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Seed2Grow Entrepreneurship

Launching the next big name in plant science innovation

Startups Get Their Start Here

We strive to grow entrepreneurs with grit and determination to improve the world through plant science innovation, accelerating new discoveries and technologies and launching new startups, all in the interest of advancing agriculture in North Carolina and beyond.

The N.C. PSI Seed2Grow Startup Program offers exciting new opportunities for researchers who want to turn their ideas into local and global solutions. Admission to the program, granted by our Commercialization Advisory Council, offers:

  • Access to the Plant Sciences Building’s specialized labs, core facilities, research and meeting spaces
  • Proximity to talent: leading faculty members, graduate students and undergrads
  • Mentoring with an Executive in Residence
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Assistance with Business Plan Development and Marketing

Startup Spotlight: Soteria Formulations

Soteria Formulations’ seed coatings and pelleted granules extend the performance of agricultural chemicals and biological products through targeted delivery and release. What began as NC State research to boost crop performance on small African farms now has implications for farmers working at any scale, anywhere in the world.

Two entrepreneurs in a cornfield

A Place to Innovate

Our Seed2Grow AgTech incubator, a 2,500-square-foot combined open office and wet lab space in NC State’s Plant Sciences Building, houses agricultural technology startup companies emerging from the university. 

Open work space near a ;laboratory

Executives in Residence

Appointed by the advisory council, executives in residence provide guidance to startup companies, liaise between the companies and the council and serve as advocates for companies in identifying and overcoming hurdles.

Commercialization Advisory Council

The Commercialization Advisory Council helps identify promising technologies with market potential, provides their expert advice on commercializing N.C. PSI technologies and uses their experience to provide high-level mentorship to N.C. PSI startups.

  • Adrian Percy, chair, N.C. PSI
  • Lisa Chang, co-director, Poole College of Management
  • Kathleen Denya, co-director, N.C. PSI
  • Ryan Rapp, Flagship Pioneering and Terrana Biosciences
  • Amanda Rose, RTI International
  • Tim Martin, NC State Office of Research Commercialization
  • Mark Brooks, C.H. Robinson
  • Mohan Tavorath, International Farming Corp.
  • Blake Stevens, Alexandria Real Estate
  • John Dombrosky, Verdesian Life Sciences
  • Giles Shih, Big Ripple
  • Jillian Chase, Azolla Ventures
  • Hannah Web, LeVert Ventures
  • Pam Marrone, Invasive Species Corp.
  • Paul Ulanch, North Carolina Biotechnology Center

For more information

Kathleen Denya

Kathleen Denya, Ph.D.

Director of Innovation Partnerships
[email protected] or 919.513.2073

PAUSED SEED2GROW COMPANIES

Flip Biosystems
Acre Shield