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 our town, 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.

$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

R&D Quick Links

UNC Research & Innovation

UNC Health researches and discovers solutions that benefit patients across NC – including sharing a biomedical engineering department with NC State.

Learn about UNC Research

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

We have one of the leading cancer centers in the nation, where research and discovery is always happening.

Search Clinical Trials

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.

Connect with Us

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.

Generating Momentum

Inquiries that Inspire Groundbreaking Developments

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

There are many ways for new and established businesses to tap into world-class research and development in Chapel Hill, NC — a premier gateway for North Carolina Research Triangle companies.

At the heart of our ecosystem is Innovate Carolina Junction, where your business can connect directly with researchers for idea generation and rigorous testing support.
Duke Clinical Research Institute delivers accelerated study startup timelines, exceptional data quality, and regulatory-compliant results, with integrated and specialized trial support services across cardiovascular, neurosciences, pediatrics, and more.

UNC-Chapel Hill also hosts more than 50 affiliated research centers and institutes. Access a deep pool of expertise from scholars collaborating to solve complex global challenges across healthcare, technology, and environmental issues.

Looking for research that enables your firm to make more data-driven decisions and drive economic progress? Hubs like the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise translate academic findings into actionable takeaways. And for even broader corporate R&D, being in Chapel Hill means you are minutes away from the Research Triangle Park and the collective power of Duke University and NC State.

Research and development companies are a key target for Chapel Hill — and the town actively pursues businesses with incentives for creating jobs and strengthening the regional economy.

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.

Workforce & Demographics

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

Business Vitality Manager

Research & Development

A Community of Lifelong Learners

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

CRO’s Headquartered in the Triangle Region

R1-Designated Universities within ½ Hour Drive of Chapel Hill