Develop. Launch. Succeed.
Develop your idea, create your prototype, secure grants, launch your business, and in doing so, we create jobs and grow the economy of North Carolina.
WELCOME TO FIRST FLIGHT
The Home of "High Science, High Impact" Technological Innovation
First Flight is one of the nation's largest, most stable incubators with a proven record of success. We've hosted more than 400 companies, launched businesses that have commercializing and impactful new technologies, and created thousands of jobs. We have the experience and ecosystem you need for success.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Our Impact
The numbers tell the story better than we ever could. First Flight is proud to say that since 1991, our companies have accumulated a market capitalization of $20 billion, a truly remarkable number. Additionally, in 2023, First Flight companies filed over 28 patents and raised over $4,454,000 million in grants.
20
BILLION
Market Cap for First Flight Grads
420+
COMPANIES
In 33 years
323
MILLION
Investment Funds raised by equity since inception by 2023 Companies
34.6
MILLION
Grants Awarded to Companies while at First Flight in 2023
119
Patents currently held
50
Minority/ Women
employed by current First Flight companies
Our community supports your work.
Our community is an inspiring mix of start-ups, serial entrepreneurs, advisors and alumni. A collaborative spirit is part of our makeup, so you’ll have plenty of resources willing to share, advise or just talk.
OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs meet you
where you are at
First Flight propels early-stage science companies through the delivery of comprehensive resources and empowers innovators to transform good ideas into great successes. We use our Runway to Success to meet our companies where they are in their business life cycle to improve their probability of success
Pilots Lounge: Elevating ato New Heights
Wingspan: Your Gateway to a Landing in North Carolina
LET’S GET STARTED
We have labs, office spaces, programs, and so much more!
We are not a real estate company with long term leases. We’re a non-profit with a mission to help you develop your idea, create your prototype, secure grants, launch your business, and in doing so, we create jobs and grow the economy of North Carolina.
Our focus is on creating the support you need, not square foot pricing or occupancy rates. Our spaces are affordable and customizable wet labs, offices, power drops, sinks whatever you need. And our flexible leases evolve with you.
25,000 SQUARE FEET OF CONFIGURABLE SPACE
OUR PARTNERS
FIRST FLIGHT CHAMPIONS OF INNOVATION
Without the generous support of these companies and individuals, we would not be able to create & maintain services and programs for early stage companies.
SUPPORT JOB CREATION
Support our work.
First Flight is a non-profit. We don’t use federal or state funding for sustaining daily operations. Our residents benefit from the expertise and services of a community comprised of corporate service providers for early stage companies, foundations, and individual donors. With our generous supporters, we’re able to meet the ongoing needs of our startups. You can support our mission to advance game-changing technologies and create jobs with donations of time, equipment, resources, and financial gifts.
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Testimonials
