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Growing N.C. Agriculture, One Startup at a Time

Education

Nathan Rhein stands beside a research poster

Nov 17, 2025

Planting New Opportunities

A joint internship program between NC State Extension and N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative gave CALS student Nathaniel Rhein hands-on experience with interdisciplinary research. 
Four people standing in a building lobby, with one speaking into a microphone.

Nov 13, 2025

Bridging the Art-and-Science Divide

While popular opinion tends to place art and science at opposing poles, artist Leah Sobsey is more inclined to focus on the ground they share in helping us understand our… 
Group of students standing on a staircase

Nov 1, 2025

Students Win 2025-26 Funding from the N.C. PSI

With donor funding, the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative is supporting eight graduate students with research addressing a range of agricultural and environmental challenges. 
Plant Sciences Building

Oct 10, 2025

Sign Up to Attend or Compete in New Ag Tech Pitch Contest

The N.C. PSI Seed2Grow Showcase and Pitch Competition takes place Nov. 11 at NC State's Plant Sciences Building. 
Two women in a field examine corn leaves.

Oct 10, 2025

You’re Invited: Nov. 6 Art + Science Reception at the Plant Sciences Building

The event features artwork developed by North Carolina photo artist Leah Sobsey., who shadowed three NC State graduate students conducting plant-related research. 
Student in a corn field holding two corn cobs.

Oct 10, 2025

Unlocking Heirloom Corn’s Untapped Potential

To protect the future of America’s biggest crop, NC State researchers are cataloging traits in almost a thousand types of corn that were nearly lost to history. 
Man on a stage presenting a talk about plant protection.

Oct 8, 2025

Seed2Grow Spotlight: Verdia Diagnostics’ Zach Hetzler

A recent NC State Ph.D. graduate, Hetzler leads a university startup company out to improve the way farmers detect and diagnose plant diseases. 
Man at computer desk in an open office

Sep 12, 2025

From Crop Science to Computer Science

A passion for growing plants has led software developer Steve Amerige to pursue a doctorate in crop science with an eye toward helping advance the next wave of ag tech. 
Students gather round a man in a farm field and take notes.

Aug 14, 2025

Grad Students Dig Into AI for Ag

NC State’s GRAD-AID for Ag program got off to a great start this summer in preparing a future-proof workforce at the intersection of plant science and artificial intelligence, 
Two scientists look at tomato plants growing inside

Aug 13, 2025

Growing N.C. Agriculture, One Startup at a Time

Through its Seed2Grow program, the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative helps budding entrepreneurs who want to turn scientific ideas into real-world agricultural solutions.