Starting a company out of a dorm room may seem a little outdated these days, but what about starting one in an entire residence hall? For students at NC State University, this could be a reality.

On September 2, the Entrepreneurship Initiative will host the grand opening of Innovation Hall, a new residence hall, which is part of Wolf Ridge on Centennial Campus. It is the new home of the EI offices, the Andy and Jane Albright Entrepreneurs Living and Learning Village and my personal favorite workspace, the EI Garage.

The vision for Innovation Hall is to be the headquarters for student entrepreneurship on NC State’s campus, says Megan Greer, EI’s director of communications and outreach.

At NC State, anyone can be an entrepreneur, and the Entrepreneurship Initiative welcomes all students regardless of major. However, the campus is not small. I once was an emerging entrepreneur coming out of the English Department on Main Campus. If I needed to talk to a business student, I had to walk to the opposite side of campus. And the day I needed someone who knew about textile engineering? That called for Centennial Campus. NC State has a vision to be a leading institution in entrepreneurship and innovation. Innovation Hall, which is accurately named, is an example of how the university is executing that vision and promoting collaboration and unity among entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.

Not only do students have the benefit of living accommodations, but the EI Garage offers a 24/7 workspace for NC State entrepreneurs. It includes amenities such as a laser cutter, 3D printers, Smart Boards, a conference room, and various work spaces. Innovation Hall allowed the Garage to double in size from its previous location, a small suite located in Research Building IV.

The full report can be read online at ExitEvent.

(C) ExitEvent