Building Bridges from Lab to Market: The Role of Regional Entrepreneurs-in-Residence at NCInnovation
At the heart of NCInnovation’s model to support research commercialization lies a distinctive feature: embedding Regional Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) into our regional network teams. This deliberate approach creates a vital bridge between academia and the marketplace, allowing those inventions that have commercial promise to scale far enough to impact the communities and industries they are meant to serve.
“Bringing EIRs into the support system we offer at the regional level helps create connections that bridge the gap between meaningful research and commercial innovation,” explained Kym Verhovshek, NCInnovation Western Regional EIR. “We’re not just advisors who parachute in occasionally. We build long-term, collaborative relationships with faculty and universities, supporting sustainable commercialization opportunities while helping create a pipeline of valuable opportunities for local students and communities.”
Her colleague Paula Pingel in the Charlotte region underscored the scale and intention behind the program. “While some states may support research commercialization, none do so with the scale and intensity we see here. Through NCInnovation and NC IDEA, North Carolina is both funding and driving this effort. What sets the program apart is not only embedding EIRs, but also providing structured processes, staged research funding, and accountability that ensure the path toward commercialization is disciplined and achievable.”
The impact of EIRs is magnified through partnerships among NCInnovation, NC IDEA, RIoT, and regional universities. These collaborations create an ecosystem that equips researchers with the entrepreneurial skills, networks, and confidence to think beyond their disciplines.
“Researchers are brilliant in their fields, but commercialization with an eye to creating economic impact is often outside their comfort zone,” said Kym. “Through our partnerships, they gain resources, credibility, and a community of support that lives on beyond a single project.”
Paula added that UNC Charlotte’s involvement exemplifies the ecosystem approach: “The collaboration among UNC Charlotte, NCInnovation, NC IDEA, and RIoT illustrates the importance of coordination. Guiding faculty through IP development, technology development funding, commercialization pathways, and long-term tracking requires balance across the entire innovation network.”
Though each EIR focuses on their assigned region, they operate as a statewide team. Paula emphasizes commercialization strategy and guiding researchers through the milestones of product development, while Kym draws on her experience across industries to build industry partnerships and ensure projects meet real-world market needs.
“Our roles vary depending on regional strengths and university infrastructure,” Paula explained. “But we’re strongly aligned on commercialization pathways, where our expertise adds the greatest value.”
Kym agreed: “We collaborate across regions, sharing challenges, opportunities, and connections. It’s a collective effort—commercialization, industry partnerships, and workforce development all intersect to drive long-term growth.”
Perhaps the most profound part of their work is shifting how researchers think about their discoveries. Paula described one of the most common “aha” moments: “At first, faculty often struggle to explain their innovation in plain terms. When I press them with questions like, ‘Why should I care?’ or ‘Who is the customer?,’ they realize they need to view their work through the eyes of the end user. That shift changes everything.”
Kym sees similar transformations when researchers engage with industry partners early. “Conversations with businesses, chambers of commerce, or community colleges can completely reshape a commercialization plan. It not only accelerates projects but also builds a workforce pipeline, as students at every level gain real-world experience tied directly to local innovation.”
Both EIRs agree that the NCInnovation model is already producing meaningful results. Researchers gain clarity and confidence. Students benefit from experiential learning. And regional economies begin to grow as new clusters of innovation take root.
“There is strategic value in this model,” said Kym. “It sparks collaboration, exposes students and faculty to real-world application, and creates pathways that keep talent in North Carolina.”
Paula noted the broader implications, “This program is a critical state-level strategy to deliberately strengthen innovation as a driver of economic growth. The reason policymakers and business leaders in other states are paying attention is simple: it’s working. Each cohort gives us insights that help refine the model and accelerate the path from lab to market.”
For Paula and Kym, the reward is personal as much as professional. “I’m inspired every day by the energy and creativity of our researchers,” said Kym. “We laugh, we problem-solve, and we grow together. Their discoveries create opportunities that extend far beyond the lab.”
Paula echoed that sense of excitement: “One day I’m working on water purification, the next on a therapy for pancreatic cancer. The diversity of innovation is extraordinary, and the enthusiasm of our researchers is infectious. Being part of their journey to impact is why we do this work.”
