Description
The North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) is a state-supported, nonprofit, public-private partnership established in 1984 to accelerate life science innovation, commercialization, workforce development, and economic growth in North Carolina. It was the first state-sponsored biotechnology initiative in the U.S. and operates statewide from Research Triangle Park with regional offices. Its mission is to strengthen research capabilities, foster industry growth, and help turn academic discoveries into commercial ventures, while advocating for strategic policy that builds North Carolina’s global biotech leadership.
NCBiotech does not operate as a traditional VC fund — it provides non-dilutive funding, loans, and ecosystem support for life science research and early commercialization.
· Company Funding Grants: Typically $75,000–$500,000 to innovative NC life science companies to help achieve key milestones and attract follow-on investment.
· University Technology Development Funding: Grants to NC universities to advance research with commercial potential.
· Event & Meeting Grants: Support for professional biotech events and conferences that foster innovation collaboration.
· Loan Programs: Offers Small Business Research Loans (e.g., $75K–$500K) and Strategic Growth Loans for later-stage scaling (e.g., $500K+), assisting firms with product development and regulatory progress.
Entrepreneurs and researchers typically apply through NCBiotech’s online funding portals for specific grant/loan programs and must demonstrate North Carolina operations or impact, innovation potential, and clear development milestones. Programs are competitive and structured by funding type and goal (research, commercialization, workforce development).
Company Funding (up to $500K for strategic growth and commercialization).
· Partnership Development Grants (up to ~$100K to attract company expansion/relocation and job growth).
· University Technology Development & Innovation Grants support academic research translation.
· Loan Programs spanning early prototyping support to strategic scaling.
Eligibility
Sector Focus: Life sciences (biotech, biomedical devices, diagnostics, agbio, bioeconomy, biomanufacturing, etc.).
Geography: Must be a North Carolina-based or significantly NC-linked organization (company or university).
Stage: Supports early research to commercialization, including pre-startup research, startup growth, and scaling phases.
Team & Capability: Projects with credible technical teams, compelling commercial strategy, and measurable milestones.
Process
· Initial Submission: Applicants submit proposals, budgets, milestones, and commercialization plans for review.
· Technical & Commercial Review: NCBiotech evaluates scientific merit, market potential, and alignment with program goals.
· Selection & Awarding: Successful applicants receive grants or loans with reporting and milestone commitments.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Strategic Capital: Non-dilutive grant funding and low-interest loans to advance scientific discovery, product development, and regulatory/commercial readiness.
Research & Commercial Support: Grants like Biotechnology Innovation Grants (e.g., up to ~$100K) to bridge research to early commercial validation.
Ecosystem Connectivity: Introductions to investors, mentors, and partners across North Carolina’s biotech corridors.
Workforce & Education Programs: Links to training and workforce development initiatives, often in partnership with state education systems.
