Semi-Finalists Seeking $50,000 Each in NC IDEA’s 41st SEED Grant Cycle
DURHAM, NC – March 23, 2026 – NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced today that the organization has selected 21 semi-finalists from across the state in its 41st SEED grant cycle.
“This cycle brought one of our larger applicant pools, reflecting the strength and breadth of North Carolina’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Amy Bastian, Vice President of Grants & Programs at NC IDEA. “We are excited that eight of our previous MICRO grant recipients are represented, and look forward to learning more about the full group in this next phase of the grant cycle,” Bastian added.
Selected from a competitive pool of 184 applicants, the 21 Spring 2026 NC IDEA SEED Semi-Finalists include:
- AKALAKA – Durham, NC
- Auditrol – Charlotte, NC
- Beiing Human – Asheville, NC
- BeneDoc – Asheville, NC
- Innatrix – Durham, NC
- Joyntly – Charlotte, NC
- League Linq – Asheville, NC
- Nuream – Wilmington, NC
- On Holiday – Winston-Salem, NC
- OTTER Reading – Concord, NC
- Phaseshift – Wake Forest, NC
- Play Action AI – Charlotte, NC
- Rooted-in-tech – Apex, NC
- Shuttlebee Dispatch Solutions – Asheville, NC
- SonoVoice – Raleigh, NC
- STEM PLUG – Chapel Hill, NC
- Tada AI – Charlotte, NC
- Utilyst – Raleigh, NC
- Ver Coaching – Durham, NC
- Vet Sleeve – Wilmington, NC
- VibraPower – Raleigh, NC
NC IDEA has invited the semi-finalists to submit a full proposal with greater details by early April. Finalists will then be selected to present before a review panel of ecosystem partners, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and experienced investors. Grant recipients will be announced in mid-May. The $50,000 grants are intended to support business activities that validate target markets, reduce the risk associated with early stage companies, and help companies reach the point of suitability for growth through investment or revenue.
About NC IDEA Foundation
NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through our powerful combination of competitive grants and programs, and a network of strategic partners, we help entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs transform communities and view our work as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at www.ncidea.org.