Four ways UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation prepares students for success

UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) helps students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners uncover ideas and discover innovation. The University’s powerful entrepreneurship engine prepares students for life in the business world through skill development and strong community relationships. The center takes learning beyond the classroom and gives students a unique view into the world of entrepreneurship. Here are four things to know about UNC Charlotte’s Center for Entrepreneurship.

Students can turn ideas into startups through the 49er Foundry

The 49er Foundry is UNC Charlotte’s student idea incubator program that encourages and supports students in entrepreneurship and innovation. The program gives students access to community and startup mentors as well as funding opportunities, networking with local founders and partnership opportunities. CEI hosts and supports several entrepreneurship competitions that give students the opportunity to pitch their ideas for cash prizes and startup funding. These events help students refine their business concepts and gain valuable feedback from judges and industry professionals. Beyond the prize money, students also expand their professional networks and gain experience that can help move an idea from the classroom to the community. In the Spring 2025 semester, Steven Bowers was awarded for his idea for a self-diagnosing HVAC add-on that can identify issues before they occur. 

FIT Innovators brings ideas to life for the newest Niners

Open to first-year and transfer students from any major, this one-credit experience introduces entrepreneurship, innovation and creative problem-solving in a supportive, hands-on environment. Students work on collaborative projects, hear from entrepreneurs and explore Charlotte’s innovation ecosystem while building creative problem-solving skills that apply to any career.

Students from different majors solve real-world challenges together

New Ventures Competition is an interactive, solutions-based signature event designed to unite students and faculty across academic disciplines to tackle real-world, industry-relevant challenges. This experience fosters creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation through experiential learning and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just for business majors

CEI collaborates with faculty across campus to incorporate entrepreneurial thinking into classrooms. Staff will work with faculty to integrate foundational and experiential learning into their current curriculum. Through classroom workshops, guest speakers and experiential projects, CEI helps students develop innovation, leadership and problem-solving skills regardless of their major.