Section 08: Tech Infrastructure Metrics
Start-Ups & Universities
One of North Carolina’s major strengths in its tech infrastructure is the high quality of research universities across the state
North Carolina rates strongly in the indicators that measure technology transfers from universities. Technology transfer leverages the innovation assets at universities and turns them into commercialized opportunities. A state’s ability to capitalize on its research capabilities and convert them into marketable concepts results in more tech start-ups and jobs.
In 2024, North Carolina universities executed 325 options and licenses. The state remained ranked #12 for this metric
This level of tech transfer can be measured by the number of options and licenses of university IP that are executed with the private sector. The Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) catalogs tech-transfer activity from more than 190 universities.
Source: AUTM (2025)
Technology Licenses & Options Executed From Universities, 2024
Start-Ups From Universities, 2024
North Carolina had the #7 highest number of start-ups spun off from its universities in 2024, with 37 new companies established
Another measure of technology transfer is the number of start-ups created from university research. This metric indicates both the level of entrepreneurial activity within a state’s universities and its ability to convert research assets and public funding into economic opportunities.