Overview
NC IDEA has partnered with NCInnovation to implement an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) network and educational program to support NCInnovation’s overall mission to accelerate commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s universities. In the first year, an EIR will be hosted within each of the four NCInnovation regions, and the EIR network will expand over time based upon each region’s activity. In addition to being part of an EIR cohort, EIRs will work closely with NCInnovation Regional Innovation Network Directors in each hub region. Regional EIRs will also work closely with a network of Project EIRs, recruited on a project-by-project basis to work directly with NCInnovation’s grant-funded project teams.
Regional EIRs will cover activities including sourcing projects, supporting pipeline development, coaching faculty on their applications, building connections and networks with industry and facilitating training programs. Regional EIRs will be recruited to cover each of the four NCInnovation regions: Eastern region with hub at East Carolina University (ECU), Charlotte region with hub at UNC Charlotte, Western region with hub at Western Carolina University (WCU), and Piedmont region with hub at North Carolina A&T University. Contract candidates should be located in and/or demonstrate strong professional networks, understanding, and affinity with their selected region.
Role & Responsibilities
- Source: Help identify project opportunities and cultivate commercialization opportunities ready for collaboration within the regional innovation network.
- Support: Work with NCInnovation's Regional Innovation Network Directors to support initiatives that strengthen and grow the applied research pipeline. For example, the Regional EIR will organize, host and support workshops/webinars for faculty around technology commercialization.
- Coach: Serve as a resource for grant application coaching through training courses, as indicated by the Regional Director, that will be required for certain applicants to reapply for grant funding.
- Facilitate: Serve as lead facilitator, supporting contract trainers and content providers, for training programs offered to regional prospective teams and interested faculty.
- Coordinate: Assisting in the development and management of relationships with NCInnovation, NC IDEA and Project EIRs.
Desired Qualifications:
- Proven track record bringing technologies from lab to market, entrepreneurial company formation, and/or advancing innovative concepts from zero to one.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to building regional, university-led innovation ecosystem networks.
- Experience mentoring, coaching or consulting with early-stage startups or nascent technology development teams.
- Strong understanding of the technology commercialization process, including intellectual property, regulatory requirements, and market entry strategies.
- Experience with or knowledge of relevant funding options, including but not limited to non-dilutive (SBIR/STTR) or equity (Angel / Venture Capital) funding.
- Preference given to contract candidates with experience and relationships in one of the following six technology focus areas, or a related field:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- AgTech
- Biohealth
- Computing & Informatics
- Defense Innovation
- Energy Transition & Electrification.
- Contract candidates should be located in and/or demonstrate strong professional networks, understanding, and affinity with their selected region:
- Eastern region with a hub at East Carolina University (ECU)
- Charlotte region with hub at UNC Charlotte
- Western region with hub at Western Carolina University (WCU)
- Piedmont region with hub at North Carolina A&T University.
- Existing networks and in-region relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, investors, and industry partners. Knowledge of the local and regional startup ecosystem and experience working with universities is a plus.
Reporting
NCInnovation’s EIR and Educational program will be spearheaded and managed by NC IDEA in partnership with NCInnovation. As such, Regional EIRs will be part of a cohort that works directly with and reports to NC IDEA. To ensure strong working relationships within each of NCInnovation’s four regions, Regional EIRs will work closely with NCInnovation’s Regional Network Directors and have a dotted line reporting with regular updates and communication to ensure alignment on priorities and operations. NCInnovation’s Regional Directors will have the opportunity to meet candidates as part of the interview process to ensure a strong fit between teams.
Compensation
NCIDEA seeks to engage 4 Regional EIRs as part-time Independent Contractors under a one-year contract agreement (with the ability to extend the contract beyond one year). Each Independent Contractor will be compensated at an annualized rate of $50,000.00 (with payments made on a monthly basis) for the scope of activities outlined in the agreement and managed by NC IDEA; the outlined activities are anticipated to require approximately 10-15 hours of work per week, and weekly levels of effort may vary based on activity. Regional EIRs will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and will not be allowed to receive equity ownership or other incentive pay from project teams during their tenure in this program.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by September 16th, 2024, to receive full consideration.
NC IDEA FOUNDATION does not discriminate against any contractor, employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), or any other characteristics protected by federal law or local ordinance.
Background
NC IDEA is an independent private (nonprofit) foundation that offers grants and programs to serve primarily two groups: individuals (founders) attempting to start and scale companies of high economic potential (defined by job creation and tax revenues,) and organizations that help individuals start and scale companies of high economic potential. Our team is collaborative, open and driven to serve the North Carolina entrepreneurial community. Detailed information about our activities can be found at www.ncidea.org.
NCInnovation, Inc. (NCI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation focused intensely on accelerating commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s universities. NCInnovation deploys funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept turn into companies and create jobs that remain in North Carolina. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.