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A New Way
Let's change the way we change the world
The past is filled with stories of iconic innovators. Their solo sparks of brilliance changed how we live. Thinkers whose singular a-ha moments inspired new inventions. The complex problems of the future call for a new way. We can't rely on serendipitous sparks of personal genius. Or just hunker down. We have to branch out, connect and collaborate.
National-caliber network
At the Junction, work and connect with founders, advisors and experts from UNC-connected accelerators and incubators, social entrepreneurs, corporate innovation squads, and Carolina's own innovation team – making you part of one of the strongest and experienced innovation communities in the nation.
Industry-academic collaborations
When high-growth corporations, startups and universities intersect, together we chart territory that we can’t cover alone. Experience a cross-hatching of talent and expertise among industry experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and top students as we explore mutual possibilities that wouldn’t materialize elsewhere.
Flexible work environment
Our mix of open coworking, private office and dynamic collaboration spaces are designed to adapt to your changing needs. Use them to spark creative collisions, get rapid results, and work the way you want to work.
A location like no other
The Junction lives in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, just steps from Carolina’s campus and a newly planned 1,100 space parking deck. That puts you at the front door of top research and student talent. And in the center the town’s cultural vibrancy: storied places to eat, grab a drink, shop, and soak in Chapel Hill’s inventive and artistic spirit.
Tools of innovation
Learn to apply proven tools and methods of innovation, both informally and through special members-only workshops and talks, and larger scale events and mixers.
Diversity-driven impact
Our specialization is diversity. The Junction is a place to connect with experts from many industries, backgrounds and points of view. Dig deep into one industry. And then step back to explore cross-industry and interpersonal intersections that amplify your work in unexpected ways.
At the Junction, we equip one another with shared wisdom, creative collisions and the proven tools of innovation that lead to impact.
Our Innovative Lens
Open to all
Innovation isn’t reserved for the elite few or the so-called “born innovators.” It’s a path available to all with a curiosity and passion for making an impact. The Junction is open to everyone in the innovation community.
Creative collisions
Individual ingenuity is powerful. And its impact grows exponentially when it collides and coalesces with the wisdom of others. We innovate better when we innovate together.
For the public good
People across North Carolina and around the world should benefit from the ideas and research of innovators in Chapel Hill. The companies, products and services we create are avenues to human and economic impact.