Nc idea

NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

Amy Bastian

Senior Director

Andrea Cook

Director

David Rizzo

President & CEO

Thom Ruhe

President and CEO

Past deals in Southeastern US

Home for Life Designs

Grant in 2023
Home for Life Designs provides mobile and cloud software for practitioners to conduct home evaluations in any patient home environment. The company also provides an innovative home assessment solution for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, enabling clients to stay in their homes and community safely and independently, for life. Home for Life Designs is based in Salisbury, North Carolina.

BCombs

Grant in 2023
BCombs is a stealthy technology firm based in Cary, North Carolina.

Green Solutions Group

Grant in 2022
Green Solutions Group specializes in the production of nontoxic embalming and tissue preservation products designed for the medical, funeral, and medical education sectors. Their products are utilized in pathology and clinical laboratories to preserve biopsies, internal organs, limbs, and cells, thereby enabling lab operators to eliminate toxic chemicals from their environments. By adopting these nontoxic solutions, laboratories can significantly reduce costs related to hazardous waste disposal, ventilation maintenance, and energy use, while also alleviating the regulatory and administrative burdens associated with toxic substances. This focus on safety and efficiency positions Green Solutions Group as a valuable partner for institutions aiming to enhance their operational practices while prioritizing environmental and public health.

CopyForward

Grant in 2022
CopyForward is helping creators earn royalties on assets from art to collectibles using permanent contracts stored in a distributed ledger.

Botanical Bones

Grant in 2022
Botanical Bones is a family business thoughtfully making superfood + adaptogenic dog treats.

Nurtured Nest

Grant in 2022
Nurtured Nest does a wonderful job of staying up to date on birth and parental research with fabulous educators.

Well Seasoned Table

Grant in 2022
Well Seasoned Table is a one-stop-shop for spices and herbs.

CICIL Home

Grant in 2022
CICIL Home believes in utilizing natural, renewable materials, making products simply, knowing where things come from, and understanding their impact on the earth.

Essential Personnel

Grant in 2022
Essential Personnel is the operational characteristics of law enforcement and fire demands a unique solution for organizational management.

WH Farms

Grant in 2022
WH Farms is a black woman-owned hemp cultivation business. It is USDA licensed to cultivate premium hemp blends and all the products are backed with a certificate of authenticity.

DEI Directive

Grant in 2022
DEI Directive trusted solution for workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Oncotect

Grant in 2022
Animal Cancer Dx is a Raleigh-based chemical and bio-molecular diagnostic company committed to pioneering the early detection of cancer in dogs.

Secure Living

Grant in 2022
Secure Living screen and pre-select real estate projects to provide hassle-free investment opportunities on the simple online platform.

ROSA

Grant in 2022
ROSA Technology combines emotional data tracking, powerful data analytics, and licensed professionals to provide on-demand and individualized mental health interventions to the nation's highest-need students.
Periscope Health Analytics provides data analytics and insights for behavioral health organizations.

Ponybox Clothing

Grant in 2022
Ponybox Clothing's mission is to create a convenient and affordable way for women to discover self-expression through clothing while also reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by fast fashion.

CalicoSol

Grant in 2022
Calico Sol provides eco-friendly alternatives to common household goods.

DivySci

Grant in 2022
DivySci is a software that identifies internal biases.

BLK Resumes

Grant in 2022
BLK Resumes is the recruitment platform that uses today’s most unique sourcing strategies.
Sister Girl Collection provides children's literature, Sister Girl apparel, Sister Girl children's home furnishings, and educational tools that encourage, motivate and enlighten children and communities.

Buzy

Grant in 2022
Buzy is the first and only solution created to remove the hassle and stress of owning a home.

Gatherware

Grant in 2022
Gatherware is a software provider transforming how healthcare systems plan for and utilize their resources. Its initial technology platform, Orion, leverages data to align capital and facility resources with business strategy.

Hot Route Analytics

Grant in 2022
Hot Route Analytics is a sports analytics company that provides in-depth sports analysis for all aspects of the game. Their premier product is a mobile app and analytic platform that is used by baseball coaches to predict live game strategies. It uses big data from game film and box scores to give any team a competitive edge and build a strong fan.

Drink Sarilla

Grant in 2022
Drink Sarilla provides streamlined focus and physical energy without the crash. Enjoy an innovative, full-flavor beverage free from refined sugar or artificial ingredients.

Wholistics.Health

Grant in 2022
Wholistics.Health is designed to make it easier for health-conscious consumers to find and choose which product or therapy they can use to manage their health or chronic condition.

Kind Cultures

Grant in 2022
Kind Cultures good cheese is cruelty-free, cultured, accessible, and sustainable.

MESKA Solutions

Grant in 2022
MESKA Solutions is dedicated to saving the planet one gallon at a time. A woman-owned Biogas Project Development Firm bringing a unique market-based approach to biogas projects.

Coyle Solar

Grant in 2022
Coyle Solar is the need for clean, decentralized power generation and water purification has never been more critical to our society’s ability to respond to today’s most daunting risks:

Smart Girls HQ

Grant in 2022
Smart Girls HQ is the best parenting resource designed for the parents of girls aged 3 to 12. Smart Girls HQ is to demystify STEM for you and your girls and, by doing so, inspire a generation of fearless female leaders and innovators!

Courtroom5

Grant in 2022
Courtroom5 is an intelligent, tech-enabled service that combines legal tools, on-demand training, and an online community to help non-lawyers navigate the civil justice system.

LoanWell

Grant in 2022
LoanWell is a developer of a loan platform designed to help in the financial transactions between friends and family. The company's platform creates a custom, legal friends and family loan agreement, guides during each step of the process and even provides a loan calculator to inform about agreement's terms and helps to pay loans back on time with auto-draft payments, enabling users to make smaller, specific requests from a group of supporters and receive loans.

Davos Guaranty

Grant in 2022
Davos Guaranty is a lender match platform for business capital that guarantees each loan.

BatteryXchange

Grant in 2022
BatteryXchange, Inc., founded in 2019 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in the manufacturing and supply of portable batteries, particularly through a rental platform for power banks. This innovative platform allows users to rent mobile chargers and return them to any available kiosk within their network after use. By connecting businesses, communities, and individuals, BatteryXchange facilitates access to on-the-go charging solutions, ensuring that users can keep their devices powered and remain connected wherever they are. The company aims to enhance convenience and connectivity for cell phone users through its informative mobile kiosks.

Freeman Capital

Grant in 2022
Diversified investments for a diverse world.
Renaissance Fiber is focused on the production of high-quality fiber from industrial hemp using proprietary methods that are clean, inexpensive and scalable. Their material is suitable for a wide range of applications including textile, paper and composites.

Acta Solutions

Grant in 2021
Acta builds the democratic capability for governments to make data-backed, community-driven decisions where all stakeholder voices are heard and valued.

ResolveX

Grant in 2021
ResolveX focuses on and addresses the needs of individual centers such as reporting, technology, and multiple system integrations, call documentation, remote worker capabilities, and local resources.

Beam Dynamics

Grant in 2021
EPM, Equipment Performance Management, Broadcast, Film, Broadcast Studio, Broadcast Equipment, SaaS, Film Production, Media Industry, Platform, Digitalization, Fleet Managment, Business Intelligence, Business Software, Studio Software, Broadcast Software, Film Production Software, Rental House Software, Product Intelligence, Data Software, Big Data, Television, Film Industry, Newsroom, News Studio, Sport Studio, Outdoor Broadcast, Technology Management, Broadcast Engineering, Film Production, and Media Industry

Piedmont Pennies

Grant in 2021
Piedmont Pennies provides delicious southern cheese crackers. Handcrafted, oven-baked cheese crackers made of simple ingredients.

SnapPicFix

Grant in 2021
SnapPicFix is subscription based software for service pros to connect with their new and existing customers better and faster while maintaining a 5-star reputation and 5-start service. It utilizes Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to analyze incoming requests and empower your front office. We integrate and partner with the services that you already use and trust.

Sani

Grant in 2021
Sani, established in 2017, aims to enhance the visibility of South Asian craftsmanship and techniques through its clothing line. The company specializes in ethnic wear that combines traditional and Western styles, offering a diverse range of fashionable options for women. Its product lineup includes tunics, workwear, festive attire, and fusion wear, featuring items such as tops, skirts, palazzos, and trousers. By focusing on modern designs at affordable prices, Sani seeks to cater to the evolving fashion needs of its customers while celebrating cultural heritage.

Flux Hybrids

Grant in 2021
Flux Hybrids is a developer of a hybrid conversion technology to enhance a vehicle's fuel efficiency. Its technology provides a significant uplift in fuel economy and reduction in fuel expense, making the kits cost-neutral also the conversion kits integrates into the vehicle's drivetrain, reducing it's carbon footprint, and enable customers to get access to a universal conversion kit for retrofitting gas vehicles to hybrids. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Home for Life Designs

Grant in 2021
Home for Life Designs provides mobile and cloud software for practitioners to conduct home evaluations in any patient home environment. The company also provides an innovative home assessment solution for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, enabling clients to stay in their homes and community safely and independently, for life. Home for Life Designs is based in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Fun Mom Band

Grant in 2021
Fun Mom Band is an accessories company that makes stuff for moms. The company's product, Mom’s Fanny, lightens the mother's load with a hands-free pack that inspires confidence and fun. It easily converts from around their waist to cross-body and was designed to feel comfy and look good on anybody.

Floor Health

Grant in 2021
Floor Health is a digital health company that helps women finally treat their pelvic floor disorders with on-demand digital programs. The company's program is suited for women experiencing urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, prolapse, painful sex, vulvodynia, and vestibulodynia.

Content Commanders

Grant in 2021
Content Commanders is a content marketing and branding agency that provides content storytelling and content placement services. The company uses multimedia content to deliver fan-building, audience-loving, engagement-activated digital, print, and social media content. It is based in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Armada IQ

Grant in 2021
Deploying Trust in Autonomy

Padeo

Grant in 2021
Padeo is an unobtrusive plug-in that supercharges your site speed helping you win more leads and sales. Padeo works with every website, including WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify. Learn more about how Padeo makes the web faster for everyone at padeo.io.

Mapt

Grant in 2021
Undecided is a journaling app that offers quality college advising to every high school student through mobile technology. The app uses modern psychology to set up high schoolers for success in college. Undecided was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina.

Sure!

Grant in 2021
Sure! is a provider of plant-based milk for babies and toddlers. The company also specializes in vegan infant formula that provides complete nutrition, quality, and convenience for the modern-day parent juggling family, business, and everyday life. It is based in Greenville, North Carolina.

No Mess SPF

Grant in 2021
No Mess SPF is a medical device company that provides automatic sun protection solutions. The company makes sunscreen applications quick, effective, and accessible for users to avoid sunburn and enjoy their day. It allows to avoid sunburn and wrinkles now, and future biopsies or skin cancer later.

Flow Phantom

Grant in 2021
Flow Phantom creates upsells and cross-sells on the Webflow e-commerce platform, a new and fast-growing e-commerce site builder. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Three Strands Recovery Wear is a recovery garment company that offers healthcare services for breast cancer. The company focuses on post-operative bras for mastectomies, breast reconstruction, augmentation, reduction, and any other breast cosmetic surgery. It aims to give women the power and control to recover with confidence.

Vitality Robotics

Grant in 2021
Vitality Robotics is a medical device company that designs AI-powered devices for biomedical research and veterinary medicine by combining computer vision, reinforcement learning, and robotics. It is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Mycologics

Grant in 2021
Mycologics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative solutions to combat fungal infections affecting plants, animals, and humans. The company specializes in proprietary biocontrol agents and green antimicrobials designed to address harmful fungal pathogens and their associated toxins, known as mycotoxins. Through research, communication, and outreach, Mycologics aims to enhance public health and food safety by providing effective strategies to prevent and manage fungal infections and related health disorders. The company's mission underscores its commitment to safeguarding food, feed, and health from the detrimental effects of fungal threats.

Worxstr

Grant in 2021
Worxstr provides an all-in-one digital management solution for companies working with contract labor.

Bristles

Grant in 2021
Bristles is a DIY planning app that uses AI to help folks DIY home design. It enables the artist to focus on maneuvering the brush to create beautiful art. The company's mission is to build creativity-enabling products that harness the insight of artificial intelligence to deliver powerful functionality as delightful, easy-to-use tools. Bristles was founded by Tina Tang and Anthony Alers in 2021.

BattleBuggies To Go

Grant in 2021
BattleBuggies To Go is a provider of hassle-free, same-day grocery delivery within a 10-mile radius of any in-network commissary. It is based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Wishful

Grant in 2021
Wishful is a software platform connecting B2B sales and marketing teams that easily send gifts at various stages. The company's mission is to help companies achieve genuine and long-lasting relationships with their customers and prospects. Wishful is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

iEdapts

Grant in 2021
iEdapts is an education platform that offers math-aided GAP assessment e-Learning tools. The platform is connecting teachers with students in an interactive way through unique songs, videos, and specialized content. The company's mission is to provide an educational resource preference that both the teacher and the student can utilize.

MyMatR

Grant in 2021
MyMatR is a waste management company that provides automatic sorting of trash and recycling containers for public spaces. The company uses artificial intelligence, sensors, and robotics to automatically sort trash, recycling, and other forms of waste at the source of disposal. The MyMatR smart waste container can be customized with different collection bins (23 gallons vs 52 gallons). Additionally, the opening for discards can be adjusted to have a dual-hole or single-hole. MyMatR was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jabin Beverage Co.

Grant in 2021
Jabin Beverage Co. is a maker of drink apple cider vinegar beverage that balances great taste with incredible health properties. The company is centered around using fresh, functional ingredients to power athletes and adventurers challenging the status quo. Jabin Beverage Co. is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

BatteryXchange

Grant in 2021
BatteryXchange, Inc., founded in 2019 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializes in the manufacturing and supply of portable batteries, particularly through a rental platform for power banks. This innovative platform allows users to rent mobile chargers and return them to any available kiosk within their network after use. By connecting businesses, communities, and individuals, BatteryXchange facilitates access to on-the-go charging solutions, ensuring that users can keep their devices powered and remain connected wherever they are. The company aims to enhance convenience and connectivity for cell phone users through its informative mobile kiosks.

Protect3d

Grant in 2021
Protect3d is a leveraging 3D technologies to bring custom protective devices to athletes and competitors everywhere.We are striving to help athletes everywhere by making 3D technology more accessible to the everyday user.

Smart Girls HQ

Grant in 2021
Smart Girls HQ is the best parenting resource designed for the parents of girls aged 3 to 12. Smart Girls HQ is to demystify STEM for you and your girls and, by doing so, inspire a generation of fearless female leaders and innovators!

Darë Vegan Cheese

Grant in 2021
Darë Vegan Cheese is Using the same traditional cheesemaking techniques, sans dairy, Darë Vegan Cheese creates an amazing, artisan, aged, alternative. Our culturing process creates gut-healthy probiotics that both flavor our cheeses, and give back to your body.

Couplet Care Bassinet

Grant in 2021
Couplet Care offers tools for improving patient safety, as well as clinical efficiency while promoting positive mother and infant health outcomes

Stemz

Grant in 2021
Stemz is a built-to-work for floral creatives, flower farmers & retail clients.

Active Defender

Grant in 2021
Active Defender is a campus emergency tool that saves time and saves lives. Active Defender is the instrument you need in your campus environment to facilitate the efficient and immediate dispersal of critical data. Active Defender allows on-site safety staff and first responders (when appropriate) to immediately assess emergency situations and to react with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. Active Defender is built to dramatically maximize campus safety, providing a more secure environment for our loved ones.

Your Minute Mechanic

Grant in 2021
Your Minute Mechanic provides convenient, low-cost self-service auto diagnostics helping people navigate costly car repairs every day. Your Minute Mechanic is a patented, new revolutionary concept in automotive diagnostics. It is a stand-alone auto diagnostic machine similar to air or vacuum machine outside your local gas station. When an indicator light illuminates, most of us head to the service department or repair shop with no earthly idea of what is wrong with our vehicle. Others will ignore the light as long as possible for lack of time, money, or inconvenience. With Your Minute Mechanic, your car is diagnosed by a state of the art computer in simple terms to allow you to make an educated decision about the servicing of your vehicle.
Young Urban Professionals' goal is to stimulate economic development among marginalized individuals who are business owners and entrepreneurs.

Creative Allies

Grant in 2021
Creative Allies is changing the way brands reach their fans. We are an integrated marketing firm that focuses on helping celebrity and consumer brands execute marketing campaigns, engage customers, and acquire millennials. We accomplish this through our proprietary technology, comprehensive marketing services, and strategic partnerships. Our community has 120,000+ designers and 180,000+ fans. We have worked with brands and celebrities such as Eminem, Arizona Iced Tea, Selena Gomez, Twenty One Pilots, Rick and Morty and many more.
Bridge of Hope Life Transformational Services offers Triple Threat Services (Individual and Leadership Coaching, Professional Counseling, and Consulting) to businesses, faith-based institutions, school settings, colleges and universities, individuals, organizations, etc.

Vision Church

Grant in 2021
Vision Church is a non-denominational church in Raleigh, NC that exists to glorify God and make disciples.
Illumined Leadership Solutions prepares high-impact entrepreneurs + leaders for the transformation of themselves and their communities.
Urban League of Central Carolinas is a multi-service, non-profit agency with a mission to empower the community to reach financial stability and social justice.

HUSTLE Winston-Salem

Grant in 2021
HUSTLE Winston-Salem exists to facilitate and promote a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by working with both entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.

The Boost Pad

Grant in 2021
The Boost Pad provides the necessary resources underrepresented founders need to create solutions and build impactful businesses.
Career training, academic programs and lively entertainment and cultural offerings may all be found at Brunswick Community College (BCC) in Supply, North Carolina. Some of BCC’s academic offerings include art and science majors for those who wish to transfer to a four-year university. For those who want to prepare for a professional trade there are programs in Computer Repair, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, Office Administration, Plumbing and Welding, among others. A large part of BCC’s student life offerings may be found at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, a 1,500-seat venue that features musical, dance and theatre performances as well as lectures from renowned performers, artists and authors. Student services include academic and career advising, disability services and a student mentoring program. Students interested in attending Brunswick must provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, as well as copies of transcripts. All students must also take an assessment or placement exam prior to enrolling. Tuition for in-state students is significantly reduced. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Jecha Networks

Grant in 2021
Jecha Networks is a management and technology consultancy that assists aspiring entrepreneurs, groups, and small businesses in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams from the concept stage to the product or service stage.

Loyd Visuals

Grant in 2021
Loyd Visuals is a family-based, full-service video production company that celebrates opportunity, creativity, and community.
Communities in Partnership is a community-based organization that works in close proximity to its neighbors and members to help tackle any form of economic disparity, food insecurity, and the rising cost of living that resides within the East-Durham area.

Sankofa Farms

Grant in 2021
Sankofa Farms is a multifaceted agricultural entity that seeks to assist in changing the food intake habits of those living in and affected by food deserts.

iMama

Grant in 2021
iMama is a digital health platform that provides healthcare solutions for its patients. The platform uses AI and machine learning to help mothers prolong their breastfeeding cycle and help employers provide nursing moms with lactation support benefits.

qcard

Grant in 2021
Qcard is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based platform that enables users to create personalized videos for physical objects quickly and easily. This innovative service allows individuals and businesses to attach videos to objects, facilitating the communication of instructions, messages, or promotional content. Users can update the video content over time and track engagement metrics, including view counts and frequency of access. By enhancing physical items with digital content, Qcard aims to enrich user interaction and provide a dynamic way to convey information.

LiRA Global

Grant in 2021
LiRA Global is focused on developing innovative technologies aimed at enhancing communication for individuals who are unable to speak. Their primary product is a lip-reading technology that employs artificial intelligence to interpret facial movements associated with speech. By translating video data into audio, this technology provides a means for those affected by voice disorders, laryngectomy, and tracheostomy to regain their ability to communicate effectively. LiRA Global's mission is to improve the quality of life for voiceless individuals and to contribute to advancements in medical care.

Caia

Grant in 2021
Caia is a hand-held medical device company that simplifies breast self-exams. The company designed a tool to help women perform breast self-exams with more confidence and accuracy by showing them exactly what to look for. Caia was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Cardstalk

Grant in 2021
Cardstalk is a greeting card marketplace that specializes in card printing kiosks featuring indie and local artists. The company was founded in March 2020 by Steph and Brandon Prime.

Jayla’s Heirlooms

Grant in 2021
Jayla’s Heirlooms is a manufacturing company that offers handmade dolls for kids and babies. The company is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hot Route Analytics

Grant in 2021
Hot Route Analytics is a sports analytics company that provides in-depth sports analysis for all aspects of the game. Their premier product is a mobile app and analytic platform that is used by baseball coaches to predict live game strategies. It uses big data from game film and box scores to give any team a competitive edge and build a strong fan.

Plantnrgy

Grant in 2021
Plantnrgy is a health startup that offers plant-based protein and superfood mixes with simple ingredients. The company's mission is to help people obtain optimal nourishment with its plant-based and nutrient-dense protein mixes.

Washington’s Hammer

Grant in 2021
Washington’s Hammer is a naval ship repair tech startup that offers advancing tools and techniques utilized in the ship repair industry. The company's maintenance suite creates cloud-based workflow automation that will streamline U.S. Naval repairs. It aims to create a constantly evolving portfolio of digital offerings and services that will complement public and private ship maintenance providers. Washington’s Hammer was founded in 2020 by Valeni Felton and Chana Ruiz-Felton.

Canine Harvest

Grant in 2021
Canine Harvest is a pet service company that offers farm-fresh foods for dogs. The company is helping people help their dogs thrive, through farm-fresh, locally sourced food and offering educational tips and resources; while offering local farm families an added revenue stream.

inStryde

Grant in 2021
inStryde is a hybrid hard tech company using A.I. and 3d printing to make custom orthotics more accessible and affordable.

Counsel Connect

Grant in 2021
Counsel Connect is an online mental health marketplace that connects professionals to licensed therapists for pay-per-session counseling. Using their personal preferences, clients are able to find, schedule, and see a licensed therapist in their network as early as the next day.
Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington holds free monthly events for a wide variety of entrepreneurs, investors, professional service providers, community supporters, students, recent graduates, Military Veterans considering entrepreneurship, recently relocated professionals, and job seekers.