First Flight Venture Center Names Dr. Charles Hamner as 2024 High Flyer Champion of Innovation

Contact: Krista Covey

First Flight Venture Center, Inc. 

Research Triangle Park, NC

Phone: (919) 990-8558

Email: kcovey@ffvcnc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2024

First Flight Venture Center Names Dr. Charles Hamner as 2024 High Flyer Champion of Innovation

Winner of the 2024 High Flyer Company Award to Be Announced at Luncheon on November 1, 2024

Research Triangle Park, NC – October 15, 2024 – First Flight Venture Center, the premier science and technology incubator in North Carolina, is proud to announce Dr. Charles Hamner as the 2024 High Flyer Champion of Innovation Award winner. Dr. Hamner’s trailblazing contributions to biotech and life sciences have left a lasting impact on the region, shaping the future of health and technology innovation.

With an illustrious career, including his leadership at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Dr. Hamner has been instrumental in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking research across the Triangle and beyond. This award recognizes his outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in North Carolina.

Now in its 4th year, The High Flyer Awards Luncheon celebrates transformative high-growth companies building a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. Past recipients include Fred Hutchison, Andrew Schwab, North Carolina governors, James G. Martin, and James B. Hunt.

The prestigious 2024 High Flyer Company Award winner will be revealed at the 2024 High Flyer Awards Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, November 1, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC. First Flight Venture Center will recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of the three startup finalists:  Windlift, PlantD, and DMC Biotechnologies. This celebration brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators to honor excellence in the North Carolina ecosystem.

Register Today to join this highly anticipated event, where networking, inspiration, and recognition come together under one roof.

Event Details:

Date:  November 1, 2024

Time:  11 AM – 1 PM

Location:  Prestonwood Country Club, 300 Prestonwood Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513

Tickets are available now, and space is limited! Don’t miss the opportunity to connect and celebrate the vibrant spirit of innovation. Visit https://www.ffvcnc.org/new-events/high-flyer-awards-luncheon-9hlk5 to purchase tickets.

About First Flight Venture Center

First Flight Venture Center is a high science, high impact science-focused business incubator and innovation hub located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, NC. Established in 1991, First Flight has hosted more than 400 science-focused companies, providing strategic education, tailored resources, guidance, business connections and office/lab space in a 25,000 sq.ft. facility. First Flight has launched businesses that have commercialized important new science breakthroughs and disruptive technologies, while creating thousands of jobs in North Carolina. For more information, visit http://ffvcnc.org or view First Flight video.


Colleen Lozano