What makes 1789 ‘idea central’ for students?

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August 17, 2018
By Shellie

With all the great innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) programs on campus at Carolina, how do you know which ones are the right fit for you? What resources do each program provide? And how can they help you make your ideas work?

Each week, we will highlight one of the Innovate Carolina Network programs. We recently visited 1789 to get the latest on how students can benefit from this conveniently located co-working space.

What is 1789, who does it serve and how can people get involved? 1789 is the University’s central entrepreneurship hub for all UNC students and grads with an idea for a for-profit, non-profit or social venture. 1789 is a co-working space located on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill. It’s designed to help students explore innovation and entrepreneurship, meet other student entrepreneurs and start to grow their ventures. In many ways, it’s become “idea central” for students.

What are the biggest benefits that people at UNC get by participating in 1789? 1789 gives all students an opportunity to be part of an innovation and entrepreneurial community.  Co-working at 1789 puts students near other students who might have vastly different skillsets or solutions to problems that can help them.  Students can also take advantage of office hours by mentors and industry experts. Innovate Carolina is working with the program to launch a new software platform that will allow students to collaborate with one another and other experts outside the physical space.

How does 1789 make a positive human, economic or social impact in the world – whether at UNC or beyond? 1789 is the starting point for students to start digging in to their ideas, meet other people and learn about I&E.  The programming at 1789 aims to inspire and educate students.  Whether it’s preparing them for the workforce through an innovation internship, giving them an opportunity to network with peers and alumni, or sitting down with a marketing expert, 1789 works to meet a variety of student needs.

What’s something new about 1789, and what should people expect to see from it in the future? Innovate Carolina is developing a new software platform to allow students to collaborate online and plans to launch it in the near future.

What’s the most surprising thing people should know about 1789? It’s a free resource available to any student (undergrad or grad).

Can you share a success story of a UNC student or faculty member who participated in 1789? UConnection is a great example. As UNC undergrads, Taylor Meyerand Zach Hunter started uConnection, which makes food and drinks more affordable for millions of students nationwide.Working nights at 1789 to build – and ultimately sell – the company, these alumni have gone on to build another successful startup. Come hear their story Wednesday, Sept. 19 as they share the ins and outs of thestudent startup journey. 

Learn more about 1789.