CIE Events
Register today for a UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) event to connect with others, learn something new, and accelerate your success. CIE offers educational and networking events for community members and UNCW faculty, staff, and students.
Additional weekly, monthly, and annual programs to support entrepreneurs and the ecosystem are described on the CIE Programs page.
April
Applications DUE for Idea Test Lab
Friday, April 25 | 5:00 p.m.
Do you have a BlueTech/ClimateTech idea? Submit your application now to participate in the May-June cohort to:
- Validate your ideas
- Identify value proposition
- Learn from other cohort members
- Build a pitch deck
- Receive access to mentorship
- Legal 101 workshop
- Bonus: An opportunity to pitch to win up to $5K, with $10K in total prizes on Demo Day!
Sponsored by: This project received support from NC IDEA.
Questions: If you have questions about the program or whether your idea applied, please contact CIE Program Lydia Thomas at bjorklundl@uncw.edu.
Visit the Idea Test Lab program webpage here for additional information.
May
Innovate & Elevate: A workshop for UNCW Faculty, Researchers, and Graduate Students
Monday, May 12 - Tuesday, May 13 | noon - 4:30 p.m. each day
Elevate your creativity and innovation by participating in this workshop! Explore commercialization paths and entrepreneurial concepts while networking with your peers.
Program highlights:
Day 1: Foundations of the Entrepreneurial Mindset & Creativity
- What is an entrepreneurial mindset and why does it matter?
- Customer discovery basics and why a "customer" matters
- Fun hands-on activities, case studies, and discussions
Day 2: Commercialization and Bringing Ideas to Market
- Commercialization pathways - what are they?
- MVPs (minimum viable products) and why they matter
- Crafting a compelling elevator pitch
- More fun hands-on activities, case studies, and discussions
Both days begin with lunch and networking and end with reflection.
Note: This program is in process of being submitted for a UNCW Digital Badge. A digital badge serves as a visual representation that showcases specific skills acquired through educational experiences. Learn more here.
Location: CIE Event Space
Sponsor: UNCW Office of the Provost
Cost: Free
Legal Tool Kit, Poyner Spruill Legal Series
Tuesday, May 13 8:30-10:00 a.m.
What: On May 13th, the second seminar will feature a panel exploring “The Lifecycle of a Deal– A Legal Roadmap for Entrepreneurs." Closing a successful business deal requires more than just a handshake—it takes careful planning, strategic negotiation, and solid legal foundations. In this panel, experienced business attorneys will walk entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle of a deal, from initial discussions and due diligence to contract negotiation, execution, and post-closing considerations. Learn how to structure deals that protect your interests, avoid common legal pitfalls, and set your business up for long-term success. Whether you’re entering partnerships, securing funding, or making acquisitions, this discussion will provide essential insights to help you navigate the deal-making process with confidence.
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn and network with fellow entrepreneurs!
Location: CIE Event Space
Cost: Free
2025 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards
Wednesday, May 21 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Coastal Entrepreneur Awards are a joint effort of UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region.
Location: UNCW Burney Center
Additional Details & Tickets here
SBTDC's Taking the Leap
Thursdays, May 22 - May 29 | 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Embarking on a business journey without proper guidance can feel overwhelming. Why take the leap without the essential tools for success?
Location: CIE
Cost: Free
Weekly Event
1 Million Cups Wilmington
Every Wednesday at 9:00-10:00 a.m. at CIE or online.
1 Million Cups Wilmington is part of a national movement to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs and communities over one million cups of coffee. Any regional business that is 5 years old or less is welcome to present.
Subscribe to our 1 Million Cups Wilmington email by signing up for the CIE Email List to receive weekly emails with speaker announcements and Zoom links. Follow us on our Facebook @1MCWilmingtonNC to get weekly updates and to watch the speakers on Facebook Live.
1 MILLION CUPS Wilmington website