Startup event with NEW in Wilmington starts at 4 PM , Feb 28

The number one question I get from Raleigh / Durham is WHY isn't there more innovation happening in Wilmington? If you remember the September 5, 2013 grand opening of the UNCW CIE, the Innovation Index said Wilmington was the 8th largest city in NC but 24th in innovation. https://www.nccommerce.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=innovation%20index So we are going to tackle that question. And I have a LOT to say on this topic, because I have lived it for the last FIVE years and for the last 19 years within North Carolina. But the guest entrepreneurs will do the talking at the event. There is deal flow in Wilmington despite the naysayers. A recent investor who spoke at our event said they missed the earlier deal flow, but Wilmington now has his attention. Our speakers come from these four fast growth industries : Biometrics, Women's Health, Virtual Reality and Hemp. (Pun not intended, I KNOW hemp is not what you smoke for THC...) I am personally frustrated by reading this quarterly report of grants to startups throughout the state and Wilmington not being listed. It has been several quarters since a Wilmington startup has won from this organization. There is PLENTY to work with if they believed in Wilmington. So I, with your help, plan to change that with ACTION. You have seen these improved amount of assistance and changes with organizations like CED, NC Tech Association and NC IDEA since 2013. Here are the four speakers : - Karl Riccanek - Professor at UNC Wilmington and Founder of Lapetus Solutions, recognized by NC Tech Association as one of the Top Ten Startups to Watch. AFLAC insurance duck is a client.  https://www.lapetussolutions.com/about/ - Sara Rose Harcus - UNC Wilmington Chemistry Graduate and Founder of Dmanna , a solution for people with uterine tract infection (women AND men suffer) . Winner of Women to Watch in 2018. She is also cofounder of Huify with her husband Josh. https://www.dmanna.com/ - Jeff Guard - Founder of Brilliant Sole , winner of the Tech (Startup) Madness from Exit Event, Top Ten Startups to Watch by NC Tech Association and winner of Cuclaorus Connect Rocket Pitch. Also an original tenant of UNCW CIE. https://www.brilliantsole.com/  - Kyle Trivisonno - Founder of EcoTek Industries , Winner of 2017 NC IDEA grant. Kyle and his company are using HEMP to develop new prosthetic legs. HEMP was recently legalized by the US Farm Bill and already has 300 growers in North Carolina.  https://www.ecotekind.com/ A BIG Thank you to our sponsors like Adam Shay CPA ( http://adamshaycpa.com/ ), Justin Wolfe of Strategic Investments ( https://strategicinvestmentsnc.com/our-team/ ) , Live Oak Bank, the Cohen family, the Fisher Family Foundation and of course Ironclad Brewery,  Please connect with NEW on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/NEWilm/ ) and Twitter @redspireusnc and connect with Bunker Labs @bunkerlabsrdu