This column was contributed by Lydia Thomas, UNCW CIE Program Manager.
The UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UNCW CIE) is thrilled to launch the Wilmington Innovation Forum, a monthly, one-hour program spotlighting the ideas, expertise, and research shaping our region’s future. The Wilmington Innovation Forum will take place on the first Thursday of every month, launching on February 5, 2026, and is brought to our region through sponsorship by NC Innovation and UNCW Research and Innovation.
Each Wilmington Innovation Forum session features a UNCW faculty member or community expert sharing a 35–40-minute talk on their area of expertise, whether in technology, science, business, or other fields, followed by a 20-minute interactive Q&A. At its core, the forum is about knowledge sharing and collaborative learning. It’s an opportunity to explore new ideas, and connect university and community partners in meaningful conversations that drive innovation and growth.
Launch Day: February 5, 2026
On February 5, Wilmington Innovation Forum launches its first speaker, Dr. Seth Butler. Dr. Butler is an Assistant Professor at UNCW's Cameron School of Business, where he teaches and researches entrepreneurship. He received a PhD and an MBA from the University of Alabama.
The session, “How Entrepreneurs Work with Mentors,” focuses on the differences in types of entrepreneurs and types of mentors, different types of support provided by mentors, tips for finding a mentor, or for programs to match mentors with entrepreneurs.
Join us for the first session with lunch and community:
When: February 5, 2026, from noon – 1 p.m.
Where: UNCW CIE, parking is free and directly in front of the building.
Cost: Free for CIE members, tenants, mentors, and coworkers. $5 for non-CIE members. Register here
Upcoming sessions
Join us March 5 for the second session where Dr. Lance Cummings presents “Making Smarter Systems: Content Strategy for an AI World.” You’ll learn about why AI struggles with your content and the simple structural changes that make information more accessible to both humans and machines, improving search, reducing confusion, and cutting time spent hunting for answers. The five information types framework - a practical system for organizing knowledge that works whether you're managing a small business website, coordinating nonprofit programs, or structuring educational materials. How to diagnose and fix information chaos, concrete strategies for identifying where your content systems are breaking down and immediate steps to build more effective knowledge infrastructure.
When: March 5, 2026, from noon – 1 p.m.
Where: UNCW CIE, parking is free and directly in front of the building.
Cost: Free for CIE members, tenants, mentors, and coworkers. $5 for non-CIE members. Register here
Do you have something you want to present?
Have expertise that could benefit local business owners? Apply to present! Submit your topic idea here. We’re looking for UNCW faculty and staff, along with knowledgeable community experts, to share insights with the greater Wilmington community and local entrepreneurs and business owners.
If you have questions, please email cie@uncw.edu or see our website at uncw.edu/cie.
Connect with CIE
To learn more about CIE and our services, programs, and events, follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube. CIE’s website is uncw.edu/cie.
Heather McWhorter is the director of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). CIE supports innovation-forward start-ups and helps to build a vibrant innovation economy for all in southeast NC.
