The innovations and technologies that come from faculty and researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill (UNC) have a profound impact on the local economy, generating $18.4B in revenue and creating more than 11K jobs in 2023 alone. But how do these UNC startups move from an initial idea to a successful business?
KickStart Venture Services (KickStart), founded in 2008 in Innovate Carolina’s Office of Technology Commercialization at UNC, supports research-based startup creation and growth by providing education, early-stage funding, and on-campus accelerator space. The department also connects founders to key service providers, management and investors in the local innovation ecosystem. These resources and community connections play a pivotal role in the success of UNC startups.
During our interview with Mireya Mckee, Director of KickStart, she discussed the resources available to UNC faculty and researchers, including Triangle Venture Day, jointly organized by Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University and the NC Biotechnology Center. Lisa Lee, CEO of Accunovo Biotechnologies and LED Radiofluidics Corporation, also shared her experience working with KickStart and the support that the Innovate Carolina network provides her businesses.
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