entrepreneurship

Illustration of a person with curly hair and glasses, wearing a white coat. Background includes icons of a book, light bulb, atom, and flask. Text reads "Women in Innovation, NC State University Office of Research Commercialization.

Mar 17, 2025

Meet Four Wolfpack Women Who’ve Launched Research-based Startups

The Office of Research Commercialization asked four women who’ve launched and led startup companies based on NC State research (including two from the Wilson College of Textiles) for their advice and insights.

A YouTube thumbnail. On the right, Reid Barnett stands at a podium giving a presentation to an audience. The screen behind him displays charts. The text on the left side reads "Pitch to the Pack Winner."

Mar 6, 2025

A Q&A With Pitch to the Pack’s Inaugural Winner

Hear from NC State Ph.D. student and entrepreneur Reid Barnett about the story behind his business and the impact of Pitch to the Pack.

A YouTube thumbnail. On the right, Annie Hoyt is holding a microphone and remote looks upward, presenting at "Pitch to the Pack 2025" event. The event name is displayed in large red letters on a white background on the left side of the thumbnail.

Mar 6, 2025

Entrepreneurial Spirit Takes Center Stage at Inaugural Pitch to the Pack Competition

The Wilson College of Textiles and Wells Fargo teamed up to provide resources and opportunities to NC State entrepreneurs to grow their textile-related businesses.

Jan 13, 2025

Cutting-Edge Flex Factory to Honor Textile Titan, W. Duke Kimbrell ’49

Textile innovation and entrepreneurship at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles will reach unprecedented heights with the newly named W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory.

Fry works with the weaving machine, which consists of multiple wooden frames guiding the fibers.

Sep 23, 2024

LOOM3D: Wilson College of Textiles Ph.D. Student Founds Sustainable Startup

Meet Jeanine Fry, a textile technology management Ph.D. student who went from costume designer and suit tailor to textile researcher and business owner.

Sep 17, 2024

Wilson College Students Get Leg-up on Building a Business, Designing Products in Immersive Summer Program

The inaugural Wilson College Summer Innovation Program offered students valuable hands-on learning opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Prototype Lab.

Bailey Knight (left) and Andre West (right) stand in the Prototype Lab, discussing designs printed onto a tote bag. Bailey points at the fabric laid out on a large cutting table, which features several tote bags with colorful prints. Various sewing and cutting machines are in the background.

Aug 27, 2024

Innovative Flex Factory to Serve Students, Industry Partners Under One Roof

Slated for construction in early 2025, this state-of-the-art facility will combine the Wilson College of Textiles Prototype Lab and the Senior Design Lab in one space.

Two women in a workspace discuss ideas, one holding a tablet while the other points at it. Behind them are pinboards with photos and fabric samples. A coffee cup and some fabric are on the table. Both women are smiling and appear engaged in a collaborative discussion.

Jul 12, 2024

Wilson College of Textiles Sponsors a Team in the Andrews Launch Accelerator Sparking a New Partnership in Innovation

Textile technology alumna's business participates in NC State program that launches entrepreneurship journeys.

Adhiraj Shinde holds up a dress on a hanger and Aishwarya Lahariya looks at it. A group of other people are also in the room behind them.

May 21, 2024

Textile Engineering Alum Creates Plant-Based Artisanal Fashion Brand

Wilson College of Textiles alumnus Adhiraj Shinde’s brand, Jiwya, showcases the work of grassroots Indian textile artists.

Agee Leinberry models a green and white checkered dress accessorized with gold jewelry.

Jan 18, 2024

Agee Leinberry FTM ’14: Sustainable Solutions in Luxury Fashion

A passion for high-end brands, sustainability and business inspired FTM ‘14 alumni Agee Leinberry to become her own boss by founding Couper - a luxury fashion retailer that creates one-of-a-kind eventwear capsules.