What does it really feel like to work with NCInnovation (NCI) as a Faculty Innovator, Project Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Student, and Office of Commercialization? This session brings forward diverse perspectives across both pre- and post-award stage research projects at UNC, highlighting how NCI’s wrap-around support—Hubs, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Pipeline programs, and capacity-building resources—helps researchers develop their ideas, strengthen proposals, and advance technologies toward real-world impact.
Through first-hand experience, the panelists will share what faculty need from their university partners to be fully supported, and how strong collaboration with OSP and research administration can remove friction points. The session will also emphasize the value of engaging with NCI’s regional team and participating in post-award cohort programs, demonstrating how these relationships accelerate progress and expand opportunities for innovators across North Carolina.
This is an in-person event.
Meet the panel

MODERATOR
Louis Judge
Senior Regional Innovation Network Director
NCInnovation

Srihari Chari
Research Project Manager
Global Women’s Health

Ronit Freeman
Associate Professor
Applied Physical Sciences

Jason Franz
Professor
Biomedical Engineering

Brianna Vickerman
Assistant Professor
Eshelman Innovation

Juliana Blum
Principal
Oak Park Bio
