Partners & Activities
We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders, local entrepreneurs, and corporate partners to provide mentorship, access to capital, and real-world business insights. Our partners include:
R.E.A.L Entrepreneurship @ N.C. A&T: Build Your Business Plan
The R.E.A.L Entrepreneurship program is a dynamic, 10-week intensive course designed to help aspiring and current entrepreneurs build a robust business plan. Tailored to enhance your chances of starting and operating a successful small business, this program offers a step-by-step guide to developing strategic plans that will propel your venture forward. Through hands-on training, expert guidance, and real-world applications, participants will gain the tools needed to transform ideas into thriving businesses.
Our program offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to empower entrepreneurs, including:
- Workshops: In-depth sessions every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, covering essential business development topics.
- Mentoring: Access to experienced business mentors who will guide you through every step of your business planning process.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and business experts to expand your network and gain valuable insights.
- Final Presentation: The program culminates with participants presenting their business plans, providing valuable feedback and exposure.
If you’re ready to take your business idea to the next level, we encourage you to apply! The program is open to individuals looking to develop a strong business plan. Only 20 applicants will be selected to participate in this exclusive cohort.
- Application Opens: Monday, September 16, 2024
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 1, at 11:59 PM EST
- Notification of Acceptance (By Email): Wednesday, October 2, 2024
- Sessions Begin: Tuesday, October 8, 2024, running consecutive for 10 weeks
Equipping HBCU Founders to Launch and Grow Startups
- Hands-on guidance from industry leaders
- Personalized curriculum and virtual sessions
- Opportunities for funding and investor pitching
Empowering Student Entrepreneurs
Click here to learn more to turn your vision into a reality!
Unlock Career Opportunities with Micro-Internships
At North Carolina A&T State University, we are excited to partner with Parker Dewey to offer micro-internships for our undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni. These short-term, professional assignments provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, build your resume, and connect with top employers—all while fitting into your schedule.
What are Micro-Internships?
Micro-internships are flexible, project-based opportunities that typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work. Unlike traditional internships, micro-internships are completed remotely and can be finished within a few days to a few weeks. They offer real-world experience across various industries and roles, from marketing and sales to data analysis and graphic design.
Advantages for Undergraduate Students
- Gain Real-World Experience: Micro-internships provide hands-on experience that allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges.
- Explore Different Careers: These short-term projects allow you to explore different fields and industries without committing to a full internship or job, helping you make informed career choices.
- Build Your Resume: By completing multiple micro-internships, you can showcase a range of skills and experiences, making your resume stand out to future employers.
- Flexible Schedule: Micro-internships are designed to fit into your busy academic schedule, allowing you to gain experience without sacrificing your studies.
Advantages for Graduate Students
- Enhance Professional Skills: Gain experience in your field of study and develop specialized skills that can enhance your career prospects.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Micro-internships provide opportunities to connect with professionals and build a network that could lead to future job opportunities.
- Transition into New Careers: For those looking to pivot to a new field or industry, micro-internships offer a low-risk way to gain experience and explore different career paths.
- Remote Work Experience: As remote work becomes more common, micro-internships offer valuable experience in managing and excelling in a virtual work environment.
Advantages for Alumni
- Re-Enter the Workforce: If you are looking to return to the workforce after a break, micro-internships provide a way to refresh your skills and gain current experience.
- Explore New Industries: Alumni looking to switch careers can use micro-internships to gain experience in new industries without a long-term commitment.
- Expand Your Network: Working on diverse projects with different companies allows you to build a broader professional network, opening up new career opportunities.
- Stay Current with Industry Trends: Micro-internships keep you engaged with current industry practices, ensuring your skills and knowledge remain relevant.
How to Get Started
Getting started with micro-internships is easy! Simply visit North Carolina A&T State University’s micro-internship portal to browse available projects and apply. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, explore new industries, or build your professional network, micro-internships offer a flexible and valuable way to advance your career.
Explore micro-internships today and take the next step in your professional journey!
CEE&I Names Curry Inaugural Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow
EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEE&I) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University announces the appointment of Michael Curry, Ph.D., as its inaugural Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow. This prestigious role underscores CEE&I’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization within the university and beyond.
Curry, a distinguished professor in the Department of Nanoengineering at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, brings more than 15 years of exemplary experience as a scholar, researcher, inventor and mentor to this role. His groundbreaking research focuses on developing sustainable, biodegradable nanocellulose materials as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers. This work has resulted in more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, two U.S. patents and three pending patent applications, establishing him as a leader in his field.
As CEE&I Tech Transfer & Commercialization Fellow, Curry will collaborate with university innovators, providing support to faculty, staff and students on their research-to-commercialization journey. His responsibilities include organizing skills development opportunities and fostering connections among internal and external stakeholders to advance the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Curry’s appointment aligns with the CEE&I’s strategic mission to create global market pathways for startups, and support the commercialization of research-based innovations. With his proven track record in securing multimillion-dollar research funding and promoting STEM diversity, he will play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals.
“Dr. Curry’s extensive expertise in research, innovation, and commercialization perfectly positions him to drive our vision and mission forward,” said Sean GL Johnson, CEE&I director. “His support will help empower our community of innovators to translate groundbreaking ideas into impactful solutions that benefit society.”
Along with his professional achievements, Curry’s accolades include the 2025 American Chemical Society Stanley C. Israel Award for advancing diversity in the chemical sciences and recognition as a 2022 Top 100 Innovator by Top 100 Magazine. His dedication to fostering inclusivity in STEM and advancing historically Black college and university research has made a lasting impact on the scientific community.
I² Academy: Idea to Innovation is a multi-session pre-accelerator program designed to support faculty, students, and staff in translating ideas into innovations ready to begin the commercialization journey. The program equips participants with the foundational tools and frameworks needed to validate concepts, identify market opportunities, and define clear next steps toward venture development.
I² Academy serves as one of CEE&I’s entry points into the broader innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Delivered in partnership with SpiceLAB Enterprise, I² Academy provides a structured, cohort-based experience that bridges the gap between ideation and execution.
Program Experience
- Business model development and value proposition design
• Customer discovery and market validation frameworks
• Target audience identification
• AI readiness and integration into venture development
• Presentation development and training
The program culminates in a final presentation where participants articulate their concept, supporting insights, and commercialization pathway.
Participants
- Faculty and researchers with innovative ideas or inventions
• Graduate and undergraduate students exploring commercialization pathways
• University staff developing early-stage concepts
• Teams seeking to validate ideas prior to funding, piloting, or launch
Outcomes
- Clarify and refine innovation or venture concepts
• Identify target customers and validate market needs
• Develop preliminary business models and value propositions
• Build confidence in entrepreneurial decision-making
• Establish a clear pathway toward commercialization
I² Academy represents an essential step in transforming ideas into impactful innovations. By equipping participants with the tools to validate concepts and navigate early-stage commercialization, the program empowers the NC A&T community to move from possibility to action.
Aggie Innovation Lab is an applied innovation program that provides students with hands-on experience solving real business challenges for startups, nonprofits, and small enterprises. Through structured projects, students engage directly with organizations to deliver research-driven insights and actionable recommendations.
As part of CEE&I’s broader innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, Aggie Innovation Lab connects student talent with real-world opportunities, strengthening both workforce readiness and regional economic development.
Aggie Innovation Lab is delivered in collaboration with Launch Greensboro.
Program Experience
- Defining and analyzing real-world business challenges
• Conducting market, operational, and strategic research
• Applying data, tools, and structured consulting frameworks
• Engaging directly with project organizations
• Delivering final recommendations through reports and presentations
Each engagement emphasizes practical problem-solving, professional communication, and the ability to translate research into actionable business insights.
Program Participants
- Students seeking to learn applied research methods and other frameworks
• Startups, nonprofits, and small businesses seeking growth support
• Faculty and industry mentors guiding project execution
Outcomes
Students:
• Develop applied research and analytical skills
• Gain workforce-relevant experience
• Strengthen communication and problem-solving capabilities
Partner Organizations receive actionable, research-driven recommendations.
Aggie Innovation Lab in collaboration with Launch Greensboro exemplifies CEE&I’s commitment to bridging academic excellence with real-world impact. By connecting student talent with the needs of startups, nonprofits, and small businesses, the program creates meaningful value for both learners and the community. Through applied research and project engagement, Aggie Innovation Lab enhances workforce readiness and contributes to a supporting the local and regional economy.
This summer, the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) at North Carolina A&T State University invites high school students to take part in an exciting, immersive experience through our annual Entrepreneurs & Innovators NexGen Residential Summer Camp—continuing our commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial exploration.
Program Overview
For Summer 2026, the Entrepreneurs & Innovators NexGen Residential Summer Camp will be led by the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at North Carolina A&T State University and hosted at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
This fun, interactive, and engaging residential camp is designed for high school students who are curious about entrepreneurship, innovation, and future career pathways.
Participants will engage in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Throughout the program, students will:
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in problem-solving, innovation, and opportunity recognition
- Learn how to identify real-world challenges and explore solutions that meet genuine market needs
- Collaborate with peers to develop, refine, and confidently present a business idea
Beyond the classroom, students will take part in a variety of interactive experiences that blend learning with fun. The camp experience incorporates experiential learning opportunities, exposure to entrepreneurial environments, and engaging social activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and connection.
Together, these elements create an energetic, supportive environment where students learn, build, and have fun—while gaining a meaningful introduction to entrepreneurship and innovation as future career pathways.
Camp Dates
Session 1: Sunday, June 14, 2026 – Friday, June 19, 2026: APPLY NOW
Session 2: Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Friday, June 26, 2026: APPLY NOW
