Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Innovation & Entrepreneurship

We are the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or, for short, CIE. We nurture high-impact startups and create a vibrant innovation hub in southeast North Carolina.

We attract changemakers and dreamers, the inquisitive and curious, and those who have the mindset to control their destiny. Among those engaged are UNCW faculty and staff, UNCW students and alumni, community entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, programmers, scientists, youth, and retirees. CIE serves as a UNCW-community connector, whether it is for student success or entrepreneurial success.

Discover CIE

Events & Programs Our events and programs are for community members and UNCW faculty, staff, and students. Events & Programs

People meeting and shaking hands around a table

Mentoring Mentors advise, support, and inspire entrepreneurs to reach their goals and develop successful businesses. Mentoring

People having conversations in an office setting

Space and Services We offer coworking, office space, and event space rentals, as well as a variety of services to help entrepreneurs succeed. Space & Services

CIE's Annual Ocean Innovation Conference

CIE is hosting its annual Ocean Innovation Conference on September 30th, 2025. We will be exploring technical and sustainability innovations in the blue economy. The Ocean Innovation Conference has been endorsed as a Decade Activity by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and designated as a UNCW Gold Talon Sustainable Conference. Join us to hear from various speakers, panel discussions, and attend our Innovation Fair. We can't wait to see you there!

The UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index

This index is the first of its kind in measuring the economic activities in oceans and waterways with a tilt towards their environmental impact. It has been published on Bloomberg since 2024.

CIE Idea Test Lab

Powered by Wells Fargo, Idea Test Lab is an early-stage entrepreneurship course to enable founders to determine if there is business value in an idea. Each of the four sessions will focus on different entrepreneurial design topics such as value proposition, identifying the customer's problem, competition, and market analysis.

Founder's Roundtable

Specifically for CIE tenants, coworkers, and high-impact CIE members, the Founders Roundtable is a facilitated monthly meeting of the highest potential entrepreneurs in southeast North Carolina.

Coastal Entrepreneur Awards

The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards recognizes up-and-coming ventures in our region as well as established companies that keep innovating.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)

GEW Wilmington is a celebration of entrepreneurship in the greater Wilmington region. It highlights some of the best of Wilmington's entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is held in mid-November each year.

CIE Supports The Alliance For The Blue Economy

The Alliance for the Blue Economy, also known as All Blue, supports Blue Economy entrepreneurs and innovators, promotes the Cape Fear region as a Blue Economy innovation hub, assists in the creation of Blue Economy-ready infrastructure and attracts Blue Economy investment capital.