Gig East

06/05/2026

We’re one week into June and still riding the wave of energy May brought to Gig East! From big ideas brewing in the Exchange to hosting our inaugural Gig East Source Showcase & Ribbon Cutting, our community showed UP last month.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, worked alongside us, shared ideas, or brought the energy that makes Gig East the community it is today.

To keep up with what's happening in June, check out our event calendar: https://www.gigeast.com/programs-events/

06/04/2026

We’re excited to share that Nuream has been awarded funding from NC IDEA and NC Innovation to advance its research and further develop transformative technology. Congratulations to Nuream on these big wins and well‑deserved recognition!

The Nuream team is Exchange members and current participants of the Wilson-based RIoT Accelerator Program cohort. They're working to break new ground in brain‑health technology by developing innovative software and neuro‑monitoring tools that pair with fabric‑based sensors designed for at‑home neurological monitoring.

NCInnovation Award: https://www.ncinnovation.org/ncinnovation-approves-seven-point-nine-million-for-nine-university-projects-expands-statewide-portfolio-to-37-million-across-47-projects

NC IDEA Award: https://ncidea.org/press-release/nc-idea-awards-total-of-350000-to-seven-north-carolina-startups/

Learn More about Nuream: https://nuream.ai/

06/04/2026

Rural entrepreneurship doesn’t grow in isolation. It grows through networks, trust, local leadership, and the people building the conditions for founders to thrive.

That’s the focus of 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀, a panel discussion during our upcoming webinar on 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁.

Moderated by Rhonda Ladig, our Director of Entrepreneurship, this conversation will bring together four ecosystem builders working across rural America:
✦ Monica Bilak, Sprocket Paducah — Paducah, Kentucky
✦ Eric Harry, Wachholz Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at FVCC — Northwest Montana
✦ Rose Reza, UNM-Taos HIVE — Taos, New Mexico
✦ Emily Wells, Greenlight & Gig East — Wilson, North Carolina

Together, they’ll explore what it really takes to support rural entrepreneurs, connect local assets, strengthen ecosystems, and build opportunity that lasts.

The webinar will also include a deep look at rural entrepreneurship trends and a walkthrough of the Rural Entrepreneurship Index with Amanda Weinstein, our Director of Research, as well as a fireside chat between Jay Bockhaus, our Chief Investment Officer, and Dusty Birge, Founder and CEO of Fast Forward from Kearney, Nebraska.

Rural communities are already building what’s next. Join us to see what’s working — and what’s possible.

Register here: https://ow.ly/bJFV50Z7Juf

05/29/2026

Yesterday was a milestone moment in Gig East's history— our inaugural Gig East Source Showcase & Ribbon Cutting.

Partners, community members, and friends joined us from near and far as we officially introduced the Gig East Source to the world.

The Gig East Source sits alongside the Gig East Exchange as the 2nd physical workspace within the Gig East ecosystem. This site will serve as a smart agriculture testbed powered by Greenlight Community Broadband's fiber connectivity, enabling local growers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, tech developers, students, and community members to work side by side testing new farming technology and methods in a real-world growing environment.

Source Showcase brought together active AgTech pilots, research partnerships, and City departments for live demos, student presentations, a ribbon cutting at The Source with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce, and a community reception. The conversations were rich, the ideas were creative, and the energy was palpable.

Thank you to all who joined us, and all who made this day possible. We can't wait to watch how the seeds of connection that were planted yesterday continue to grow.

For more information about the Gig East Source, visit https://www.gigeast.com/programs-events/gig-east-source/

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Carol Creech Promotions & Marketing: Marketing Materials
Denmark Interiors: Florals
P L Woodard & Co: Table Florals, potted plants
Wilson Community College: Event Venue, Eagles Center
NC IDEA: Grant Provider
Wilson Police Department: Vans for transferring
Catalyst: Networking Refreshments

Greenlight, City of Wilson, NC - Government, RIoT, Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Wilson Parks & Recreation, SCTE's Crystal Coast Chapter, KHS Transportation Solutions. and Charlies Grinding and Mower Repair.

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

All corners of the United States were represented today at the Source Showcase. With more than 130 registrants, we had the opportunity to share the Gig East Source with people from all walks of life.

The best part of the day? Educating the Gig East, Wilson, and Smart Agriculture communities on the future of farming. Who knows — your next technology creation could help protect and sustain crops for generations to come.

Keep your notifications on to see a visual diary of today.

05/27/2026

We’re just one day away from Source Showcase 2026 — and there’s still time to save your spot!

Join us tomorrow at the Eagles Center as we explore the future of farming, ag‑tech innovations, and the creative solutions shaping how we grow and sustain our food systems.

From smart tools to sustainability‑focused ideas, this is your chance to meet the innovators moving agriculture forward in Wilson and beyond.

Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/gigeastsourceshowcase2026

05/26/2026

Just two days until we explore the future of farming at the Source Showcase 2026!

Join us May 28 at the Eagles Center for a day of ideas, creativity, and conversation. View the full agenda on our registration website.

Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/gigeastsourceshowcase2026

05/25/2026

It’s Showcase Week!

We’re just days away from the Source Showcase 2026 where ag‑tech innovators will present the ideas shaping tomorrow’s farming.

Make plans to join us this Thursday.


Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/gigeastsourceshowcase2026

05/23/2026

Only 5 days until the Source Showcase and Ribbon Cutting!

Register Here: https://events.humanitix.com/gigeastsourceshowcase2026