Ignite Innovation

Great ideas rarely happen in isolation. They emerge when diverse perspectives come together.

The Ignite Innovation Forum is an interactive networking event that connects ECU researchers and innovators across disciplines to explore new ideas, identify collaboration opportunities, and ignite partnerships that advance research, innovation, and community impact.

GET INSPIRED
Hear from experts across fields, industry, and investment as they share their journeys, challenges, and perspectives.

THINK TOGETHER
Break into Think Tanks to identify high-impact challenges that need new solutions.

BUILD WHAT’S NEXT
Form interdisciplinary teams, brainstorm potential solutions, and identify funding opportunities to help move those ideas forward.

We’ll kick off each forum with a panel featuring perspectives from the viewpoint of the customer, industry, and investment. From there, participants will form Think Tank teams to identify key challenges, develop potential solutions, and explore funding opportunities and partnerships that could help move those ideas forward.

All disciplines are welcome and encouraged to participate. We’re looking for fresh perspectives and solutions across the spectrum from programs that improve quality of life to software, devices, therapeutics, biomarkers, and ideas we haven’t considered yet.

Fall 2026 Schedule

September 9th – Brain Health and Neurodegenerative Disease – Eastern AHEC – Register at https://eastcarolinauniversity.formstack.com/forms/ignite 

October 14th – Addiction and Rehabilitation – Eastern AHEC – Register at https://eastcarolinauniversity.formstack.com/forms/ignite_october

November 18th – Ideas Over Lunch – TBD