About CEI

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation builds and supports UNC Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting people, programs and partners across campus and the Charlotte region.

CEI works across campus and the Charlotte region to:

Help students explore, test and launch ideas
Partner with faculty and staff to bring entrepreneurial thinking into classrooms and programs
Connect startups, investors, alumni and community partners with UNC Charlotte
Create hands-on learning opportunities through workshops, competitions and experiential programs
Build pathways into Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Advance innovation that creates economic and social impact.

At UNC Charlotte, entrepreneurship is not limited to starting a business. It is a mindset for identifying opportunities, testing ideas, working across disciplines and creating value for communities, organizations and the economy.

Mission

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation empowers UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, build practical skills and turn ideas into impact through hands-on learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration and connections across Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Vision

To make UNC Charlotte a leading public university for entrepreneurship and innovation — where entrepreneurial thinking is accessible to everyone, ideas are strengthened through collaboration and campus-community partnerships help drive economic opportunity and social impact across the Charlotte region and North Carolina.

Our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

CEI’s work is organized around three connected priorities: learning and skill development, thought leadership and cultivating relationships. These priorities guide our programs, events and partnerships — from classroom integration and pitch opportunities to mentoring, ecosystem networking and venture support.

Diagram showing CEI programs organized around three priorities: learning and skill development, thought leadership and cultivating relationships. Programs include 49er Foundry, Credential Program, CO-LAB Ventures, Momentum Charlotte, Classroom Integration, Deal Me In, CO-LAB Navigators, Student Ambassadors and Open Pitch Night.

Together, these efforts help UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners build skills, connect across disciplines and move ideas forward.