Ecosystem Partners

Eshelman Innovation

Chapel Hill·Venture Studio

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy's healthcare innovation arm. Operates a Therapeutics Accelerator (oncology, neuroscience, infectious diseases) and a Venture Studio that incubates digital-health startups around opioid-use disorder, food insecurity, and clinical decision-making.

Launch Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill·Accelerator

Downtown Chapel Hill accelerator and coworking space, run as a partnership with UNC, the Town of Chapel Hill, and Orange County. Cohort-based accelerator program runs alongside member coworking.

NC IDEA

Durham·Grants & Foundation

Independent private foundation supporting North Carolina entrepreneurs through non-dilutive grants and programming. Three active grant tiers form a ladder by check size and program intensity: MICRO for early validation, SEED for growth-stage scaling, Bold Path for under-resourced founders pursuing entrepreneurship full-time. SOAR serves additional founder cohorts.

Knox Street Studios

Durham·Accelerator

Durham community-builder at 1307 W Knox St, operated by AB Community (501(c)(3)). Programs span three pillars: entrepreneurship (Startup Weekend Durham, Launch Lab early-stage accelerator), STEM education, and community events. Strong support for diverse and underrepresented founders. Backed by Google, the City and County of Durham, NC IDEA, and others.

American Underground

Durham·Coworking

Downtown Durham coworking and startup community at 324 Blackwell St (the ATC building). Long-running Triangle startup hub; hosts member companies, partner events, and community gatherings, including Startup Weekend Durham VII (May 2026).

Raleigh Founded

Raleigh·Coworking

Coworking community with multiple downtown Raleigh locations. Hosts member companies, peer programs, and ecosystem events. Formerly HQ Raleigh.

Industrious

Raleigh·Coworking

National coworking operator with Triangle locations across Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. Acquired by CBRE in 2024. Listed for the local footprint, not the national parent.