First Flight Venture Center

10/16/2026

From the Research Triangle to Rome: Krista Covey, President and CEO of First Flight Venture Center, joined MEET in Italy for Life Sciences to speak about connecting Italian life science companies with U.S. investors.

The event brought together leaders from across the life sciences ecosystem to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore opportunities to move innovation forward. We’re proud to see Krista represent First Flight Venture Center and share perspectives on the connections that can help promising companies grow across borders.

Thank you to the MEET in Italy for Life Sciences team for bringing the global life sciences community together.

10/15/2026

Hangar6 is your source for prototyping in the RTP!

10/15/2026

We’re pleased to announce the speakers for the 2026 High Flyer Awards Luncheon, First Flight Venture Center’s signature celebration of the founders, companies, and partners advancing high science, deep tech, and high impact innovation. This year’s luncheon will feature a fireside chat, “Beyond the Horizon,” moderated by US Ambassador to Denmark (Ret.), James P. Cain, with leaders bringing perspectives from entrepreneurship, international innovation, and ecosystem building. Our panelists are Barnaby Perks, Juhani Sirén, and Krista Covey!
Get your tickets! Sponsorship opportunities available!
Click the link for more info: https://lnkd.in/eDP2WDrz

10/14/2026

Thirsty Thursday in the RTP is tomorrow! Stop by our building at 2 Davis Drive, 4 - 5:30pm to wind-down, or wind-up! We don't judge! Cheers!
Register here: https://bit.ly/4yg7IJr

10/13/2026

Our October 7 Captain’s Circle Dinner brought First Flight Venture Center founders together for an evening of connection, great food, and an inspiring conversation with Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, co-founder and CEO of Quellios.

Dr. LeBoeuf shared the story behind building and selling Valencell, then bringing together a small team to launch the Quellios™ app, which helps people understand how their bodies respond to the foods they eat. His journey was a powerful lesson in grit, creative thinking, strong partnerships, and staying focused on the audience you’re working to reach.

We especially enjoyed hearing how his creativity—including cartooning—connects with his drive to solve medical challenges through wearable technology. Thank you, Dr. LeBoeuf, for being such a phenomenal guest speaker.

A heartfelt thank-you to Francine Jackson and Equipnet for sponsoring the evening and helping make this gathering possible. We’re grateful for your support of the First Flight Venture Center community.

10/10/2026

WooHoo! Congratulations to Dignify Therapeutics on receiving FDA clearance for its IND application for DTI-117, a major milestone that allows the company to move into first-in-human clinical testing.
We are incredibly proud to have Dignify Therapeutics as part of the First Flight Venture Center community. Reaching this point takes vision, persistence, and tremendous work—and we’re excited to see the team’s progress as they take this important next step.

Join us in celebrating Dignify Therapeutics and this exciting achievement!

/PRNewswire/ -- Dignify Therapeutics ("Dignify", the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical development company focused on restoring bowel and bladder control for...

10/07/2026

Hey textile innovators, it’s time to Pitch to the Pack!

Registration is open for the 2027 Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. Whether you’re developing new textile technology, creating sustainable materials, or designing products for everyday use, this opportunity can help you move your business forward.

Entrepreneurs can gain industry connections, mentorship, and access to resources—with the chance to win cash prizes to support prototyping and business development. First place receives $20,000!

Registration deadline: November 9, 2026
Video application deadline: November 19, 2026
Final pitch event: February 9, 2027

Learn more and register: https://pitchtothepack.textiles.ncsu.edu/

10/06/2026

Save the date: November 2–6, 2026!

First Flight Venture Center is proud to be a key partner in the inaugural Raleigh-Durham Climate Week, bringing together climate tech founders, investors, and ecosystem builders across the Triangle.

This week of free events will feature funding conversations, practical workshops, founder showcases, and opportunities to connect with the people turning climate innovation into businesses.

Mark your calendar and help us celebrate the ideas, talent, and collaboration shaping our region’s climate tech future.

👉 Sign up for updates: https://luma.com/raleigh-9p7k
Full schedule and event registration coming soon!

Save the Date! The climate economy is being built in the Triangle. From the labs of the Research Triangle to the factory floor, North Carolina has the talent,…

10/06/2026

There’s plenty of information out there. Finding the insights that matter to your business is where the challenge begins. 🔬

Join First Flight Venture Center and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for Life Sciences Intelligence & You. Discover how free information resources and custom research services can help you connect the dots and make business decisions backed by evidence.

Guest speakers Jess Reece and Claire Kozak from NCBiotech’s Life Sciences Intelligence team will share resources to help you better understand your market and inform your next steps.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
📍 First Flight Venture Center | 2 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

10/02/2026

What a great visit today from Round Rock, TX Chamber! A special shoutout to Zach Scott for organizing! We appreciate the meaningful conversations. We look forward to future connections!