REDE for the future

Innovations emerging from East Carolina University drive approaches to health care, provide access to educational opportunities and evidence the technical expertise and creativity of a major research-driven university. By leveraging strategic partnerships with small businesses, industry, government and community-based organizations, the university facilitates discovery and creative activities that drive economic and social mobility in eastern North Carolina and impacts communities across the globe. Presented here are ECU’s Research, Economic Development and Engagement (REDE) FY22 successes by the numbers.

Collaborative Success

Sponsored Research Activity

National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey (2020, latest report):

ECU ranks in the top 20% (192 out of 915).

Moving up 56 spots since 2011.

Funded Projects:
$82.1M, an all-time high

DoD funding:
$3.6M, an all-time high

42% of all sponsored activities include a community engagement and scholarship component

Pirate Participation

Student Research

ECU is committed to graduate the most students in North Carolina who experience a mentored research project.

Student Research Funding:
$8.45M

Paid Student Researchers:
1,191 (grad + undergrad)

Faculty Activity

The economic growth of our region is highly dependent on the research conducted by faculty.

Faculty Conducting Sponsored Research:
426

Number of Sponsored Awards:
473

Inspired Investments

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building

141,500 sq. ft.

Four Multidisciplinary Spaces:

• Bioengineering
• Biophysics
• Biology
• Eastern Region Pharma Center

Intersect East

240,000 sq. ft. located in the warehouse district with commitments from partners in the advanced manufacturing, technology and software industries.

Isley Innovation Hub

15,000 sq. ft. ideation and makerspace

Innovative Pursuits

Licensing and Commercialization

51 Invention Disclosures

6 U.S. Patents Issued

2 New Products on the Market

12 Faculty Startups

37 Active Licenses

35 National Academy of Inventors Members

Regional Impact

RISE29 Initiatives

RISE29 supports small businesses through student-led consulting projects and launches student-led businesses to create and retain jobs in eastern North Carolina.

46 Jobs Created

5 Businesses Started

21 Consulting Projects with Small Businesses

Small-Business Support

914 Clients

41 Business Starts

121 Jobs Created

272 Jobs Retained

$27.36M Capital Formation

ECU faculty, staff and students are leading innovative discoveries and creative activities that enhance the possibilities of brighter tomorrows.

For More Info

For more information about ECU’s Research, Economic Development and Engagement, visit rede.ecu.edu.

All data from fiscal year 2022.