Global Tech Launch: Systematic Program for Technology and Commercialization

Dr. Victor Chen, Associate Professor of International Management in Belk College of Business and Ventureprise Launch National Science Foundation I-Corps alumnus, has designed a course for students to assist startup ventures with global potential. At its core, the Global Launch course will focus on training business majored students’ theories and practices for global market assessment, global innovation system, strategic entrepreneurship in a global context, foreign market entry strategies and cross-cultural communications. The course teaches these concepts utilizing real world examples which includes UNC Charlotte technology spinouts and Charlotte technology ventures. The inaugural class includes five ventures, all previous Ventureprise Launch participants. The three university spinouts are Explainable AI for EPM, Light and Charge Solutions and Microalgae Window. The two community startups are BatteryXchange and Prohuman Technologies. “These ventures were chosen for their patented technology. They are at the right stage, not too early, they are more than concepts,” stated Dr. Chen. Each startup will be paired with 2-3 UNC Charlotte students and 2-3 foreign students to conduct joint research and continued customer discovery. “Building relationships, both nationally and internationally, from the beginning is important. In this initiative, collaborating virtually with local partners in target foreign markets will assist with scaling commercially,” added Dr. Chen. The course is a great example of how UNC Charlotte can be utilized to assist in launching a new venture. If you are interested in participating in the program or learning more about the teams, visit https://www.gopeaks.org/globaltechlaunch.