December 16, 2025

FIRST FLIGHT HAPPENINGS

We were honored to welcome a delegation from Denmark to First Flight Venture Center as we continue strengthening the connection between North Carolina and Denmark’s innovation and agriculture ecosystems.

Our guests represented the Danish Agriculture and Food Council: Kenneth Lindharth Madsen and Michael Stahlschmidt. And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark: Jeppe Juul Petersen and Jens Lehmann Christensen.

The day brought together leaders from Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP), North Carolina State University, the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, BTEC, and North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech). The alignment across our regions is clear, and the potential is significant.

First Flight is proud to serve as a bridge for global partnerships that support founders and strengthen North Carolina’s innovation economy. 

We're excited for what this collaboration will unlock next.

North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem showed up strong today as we welcomed the North Carolina Coalition for Defense Researchers (NC CDR) to First Flight Venture Center.

Led by Denny Lewis of the North Carolina Military Business Center, the session brought together brilliant minds focused on defense innovation, dual use technologies, and new pathways for collaboration. We were honored to host special guests from JSOC who shared insights that sparked meaningful conversation about the future of defense research in our state.

First Flight is proud to serve as a hub where innovators, researchers, and partners can connect, learn, and build what comes next for North Carolina.

First Flight's program Director, Dr. Balaji Vasudevan was featured twice at the NCBC 2025 Global Forum Conference.

During the startup pitch session, he served as a panel judge, applying his expertise. He also participated in the Investing Strategies in Alt Proteins panel, where he shared valuable insights with attendees.

🎤 Call for Speakers and Presenters!

We're looking for dynamic Itineraries "Science Talk" speakers to share breakthrough ideas and research at our monthly lunch and learns. Have something exciting to present? Let’s hear it!

We're also seeking early-stage startups to pitch during Test Flight Pitch Practice program designed to help you sharpen your message and gain valuable feedback from our community.

👉 Interested in speaking or pitching?

Email Ashley Davis at adavis@ffvcnc.org to learn more or submit your interest.

Unlock Your Innovation with Affordable Lab & Office Spaces!

Looking for the perfect space to grow your venture?

Look no further!

We offer labs and offices designed to meet your needs, with flexible, short-term lease options that adapt to your business journey.

Lease Terms:

• Labs starting at $1400/month
• Offices starting at $750/month

In addition to prime workspace, you'll also enjoy access to advanced prototyping and fabrication equipment via Hangar6—the ultimate resource for turning your ideas into reality!

Why Choose Us?

• Short-term leases tailored to your timeline
• Access to cutting-edge equipment at Hangar6
• RTP location and fully equipped spaces
• A community of like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators

Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure the perfect space for your growth. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our leasing options.

Please reach out to Darlene (dbascombe@ffvcnc.org) to learn more!

As part of our larger renovation project, we’ve been making exciting enhancements to our Hangar6 Digital Prototyping Lab. We can’t wait to share the updated space with you.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!

In the meantime, are you ready to build?

FREE ONE-HOUR

DESIGN CONSULTING

Join us today for an exciting Test Flight Pitch Practice session featuring two visionary founders.

NanoinGreen - Carolina Aguila (from Chile and will be VIRTUAL)

Elaka Treats - Shafna Shamsuddin (Shafna is from Greensboro and will be IN PERSON)

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or innovation enthusiast, this is your chance to support innovation.

📅 Tuesday, January 13

⌚ 9:30 am

📍First Flight or via Zoom

First Flight Venture Center is delighted to host lunchtime programs, "Itineraries" that offer a chance for members of the First Flight community and broader innovation ecosystem to learn about the work of early-stage science-focused companies, network and have some fun at the same time! An Itinerary is ‘a planned route or journey,’ and this program gives companies often who are in residence at First Flight a forum in which to share where they are and where they plan to go.

📅 Tuesday, January 20

⌚ 12 pm

📍First Flight

WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health) NC Delegation booth, February 9-12  | FEB 9-12 | SIGN UP HERE

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