Moving into First Flight was one of the best decisions I made when we started NALA. Being there was formative to who we are as a company. NALA Membranes was a resident at FFVC for four years and very early on we became part of the First Flight Family. Over that time NALA grew from an idea funded by NSF to an emerging CleanTech company supported by Venture Capital.  We took advantage of First Flight programming and support opportunities that helped us build contacts, camaraderie, and experience that we needed. First Flight isn't fancy but it's functional, educational, and feels like home.

- Sue Mecham, CEO, NALA Membranes

Who Can Become a Member?

Science and technology-focused early stage companies are eligible to be considered for membership at First Flight. In general, companies that work in the following sectors are considered for membership:

  • Agriculture Technology (AgTech)

  • Agriculture Biology (AgBio)

  • Advanced Bio Manufacturing

  • Biotechnology

  • Clean Tech

  • CRO

  • Devices

  • Deep Tech

  • Diagnostics

  • Defense/Military Innovation

  • Electronics

  • Energy

  • Manufacturing

  • Materials Science / Smart Textiles

  • Medical Devices

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Therapeutics

  • Many more focus areas serving “High Science, Deep Tech, High Impact” companies.

 

how do i become a member?

First Flight works hard to create a community of science-based start-ups focused on success—not only for their company, but for their fellow members. To maintain this community, we ask interested companies to apply for membership so that we can be sure we are a good fit for each other. After receiving your application, First Flight will contact you for an interview.

Upon approval, arrangements are made for contractual agreement, move-in, office/lab upfit, etc.

Since all work spaces are customized to your needs, First Flight does not have a standard price/sq. ft. Pricing will be determined after we learn your customized needs. View more information about available lab and office space.

 

what are the Membership options?

First Flight strives to facilitate networking, collaboration and engagement among our community and key stakeholders. Early stage science-based companies may apply to be a member of the First Flight incubator community in three ways:

  • Resident Memberships

  • Hangar6 Prototyping Memberships

  • Co-Working Memberships

 

Resident Membership

Secure on-site office or lab space for a monthly charge. Includes space-sharing benefits, expert business and investor readiness advice, synergy with like-minded entrepreneurs, educational programs and social gatherings. Learn more about Resident memberships.

 

Hangar6 prototyping membership:

Many early-stage companies need to make physical prototypes to advance their business. First Flight developed Hangar6 as the Research Triangle region’s premier prototyping and design assistance space for science and technology-based companies. This unique facility enables fast, economical designing, modeling, and building of product prototypes using tools, such as 3D scanners, CO2 lasers, metal fiber lasers, CNC mill, 3D printers and more. Visit Hanger6 for details about membership packages.

 

Co-working membership:

Become a part of the First Flight community with a choice of economical, non-resident, annual memberships and take advantage of benefits ranging from an RTP mailing address and package handling, conference room and workspace use, mentoring by business experts, and attendance to educational programs. Learn more about Co-Working memberships.