Innovate Carolina, UNC Chapel Hill’s entrepreneurial support hub, is hosting its tenth annual showcase of ventures and research projects founded and run by the university’s students, faculty and staff. The program also includes several startups from the surrounding Chapel Hill community.

The event takes place this Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Friday Center on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus.

A total of 50 presenters will showcase their products and services—spanning everything from data visualization to news media, gene therapy to DNA sequencing, affordable healthcare to coding education, athletic wear to non-toxic jewelry, a dorm-rating platform and even a student-run escape room. (The full list of presenters is here.)

The presentations will be held in four different rooms at the Friday Center, separated by categories: Life sciences, human health, consumer tech, and education, environment and social.

UNC Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Judith Cone said that the program is reflective of the university’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the Triangle’s workforce and economic growth.

As of January, over 8,800 North Carolinians have found work with startups affiliated with UNC Chapel Hill, according to Cone.

“When our faculty, students and alumni turn their ideas into tangible innovations, they strengthen our economy, make a social impact and help us live healthier lives,” Cone adds. “The Innovation Showcase continues to bring investors and entrepreneurs together because forging the right relationships can catapult a great idea into a product, venture or therapy that can completely transform someone’s life for the better.”

Several startups in the 2019 Innovation Showcase are affiliated with Launch Chapel Hill. The 22-week accelerator program has served over 70 startups since its start in 2013. Its downtown Chapel Hill facility also serves as a coworking space for startups in the community surrounding UNC’s campus.

The showcase includes presentations from Launch Chapel Hill’s current cohort of startups, which kicked off the program in February. Several graduates of the program will also be presenting.

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Some of the presenters are also affiliated with programs in UNC’s support network such as social startup incubator CUBE, coworking and launch space 1789 Venture Lab, coaching and mentorship program KickStart Venture Services, as well as UNC and NC State’s Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Brock Pierce, Innovate Carolina’s marketing communications manager, says organizers are anticipating that this year’s Innovation Showcase will be the largest in the event’s history.

“We have an increased number of pitches and exhibitors and more registrants,” Pierce said. “Last year, the event attracted 150 investors, and we anticipate an even greater turnout from the investor community this year.”

More than 600 people are registered to attend so far. Tickets are free, available on Eventbrite.

Attendees can follow along on social with the hashtag #uncshowcase19 or #uncinnovationshowcase.

https://wraltechwire.com/event/uncs-2019-innovation-showcase/