49er Foundry

The 49er Foundry is UNC Charlotte’s student idea incubator program that encourages and supports students in entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting student entrepreneurship year-round.. The program gives students access to community and startup mentors as well as funding opportunities, networking with local founders and partnership opportunities.

CEI hosts and supports several entrepreneurship competitions that give students the opportunity to pitch their ideas for cash prizes and startup funding. These events help students refine their business concepts and gain valuable feedback from judges and industry professionals.

Beyond the prize money, students also expand their professional networks and gain experience that can help move an idea from the classroom to the community.

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 can be found on CEI’s Niner Engage page
• Applications for the current cohort closed on Sept. 7. While students may apply throughout the year, applications are only reviewed for the next fall cohort, as the program typically closes its application window in early fall. 
• The program is a great fit for sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Teams must include at least one current UNC Charlotte student in good standing (December graduating seniors are welcome to apply).
• Students must be able to commit to build sessions in the fall and spring semester.