Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of reports profiling startup hubs across the Triangle region and become part of WRAL TechWire’s exclusive Triangle Startup Guide.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK –  In this exclusive feature from WRAL Techwire, learn more about Frontier RTP, a free coworking option located in RTP

“Frontier RTP is the only free coworking space in the Triangle, centrally located within all three major cities, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill,” said Jan Mactal, Director of Marketing & Communications, Research Triangle Foundation. “Over 150 businesses, a third of RTP companies, have chosen to do their best work in this fully amenitized, indoor-outdoor, dog-friendly campus.” 

Mactal also said that Frontier RTP is part of Hub RTP, what she called “Research Triangle Park’s future downtown.”

A lightly edited transcript of the interview with Mactal appears below.

  • WRAL TechWire (TW): What makes Frontier RTP unique?

Jan Mactal (Mactal): What really sets Frontier RTP apart from all the startup incubators is accessibility, which really drives the community. By lowering the barrier to entry through affordable flex space and free community programming, multi-gen entrepreneurs of any stage in any industry can thrive, connect, and grow here. 

The walkable distance to Boxyard RTP, our hyper-local cargotecture space, has also brought a unique sense of place to the campus. 

  • TW: What are you seeing in terms of demand?

Mactal: Biotech, pharma, and agtech continue to fuel the job market and rank high nationally. With access to talent by Triangle-based universities and upskill-focused community colleges, the region has a unique opportunity for incredible growth by emerging companies in tech-adjacent industries such as gaming, AI, and machine learning. 

  • TW: Where is demand strongest—office space? coworking? drop-ins?  

Mactal: Lab space and flex office space under 5,000 square feet.

  • TW: How much space does your facility have?

Mactal: Frontier RTP is about 400,000 square feet of office and 40,000 square feet of lab space. Although the campus is fully occupied, we have a 75,000 square-foot office building nearby with  45,000 square feet of small office space available. 

Inside a Frontier RTP classroom. (Frontier RTP photo)

  • TW: Are there plans for expansion?

Mactal: Expansion plans? Absolutely. Frontier RTP is located inside Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park’s future town center. At Hub, we are building at least 1 million square feet of office, some viewable from I-40, and at least 200,000 square feet of laboratory. 

  • TW: What services do you offer at Frontier RTP?

Mactal: Free professional development programming, free meeting room spaces, rental spaces, and the opportunity to be part of Research Triangle Park. Entrepreneurs who choose Frontier RTP have access to our innovation community and visibility to the Park’s future – walkable to Boxyard RTP and Hub RTP along with record-breaking investments in the Park, the energy of growth is undeniable. RTP is it. You want to be here. 

  • TW: Do you have any programs that focus on women entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, or veteran-owned businesses?

Mactal: Research Triangle Foundation is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through strategic partnerships, programs, and grantmaking. Some of which include PopBox, a partnership with NC IDEA which provides a rotating residency and micro-grant supporting BIPOC-owned small businesses at Boxyard RTP; STEM RTP, a grantmaking STEM program totaling $150,000 towards local organizations; the RTP DEI Collective, a network of professionals and companies in the Park working to create a more diverse and equitable RTP; and future programs led by our Strategic Engagement team such as the ERG Collective and HBCU Consortium. 

  • TW: How have you received support? From local, state, and/or federal government? From corporations? From grant programs? 

Mactal: Our strong public, private, and academic partnerships allow us to do the work that we do. We strive for a more regional mindset, leaning on and listening to the work of our economic development partners (ie: Durham Chamber, Raleigh Chamber, NC Chamber, Regional Transportation Alliance). Most notably, NCCU, NC State, Duke, and UNC-Chapel Hill have representation on our Board. It would be remiss not to mention Durham County, a tremendous partner for Hub RTP, our future downtown. Fun fact: More than 70% of RTP is in Durham County. 

  • TW: Who owns your hub and what is their philosophy about helping startups and small/emerging companies to grow? 

Mactal: Research Triangle Foundation. What you see on our campus could only be done by a non-profit. From free coworking and professional development events to highly competitive office and lab rates, Frontier RTP is accessible because our strategy is rooted in a six-decade young mission: to create economic impact for all North Carolinians. 

FACT BOX – Frontier RTP

 Address: 800 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Contact information: 

  • Twitter: @FrontierRTP
  • Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/o/research-triangle-park-3331313092
  • Email: mactal@rtp.org 
  • Website:​​ https://frontier.rtp.org 
  • Owner(s): Research Triangle Foundation of NC  
  • Mission statement: Since 1959, RTF exists to facilitate collaboration between the Triangle universities; promote cooperation between universities and industry; create economic impact for residents of North Carolina.
  • Availability: Currently 97% leased on the main Frontier RTP campus; there are 45,000 square feet of available small office spaces at a nearby 75,000 square-foot office building also owned by RTF. 
  • Best way to learn more: Visit (open M-F at 800 Park Offices Drive, RTP, NC 27709) or visit frontier.rtp.org.