A&T Partners with Launch Greensboro to Create Aggie Innovation Lab

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Launch Greensboro, an initiative of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, have launched Aggie Innovation Lab, a pilot experiential learning program designed to connect student talent with real business needs across the entrepreneurial community in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Aggie Innovation Lab creates a structured, hands-on model where students gain real-world experience while supporting local founders as they work through active business challenges.

The concept originated from a project pitched by Launch Greensboro Director Elizabeth Kane, who saw an opportunity to intentionally connect the region’s growing startup ecosystem with the deep student talent at N.C. A&T.

Through a partnership with The Honors College at A&T, the lab operates as an honors-credit opportunity. During the pilot semester, 16 students are participating and have been placed into small teams assigned to four local companies. Each team works throughout the semester on clearly defined projects tied directly to business growth, strategy, and execution.

Student work is supported through ongoing mentorship and guidance from Kane alongside A&T faculty and staff, including Sean Johnson, director of the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Buffie Longmire-Avital, Honors College associate dean for Academics; and Lu-Ann Berry of SpiceLAB Enterprise.

For students, Aggie Innovation Lab offers a rare opportunity to apply classroom learning to real entrepreneurial work while exploring career paths in innovation and business leadership. For participating companies, the lab provides focused student teams dedicated to advancing meaningful business initiatives.

Aggie Innovation Lab reflects a shared commitment by Launch Greensboro, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and A&T to experiential learning, inclusive entrepreneurship and building a stronger local startup ecosystem.

The pilot program will conclude just ahead of Greensboro Startup Week, also hosted by Launch Greensboro, creating a natural bridge between student-led innovation and the region’s broader entrepreneurial community.