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Innovate Carolina releases new fiscal year 2025 impact report

FY25 UNC Innovation & Economic Impact Report: Where Innovators Thrive

cover of FY25 UNC Innovation and Economic Impact Report

Ever wondered how much of a positive difference innovation at UNC-Chapel Hill makes in North Carolina and beyond? Innovate Carolina is pleased to share their latest annual impact report.

Key Findings

  • Nearly $8 billion in total economic impact created by UNC-affiliated startups in North Carolina.
  • 20%+ growth in core commercialization categories, including invention disclosures and issued U.S. patents.
  • A record year for new UNC IP-based startups, with 12 IP-based companies launched in FY25.
  • Nearly $50 billion in cumulative funding raised by 1,273 UNC-affiliated startups since 1950.
  • 682 active UNC startups, with 537 headquartered in North Carolina, creating more than 131,000 jobs worldwide and over 14,000 jobs in the state.

Explore the Latest Data and Insights

The report gives you the big picture and focused insights of people and programs working to advance innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development across the University and wider UNC innovation network. Explore the latest data and highlights on:

  • Technology commercialization
  • UNC-affiliated startups
  • Innovation gap funding
  • Innovation services and support
  • Entrepreneurship education and innovation talent
  • Innovation hubs and communities

See pages 35, 36, and 51 for TraCS mentions.

Read the story for more analysis and highlights

Download full report

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Have news or an announcement to share? Contact Michelle Maclay at michelle_maclay@med.unc.edu

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