NC Commerce: Science, Technology & Innovation

The mission of the North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation is to improve the economic well‐being and quality of life of all North Carolinians through advancing science, technology, and innovation.

To achieve this mission, the Office develops and administers policies and programs that accelerate both the development of next-generation technology companies and the adoption of technology across existing industry.

As staff to the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, and working with organizations across the state, it identifies and communicates emerging opportunities in science and technology and prepares and publishes analyses outlining the competitive position of North Carolina’s businesses and research institutions in these areas.

The NC Office of Science, Technology & Innovation conducts tactical progams (in the form of grants), strategic programs, and policy research to advance economic growth in the state. For the most recent assessment of North Carolina's innovation assets, activities & trends, see the Tracking Innovation report and press release).

Grant Programs

The North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation offers the following grant programs to help fund innovative science and technology companies in the state:

One North Carolina Small Business Program - The SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program provides funding to help NC businesses apply for federal Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program awards matching funds to NC businesses who have received a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR award. The SBIR and STTR programs help small businesses develop and commercialize innovative new technologies.

See the February 2, 2021 press release regarding the awardees under the FY 2021 program solicitation: 29 Small Technology Companies Win Innovation Grants.

See highlights of how six Program grantees are combating COVID-19.

Research & Reports

The Office of Science, Technology & Innovation produces research and reports that focus on both innovation and strategy, and is responsible for producting the state's primary innovation barometer, Tracking Innovation. Recent reports from the Office include:

Innovation

See press release

See more innovation reports.

Strategy

See press release

See more strategy reports.

Click here for a comprehensive list of the Office's policy research reports and files.

Innovation Hubs

Innovation Hubs are dedicated spaces that bring together researchers, innovators, businesses, and entrepreneurs to fuel the advancement of science and technology. These Hubs serve as epicenters of innovation, research, and product commercialization. They also serve as anchors supporting the growth of local and regional innovation economies, providing high-wage careers as well as supplying our country and the world with novel solutions to our greatest threats.

Areas of focus and expertise include, among others:

Advanced Agriculture & Nutrition	Alternative & Renewable Energy
Advanced Manufacturing & Precision Metrology	Biomedical & Health Sciences
Computer Science, Information Technology & Data Analytics	Environmental Sciences
Marine Biotechnology	Motorsports & Automotive Engeineering
Nanoscience & Nanoengineering	Pharmaceutical Research & Development

North Carolina Innovation Hubs are spread across the state and range from traditional Science Parks to urban Innovation Districts with immersive mixed-use business, commercial, and residential development.

Interactive Map

The map below provides links to the most prominent science-based innovation hubs in North Carolina.
For best viewing, open the map in full screen.

Strategic Programs

The North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation conducts strategic programs on specific, targeted programmatic activities to advance innovation:

InnovateNC is a private-public partnership between Forward Cities, a national learning collaborative of communities committed to inclusive innovation, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Office of Science, Technology & Innovation, that helps communities and regions in North Carolina expand their innovation economy and foster greater economic inclusion.

The Southeast Energy Innovation Collaborative is a partnership with the NC Office of Science, Technology & Innovation, E4 Carolinas and other energy organizations to advance innovation within the energy industry. Click here to see the initial report from the Collaborative.

The North Carolina Opportunities in the Data Economy (NCODE) is joint project between the NC Office of Science, Technology & Innovation and the National Consortium for Data Science to explore opportunties to advance innovation within the data science industry. Click here to see the report from this effort.

Contacts