Programs

UNC Charlotte students work as a group with a mentor to prepare a pitch during CO-LAB's grand opening.

CEI’s programs are available to faculty, staff, students and the community. Use these icons to see which programs are best suited for you!

Students | Faculty | Staff | Community

49er Foundry

The 49er Foundry is UNC Charlotte’s student idea incubator program. This is a wholly student-focused program and exists to encourage and support students in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Program Benefits

Stipend upon program graduation
Complimentary furnished office space within the student incubator
Access to community and startup mentors
Access to amenities such as shared conference room, coffee and tea bar, shared copiers, printers
Access to funding opportunities, networking with local founders and partnership opportunities

Applying to the Program

Applications will open in Fall 2025

FIT Innovators

FIT Innovators helps you turn ideas into action starting your first semester at Charlotte. 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.

Through collaborative projects, guest speakers and an innovation career trek into Charlotte’s thriving business community, you’ll build the confidence to think differently, take initiative and solve real-world challenges. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills that strengthen your academic success and prepare you for careers in any industry.

You’ll also connect with campus resources, entrepreneurial programs and a cohort of peers who share your ambition — helping you build community, discover new opportunities and find your path.

At Charlotte, innovation isn’t separate from your education — it’s part of how you begin. The Difference is Charlotte.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open on March 6, 2026.

Why should I join the FIT Innovators cohort?

Start your college experience by learning how to think creatively, solve problems, and turn ideas into action.

Through FIT Innovators, you will:

Build creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking skills you can use in any major or career
Work on hands-on team projects that help you turn ideas into real solutions
Connect with entrepreneurs, innovators, and campus leaders through guest speakers and events
Explore opportunities like pitch competitions, hackathons, and innovation challenges
Find your community by networking with first-year and transfer students across disciplines
Gain early access to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and campus resources that support your goals

How much does FIT Innovators cost?

FIT Innovators has no program fee. The only costs are early move-in housing and an optional dining plan, which are added to your Fall student bill and may be covered by financial aid.

Can FIT Innovators students move in early to campus housing?

FIT Innovators participants have the opportunity to move into their residence hall early to begin the program and connect with their cohort. Final charges are TBD, determined by Housing and Residence Life.

Students should complete the standard housing application and indicate FIT participation as soon as possible.

Are there special dining options available?

Students may choose to add an optional $100 declining balance dining plan to use during FIT before the Fall meal plan begins. This provides access to:

Campus dining halls
Popular retail locations like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s and Bojangles
Campus convenience stores
Select campus events and concessions

Detailed instructions will be sent by email after you are admitted to FIT Innovators.

What should I complete before FIT Innovators begins?

To prepare for FIT Innovators, students should:

Complete the housing application by July 15, 2026
Register for the FIT Innovators cohort course
Log into Canvas in August to access program information and updates

Who can I contact with questions about FIT Innovators?

For questions about FIT Innovators, contact Kourtney Peterson, Program Director for Campus Engagement and FIT Coordinator
for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI)

contact kourtney

CEI Credential Program

Enhance your college experience with co-curricular activities that develop entrepreneurial thinking skills and make an impact through integrative and innovative learning.

CO-LAB Ventures

CO-LAB Ventures is an interactive, solutions-based signature event designed to unite students and faculty across academic disciplines to tackle real-world, industry-relevant challenges. Developed in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) and select academic colleges, this experience fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation through experiential learning and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Program Benefits

Build public speaking and teamwork skills and grow their entrepreneurial mindset
Work with students and faculty from different academic colleges to gain new perspectives and build cross-functional skills.
Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges
Access to team mentors

Applying to the Program

Applications will open in Spring 2026

Entrepreneurial Thinking Classroom Integration Program.

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.

Option	Description	Format
Guest Speaker Series	CEI coordinates classroom visits by staff, alumni, student ambassadors or community leaders to share entrepreneurial experiences.	30–60 minutes, in-class session
Entrepreneurial Mindset Lesson	A one hour interactive workshop introducing the core elements of entrepreneurial thinking.	1-2 class sessions
Impact Project	A three-class experience where students form teams, generate ideas, develop solutions and deliver pitches.	3 class sessions
Engaging with the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem	An off-campus learning experience at CO-LAB or a guided workshop at the campus Makerspaces.	1 class session or lab tour

Innovation Ambassadors

CEI’s Innovation Ambassadors Program is designed to cultivate a vibrant, student-led culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and peer engagement at UNC Charlotte. The program empowers students to represent and champion entrepreneurial thinking, connect peers to resources and foster a collaborative ecosystem where bold ideas can thrive.

Program Benefits

Develop skills that will allow you to grow personally and professionally
Connect with like-minded students, faculty and local entrepreneurs while making a real impact on campus
Plan and execute campus events, pop-ups and info sessions that bring students into the entrepreneurship ecosystem
Lead classroom visits and engage in peer-to-peer mentoring
Work on real brand campaigns through CEI’s social media

Compensation

$12/hr from August to June

Applying to the Program

Applications will open in Spring 2026 Semester

Open Pitch Night

Are you a creative thinker, innovator, or future founder? Have a bold idea or want to sharpen your pitch skills? Open Pitch Night is a campus-based program that allows students to foster a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration on campus. Open Pitch Night offers students a chance to share a new idea or practice a pitch in a low-stakes, casual environment – no slides, no business plans, just bold ideas.

sign me up