NCInnovation Expands Presence at Appalachian State University’s Hickory Campus
App State Chancellor: “We are grateful to state lawmakers and to NCInnovation for their continued investments in applied research”
Hickory, NC – NCInnovation (NCI) is pleased to announce the establishment of a new shared office space at Appalachian State University’s Hickory campus. This new space will support specialized research programs and innovation efforts, aiming to provide educational and economic benefits to the local community and region. NCI’s work at this campus is part of a broader strategy to provide research-driven opportunities and economic growth in Western North Carolina, creating a sustainable and impactful ecosystem.
NCInnovation operates four regional innovation networks anchored by “hub” universities. As a hub in the West region, Appalachian State University acts as a headquarter location for NCInnovation’s applied research support. The new office space at Appalachian State University’s Hickory Campus will help ensure researchers at this campus have access to the same support and resources already enjoyed at the Boone campus.
As part of this initiative, Meagan Coneybeer, NCInnovation’s Senior Director of the West Regional Innovation Network, will be based at the Hickory campus, further enhancing research support at the university. NCInnovation’s regional directors, stationed at seven hubs across UNC System institutions, assist researchers on their campuses and at nearby universities by connecting researchers with industry partners and business services to drive commercialization. With the new Hickory campus office, NCInnovation can offer even greater support and resources to researchers with market-ready projects in the region.
“App State is dedicated to advancing research that makes a tangible difference for North Carolina’s communities and industries,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “NCInnovation’s presence at our Hickory campus enhances opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to collaborate on research that leads to practical solutions — supporting economic growth, workforce development, and long-term prosperity for our state. We are grateful to state lawmakers and to NCInnovation for their continued investments in applied research.”
In addition to expanding its presence on campus, NCI is actively working with local economic development organizations to build a thriving innovation ecosystem in the region, partnering with local industry leaders and economic development officials to align research initiatives with the needs of the regional economy. NCI is also collaborating with the Western and Northwest Prosperity Zones, regional councils of government, MyFutureNC, Mountain BizWorks, county economic developers, private industry partners, local chambers of commerce, and other local and regional community-based organizations. These efforts also aim to foster collaborations between Appalachian State University and local school systems, community colleges, and workforce development pipelines.
Appalachian State University is committed to making a meaningful impact on the Hickory community and the broader region. This expanded research presence, supported by NCI, reflects the shared vision to create opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration in Western North Carolina.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at appstate.edu.
NCInnovation, Inc. is a Research Triangle Park, NC-based 501(c)(3) public-private partnership designed to accelerate commercialized innovation from North Carolina’s research universities. Backed by more than $25 million in private philanthropic commitments, NCInnovation uses the interest and income from a $500 million State-funded endowment to provide non-dilutive grant funding, mentors, and support services so that North Carolina university proofs-of-concept return value to the regional communities that created them. Learn more at NCInnovation.org.
