NCInnovation’s pipeline of commercialized innovation opportunities will yield great outcomes for our state. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to keeping you updated on this important work.
Now Hiring: Regional EIR Independent Contractors
