





The ACC InVenture Prize is an innovation competition in which teams of undergraduates representing each ACC university pitch their inventions or businesses before a live audience and a panel of judges. Teams compete for $30,000 in prizes and a chance to be the next ACC InVenture Prize winner.

Are you interested in innovation or have an idea? The first step is joining our community. From there, we will get you plugged into to resources across campus. 1789 is a community of UNC students with similar passions. It’s where you can explore innovative ideas, work on entrepreneurial projects and even begin to build a startup.

For both students and startup leaders, Carolina Startup Connect 2021 includes two events designed to build relationships among intern-seeking ventures and talented college students in central North Carolina. Carolina Startup Connect offers special funding opportunities that help startups and students afford the costs of internships – creating a win-win partnership for growing companies and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

Visit Ask an Innovator, a simple, yet powerful online platform that’s powered by Innovate Carolina and created in partnership with The Entrepreneurship Center at Kenan-Flagler Business School. This digital tool makes it easy for you to send your questions to our community of innovators who are ready to assist. It’s free and available for you to use at your convenience

Are you a Carolina student who’s working on a commercial or socially driven startup? Now is your chance to apply to two of UNC-Chapel Hill’s top student venture programs at the same time.
On February 3, Innovate Carolina will open a combined application for its 1789 Student Venture Fund and Launch Chapel Hill summer accelerator programs. The application deadline is February 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Six Reasons to Join 1789
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Competitions
Innovate Carolina powers the 1789 Community and also chooses, preps and supports the student venture representing UNC in both the ACC InVenture Prize and Map the System Competition annually. Learn more about both competitions first by being a 1789 hub member. We also share many other local, national and global opportunities to dig into your idea and win money! -
Jobs and Internships
Plug in to an expanding list of job and internship postings on the 1789 website. From internships during the school year and summer to longer term job possibilities, you’ll find great opportunities for starting out at a startup.
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Expert Advice
Is there a market for my idea? Who are my customers and competitors? How can I make an impact? How do I start raising money? Can I get software help? What about legal advice? 1789 members can schedule complimentary office hours with local entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovation experts to get wellinformed answers to big questions. -
Funding
Apply for 1789 student venture funding to seed your idea or startup connect funding to spend your summer interning at a local startup. Financial support is available to UNC students and updates are shared with 1789 Hub members first. 1789 Mentors serve as application reviewers so set up a causal chat with a mentor today to work on your idea.