City of Raleigh leaders and N.C. State are teaming up to create a “unified vision” for developing the capital as an “Innovation Center.”

With Durham having firmly established itself as the Triangle’s hub for new and emerging companies through a variety of efforts focused on entrepreneurs, Raleigh is attempting to get in on the development game.

A first step is an “Innovation Summit,” which is set for the Raleigh Convention Center on Jan. 18. The one-day program is being put on by the city, NCSU, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Raleigh Economic Development and Wake County Economic Development. Private sector partners are also being pursued.

Durham already offerins such programs as the “Startup Stampede,” Bull City Forward and The American Underground at the American Tobacco Historic District. The Underground hosts a variety of startup firms. A new tech accelerator will open next spring called Groundwork Labs.

In Raleigh, NCSU is helping take the lead to pursue possible initiatives targeting entrepreneurs and new ventures.

“Numerous groups are interested in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, but we recognized that someone needed to focus on a plan of action,” said Dr. Terri L. Lomax, Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Economic Development at NCSU in announcing the summit. “The University and its partners are committed to building a City of Innovation that will help define Raleigh’s economic future. This is the first step.”

Four key points to be addressed at the summit are:

• Creating an Innovation Center in Raleigh: what programs and services should be offered to meet the needs of area entrepreneurs?
• Branding Raleigh as a City of Innovation: how do we create a consistent message, deliver the message and support a signature event that builds the brand?
• Creating partnerships between NC State University and Raleigh: how do we create physical connections and public-private-university partnerships to achieve common goals?
• Attracting more money to the region: how do we get more angel investors, venture capitalists and funding for local entrepreneurs?

Raleigh’s Director of Planning and Economic Development, Mitchell Silver, is the keynote speaker.

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