The mission of the North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation is
to improve the economic well‐being and quality of life of all North Carolinians
through advancing science, technology, and innovation. 

To achieve this mission, the Office develops and administers policies and programs that accelerate both the development of next-generation technology companies and the adoption of technology across existing industry.

As staff to the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, and working with organizations across the state, it identifies and communicates emerging opportunities in science and technology and prepares and publishes analyses outlining the competitive position of North Carolina’s businesses and research institutions in these areas.

The NC Office of Science, Technology & Innovation conducts tactical programs (in the form of grant programs), strategic programs, and policy research & reports to advance economic growth in the state.

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The North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation offers the following grant programs to fund innovative science and technology companies in the state:

One North Carolina Small Business Program
(Applications now being accepted! Click on link for more information)

  • The SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program provides funding to help NC businesses apply for federal Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards.    
     
  • The SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program awards matching funds to NC businesses who have received a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR award. 

The SBIR and STTR programs help small businesses develop and commercialize innovative new technologies.

To see the latest program solicitations, apply to the program, submit a report, or find information about the program in general, see:

One North Carolina Small Business Program 

To learn about the impacts of the program, see Program Impacts & Success Stories

Also see the latest press release on awarded FY 2024 grants: North Carolina Awards Science, Technology and Innovation Grants to 80 Small Businesses (October 18, 2024).

The Office of Science, Technology & Innovation produces research and reports that focus on both innovation and strategy, and is responsible for producing the state's primary innovation barometer, Tracking Innovation. Recent reports from the Office include:

Innovation

NC Innovation Index (2024)Advancing Defense Innovation
Tracking Innovation 2024 Report Cover
Advancing Defense Innovation PDF First Page
See Press ReleaseSee Press Release 

 

NC Coalitions Support & Resource GuideUniversity Innovation Council
University Innovation Council
See Press Release 

See more innovation reports.
 

Strategy

Southeast Energy Innovation LeadershipClean Energy and Clean Transportation
Southeast Energy Innovation Leadership PDF
Clean Energy and Clean Transportation PDF

 

Carolinas' Energy Economy SurveyNC In the Next Tech Tsunami
Carolinas' Energy Economy Survey PDF
NC in the Next Tech Tsunami
See Press ReleaseSee Press Release

See more strategy reports.
 

A comprehensive list of the Office's policy research reports and files can be found here.

North Carolina is prioritizing the formation and continued support of Technology Coalitions (also referred to as Hubs, Clusters, Centers) that can compete for federal or private funding opportunities related to innovation, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing projects statewide.  The goals for the State of North Carolina and the NC Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI) and the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation (BSTI) are to:      

Foster Innovation: Coalitions bring together diverse stakeholders, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. This can lead to groundbreaking advancements in technology and other sectors. 

Enhance Economic Development: Increased funding and innovation translate to job creation, business growth, and overall economic development. 

Promote Sustainable Growth: By building strong Coalitions and implementing efficient practices, North Carolina can create sustainable growth models that benefit communities across the state, fostering accountability and supporting long-term prosperity. 

Attract More Funding: Coalitions are powerful vehicles for securing federal and private funding. By supporting Coalitions, North Carolina can increase its share of grants and investments, driving economic growth and innovation.

In pursuit of these goals, we have created a Coalition Support and Resource Guide to provide a key resource for Coalitions pursuing federal or private investment, so that Coalitions can pursue those opportunities with stronger internal capabilities and the support, through OSTI/BSTI or otherwise, that they need to succeed. 

Key Areas in Coalition Support & Resource Guide

OSTI/BSTI provides a broad set of resources and strategic support for Coalitions and are seeking to grow the range and types of support through strategic initiatives with the State of North Carolina: 

OSTI Support for Coalitions

North Carolina Technology Coalitions are encouraged to work with the OSTI in identifying support opportunities that strengthen your Coalition. To start your communication and identify support from OSTI, please fill out the NC Coalitions Intake Form. 

The information provided in the Intake Form allows for Coalitions and OSTI to measure their maturity level and preparedness across key dimensions, including financial management infrastructure and alignment with OSTI’s mission.  These resources are used to identify areas that Coalitions may want to expand and grow, so they can be strategic in how they seek support from OSTI.

Since 2017, the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI), on behalf of the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation (BSTI), has had a special focus on the Data Economy a business ecosystem predicated on the digital transformation of operations, products, and services

"Data Economy" is a general term inclusive of big data, data science, and analytics. Leadership in the Data Economy is becoming increasingly critical, as more and more economic value is based on the ability to successfully collect and manipulate data for insight and profit.

To facilitate preparation of students in North Carolina to contribute to and thrive in the Data Economy, the BSTI, with support from the NC Office of Strategic Partnerships (OSP), has developed a visualization tool to map the distribution of data literacy pathways in Career and Technical Education (CTE) among high schools in North Carolina, as well as data-focused certificates and degree programs across community colleges, four-year colleges and universities in across the state.

The visualization tool’s intended users include (but are not limited to) educators, government agencies, elected officials, and business leaders. Created by Western Carolina University (WCU) professor Scott Barlowe, the tool is available at:


A link to documentation on explaining and illustrating how to use the tool is at the link above and Documentation

Additional background on the visualization tool's development is available at OSP's Project Portal. 

Additional information about the strategic importance of the Data Economy is available at Data Economy Press Release.

Executive Staff

John Hardin, Ph.D.
Executive Director
919-280-5249
jhardin@commerce.nc.gov
Jesse S. Jur, Ph.D.
Deputy Director
919-928-2342
jjur@commerce.nc.gov
Chris Schmidt
Grants Manager
919-814-4668
chris.schmidt@commerce.nc.gov
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