Research & Development

A Community of Lifelong Learners

As part of the Research Triangle, businesses in Chapel Hill gain access to specialized infrastructure for North Carolina research and development at scale.

Three R1-designated research universities are within about a half-an-hour’s drive of Chapel Hill, backed by billions of dollars in research expenditures annually. You’ll find hundreds of affiliated research centers and institutes where scholars collaborate across health, education, technology, social and environmental issues, and more. And if you’re looking for pathways to commercialization in emerging tech like AI, health informatics, and cybersecurity, we deliver the research capacity — with infrastructure and talent to turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

Hands holding markers writing notes on a whiteboard about COVID-19 and vaccination.

$1B+

In Annual R&D Expenditures from the University of North Carolina System Annually

UNC System

7

CRO’s Headquartered in the Triangle Region

Research Triangle Regional Partnership

3

R1-Designated Universities within ½ Hour Drive of Chapel Hill

Carnegie

Let’s Talk Talent

Have a specific hiring need? Contact us to discuss a variety of workforce programs that support Chapel Hill employment and have helped dozens of businesses find in-demand talent.

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Our Researchers Drive Worldwide Innovation

Research Institutions

With three R-1-Designated universities, 100+ affiliated research centers and institutes, and several corporate research centers throughout the region, Chapel Hill is a hub for discovery, testing, and advancement.

Resources

Everything You Need is Here

Is your business seeking to expand existing knowledge and gain expertise that gives you the competitive edge? We offer you the talent, ecosystems, grants, and incentive programs to drive North Carolina research & development.

young professionals in white lab coats look at a microscope in a laboratory

There are many ways for new and established businesses to tap into world-class research and development in Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill is a major point in the Research Triangle, and moving here means that your business is just minutes away from the Research Triangle Park (RTP) and the collective power of Duke University and NC State. The combined R&D expenditures of RTP exceeds $6 billion dollars annually.

We’re also the home to UNC-Chapel Hill, which hosts more than 50 affiliated research centers and institutes. As the 12th largest research university in the United States, it gives your business access to a deep pool of expertise — from scholars collaborating to solve challenges across healthcare, technology, and environmental issues.

Does your company want to make better, more data-driven decisions? UNC’s Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise translates academic findings into actionable takeaways. UNC also supports, funds, and connects the clinical and translational science community through the centralized infrastructure of grant-funded NC TraCS Institute — a knowledgeable team that helps guide researchers through clinical trials and regulatory approval.

Aerial view of a main road in downtown Chapel Hill with tall buildings on either side

Research and development companies are a key target for Chapel Hill — and we’re ready to help your business access incentives to grow here through federal and state funding programs, and local financial tools

State and University Funding

NCBiotech offers funding programs designed to fill gaps in biotechnology development and company growth. These funds help university researchers and companies conduct critical studies and reach development milestones that attract follow-on funding.

The UNC System Research Opportunities Initiative (ROI) invests up to $3 million annually in seed funding for potentially groundbreaking research. NC ROI awards target game-changing research in six priority areas:

Advanced manufacturing
Data sciences
Defense, military, and security
Energy
Marine and coastal science
Pharmacoengineering

Federal Programs with State Support

The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are administered by the NC Department of Commerce. In North Carolina, the One North Carolina Small Business Program amplifies these investments with matching grants, helping R&D dollars go further.

Workforce & Demographics

Residents of Chapel Hill are among the most educated in the nation. Tap into an international workforce with diverse talent.

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Sites & Incentives

Ready to see how your company fits into the Chapel Hill business community? Search sites, properties, and incentives for growing the local economy.

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Existing Business Support

Whether your company has been in Chapel Hill for months or decades, we’re dedicated to supporting you at all stages.

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Our Team

Here to Help

Not sure where to find an incentive application or business permit? Need insight into our local industries? Contact us and we’ll connect you to the right people and resources.

David Putnam

Economic Development Director

Sarah Potter