Innovation and Commercialization

The UNC School of Medicine (SOM) is committed to translating scientific discoveries into real‑world health impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. SOM faculty, staff, and trainees are supported through a coordinated ecosystem that connects research discovery with technology development, commercialization, and industry partnerships.

Leadership in Commercialization and Translational Advancement

Dedric A. Carter, PhD, MBA, serves as Vice President for Commercialization and Translational Advancement at UNC Health, where he provides system‑wide leadership to accelerate the translation of medical research discoveries into clinical and commercial applications. In this role, Dr. Carter develops and advances commercialization strategies across the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, forges partnerships among researchers, clinicians, and industry, and supports inventors and entrepreneurs in moving innovations toward patient impact.

Dr. Carter brings a strong track record of advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in academic health systems. Since joining UNC‑Chapel Hill in 2023, he has led record‑breaking growth in invention disclosures, patents, startups, and economic impact through his leadership of the University’s innovation ecosystem, helping to strengthen the pathway from research discovery to real‑world application.

School of Medicine Commercialization Partnerships

The UNC School of Medicine works closely with campus and system partners to support investigators at every stage of the innovation process, including:

• UNC Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), which manages invention disclosures, intellectual property protection, licensing, and industry engagement
• Innovate Carolina, UNC‑Chapel Hill’s pan‑university innovation and entrepreneurship initiative, which provides resources for company formation, startup support, and external partnerships

Through these collaborations, the School of Medicine ensures that discoveries made in laboratories and clinics are positioned for successful commercialization, startup formation, and translation into therapies, diagnostics, devices, and digital health solutions that improve patient care.

Supporting Researchers and Innovators

Faculty and research teams are encouraged to engage early with OTC and Innovate Carolina to explore commercialization pathways, protect intellectual property, and identify opportunities for partnerships and funding. Together with UNC Health leadership, these partners help advance innovations from concept to clinic—strengthening UNC’s role as a leader in biomedical innovation.

2025 Innovation & Economic Impact Brief

Additional Resources

The Office of Research hosted a webinar featuring Curie Bio, a partner for academic innovators looking to advance therapeutic Discoveries.  See the link below to access the recording.

Curie.Bio Webinar – Accelerating Your Biotech Breakthrough – September 24, 2025