Weed-destroying bots | New innovation hub in NC

Weed-killing bot: Version 2.0

CHENEY, KS–Greenfield Robotics has unveiled its Version 2.0 robot. Called the Weedbot, the robot can travel through farmland at 3.5 mph, cutting weeds down within inches of a crop, eliminating the need for herbicides and tillage, with the aim of creating a healthier world.

Full-scale innovation hub comes to Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL, NC–The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will launch a full-scale innovation hub. The University’s innovation hub will be home to Innovate Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill’s central team that provides strategic guidance and practical tools and resources to support people and organizations on campus and in the community who make an economic and social impact through innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. The building will also be home to other life science and high-tech companies, creating new opportunities for academic-industry collaborations.

Learn about regional Innovation districts on Wednesday, April 27 at 2PM ET. Join us (virtually) for a panel discussion from experts from the 16 Tech Community Corporation (Indianapolis), Oklahoma City Innovation District, and the Pittsburgh Innovation District. Click here to RSVP.

Investment in Pitt startups

PITTSBURGH, PA–University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center will host its second annual competition for the new Big Idea Advantage Fund — a program launched in early 2021 to invest between $10,000 and $25,000 in startups from Pitt students of all levels. Here are some of the finalists.

Michigan Founders Fund

ANN ARBOR, MI–Michigan Founders Fund looks to bring together tech company founders throughout Michigan who can support each other as they build their businesses. The organization will start with more than 40 members consisting of startup founders and venture capitalists, and looks to grow beyond its Ann Arbor base.