7. Elevate the National and Global Reputation and Visibility of NC State
NC State is committed to leading and supporting universitywide systems and efforts that elevate regional, national, and international awareness and impact of our university's differentiators, competitive advantages and broad excellence. ORI helps position NC State as a national and international leader in key areas of strength and opportunity that advance the brand and reputation of the university.
Proposal Development Unit (PDU) 20th Anniversary
This year, the PDU celebrated its 20th anniversary. PDU began with three full-time employees, who assisted faculty with no more than eight proposals per year. Today the team includes 11 full-time employees, supports over 80 proposals a year, and engages 500+ faculty and researchers through research programming. Since 2004, PDU has worked with faculty and colleges across the university to secure more than $1 billion in funds for interdisciplinary research.
National Academy of Inventors (NAI)
NC State hosted the 2024 NAI Annual Conference, a national conference attended by 400+ prolific inventors, investors and innovation ecosystem leaders from across the globe. Chancellor Woodson highlighted NC State’s successes in a President’s Panel discussion and AVC Wade Fulghum also spoke to the history and future of research commercialization at NC State. Dr. Craig Yencho and Dr. Ken Adler were inducted into NAI Fellows 2024 Class. The event was a success and boosted national recognition of the impact of NC State’s innovative culture and leading researchers.
Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN)
The Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) has 127 members and has invested $25M in 35 portfolio companies since its establishment. WIN had four investments in FY24. Two of the investments were with NC Staterelated startups — Flux Hybrids, a student-founded startup converting gas fleet vehicles to zero emissions; and Voxel, an alumni-founded company machining high-quality metal components for the medical device, aerospace and energy industries.
Results Digital Magazine
The Office of Research and Innovation is working across campus to digitally tag research stories with one or more of NC State’s six Strategic Research Areas (SRA) and promote the SRAs through Results digital research magazine and in central university news stories. Three examples of the great work published in Results include feature stories on genetic engineering researcher Nathan Crook, a spinout company working to improve animal health while reducing methane, and the important impact that CHIPS and Science Act funding has made on research at NC State.