Letter from the President

NC IDEA exists to help companies commercialize innovative technologies that will lead to further job creation in North Carolina.  The grant program is a catalyst for technological breakthroughs developed in North Carolina that have a significant potential to successfully transition into commercially viable high-growth enterprises. NC IDEA bridges the funding gap between government and private equity support.

Founded in 2005, we provide grant money to high-tech start-up companies. We are committed to supporting business innovation and economic advancement in North Carolina.  

Since the inception of the program we have granted more than $1.3 million dollars to thirty-seven companies.  Our organization has helped grant winners through: 

  • Funding - grants up to $50,000 to support business activities to help advance the company
  • Knowledge - the NC IDEA management team imparts valuable advice to the company 
  • Network - the partnerships and contacts available to grant winners, these alliances allow us to further our mission by providing our grant winning companies with an expansive resource network. 

The Management team and Board of Directors believe that by providing grant funding, business knowledge and access to extensive networks new technologies can be successfully commercialized.  

We look forward to learning about the grant applicant companies, identifying grant finalists and working with the next cycle of NC IDEA grant winners.

David Rizzo
President & CEO, NC IDEA

Learn about the NC IDEA Team

© 2009 NC I.D.E.A.