Category: Commercialization

TEDx Talk with Victor W. Hwang

Paula Pingel

November 30, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

In this TEDx talk, Victor W. Hwang, the Founder & CEO of Right to Start, argues that real economic prosperity comes when communities foster what he calls an “innovation ecosystem”, a social environment where ideas, talent, and capital flow freely, and where everyone has a fair shot at building something new. For those of us Read more
NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit Recap

Paula Pingel

November 25, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I’m thrilled to share that I recently participated in the NC IDEA Ecosystem Summit, which celebrated 20 years of innovation and collaboration in North Carolina’s startup ecosystem. Here are a few key take-aways:1) Together with founders, funders and ecosystem builders, we looked at how far we’ve come and what’s still needed to fuel growth statewide.2) Read more
Tom Snyder: Why UNC System should ditch the ‘tollbooth’ mindset for statewide innovation

Paula Pingel

November 24, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Very thought-provoking article by Tom Snyder, which speaks to the major opportunity in North Carolina to shift from a “tollbooth” model of university IP licensing to a true “launchpad” for statewide innovation. Founder-friendly policies across the UNC System could unlock more startups, more jobs, and more investment—especially in regions that have historically been left out. Read more
More Americans Turn to Entrepreneurship

Paula Pingel

November 20, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Seeing more Americans turn to entrepreneurship lately isn’t surprising, and I’m proud to be part of that wave through my work with Right to Start. The recent rise in self-employment reflects a deeper shift: professionals are seeking autonomy, purpose, and a path to build something meaningful. At Right to Start, we believe everyone should have Read more
NC IDEA 2025 Summit

Paula Pingel

November 18, 2025

Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding, Technology & Innovation

What an incredible two days at the NC IDEA 2025 Summit. Day 1 featured panel discussions on mayoral perspectives on innovation, barriers to entrepreneurship, and statewide innovation models, as well as a fireside chat between Thom Ruhe and Andrew Yang. The day concluded with the celebratory announcement of the NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grant Read more
Innovation at UNC Charlotte – Dr. Liz Johnson

Paula Pingel

November 15, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I am honored to be assisting Dr. Liz Johnson in getting her incredible innovation to market as a part of my Regional Entrepreneurship role with NCInnovation. Dr. Liz Johnson: Thanks to Trevor Burnett and the team at Global SOF Foundation for including Tyler Hudson, Rick Hudson, and me in Modern Warfare Week Accelerator Alley. On Read more
Innovation at UNC Charlotte

Paula Pingel

November 15, 2025

Commercialization, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation, Wellness

I am privileged to be a Regional Entrepreneur for the Charlotte region. In this capacity, I partner with NCInnovation to help UNC Charlotte bring their IP to market. Jordan Poler, Ph.D. and his team at the UNC Charlotte Klein College of Science announced that its innovative nanostructured filtration media has passed the rigorous NSF/ANSI 42 and Read more
Incredible Keynote Speaker

Paula Pingel

September 30, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Teambuilding, Technology & Innovation

I was honored when Dr. Sarah Glova agreed to be our Keynote Speaker at our NC Starters Coalition Launch in September of 2025. Dr. Sarah Glova: Thank you so much for having me, Right to Start! Was wonderful to get to join hashtag#entrepreneurs, policymakers, civic and community leaders, and business advocates — all coming together Read more
Entrepreneuship at its Best

Paula Pingel

September 30, 2025

Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Jenny Stojkovic: This 41 year old CEO was rejected to every job she applied to, then made history as one of the youngest women to take a startup public. Meet Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. Read her full story now: https://lnkd.in/ggGQwdUW. Born in Detroit and raised in Flint, Michigan, Anjali grew up in a family Read more
Right to Start Kicked off Their North Carolina Starters Coalition

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Economy, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Jess Jur: Right to Start kicked off their North Carolina Starters Coalition with an event focused on “Making Entrepreneurial Opportunity a Civic Priority”. I was honored to sit down for a fireside chat with Thom Ruhe (NC IDEA) and Jess Anderson (Mayor, Town of Chapel Hill, NC). I must have been dreaming! 📻My main messages, Read more
North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch LI Post

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

Smitha Ragannagari: North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch! What an incredible day it was, bringing together so many dedicated leaders who are passionate about fostering a thriving small business ecosystem right here in our state.A huge thank you to all the leaders who joined the Launch, shared insights and the work you are doing. TRULY INSPIRING!!! Read more
North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch on ABC11

Paula Pingel

September 25, 2025

Commercialization, Economy, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

What an incredible success! Today our NC Starters Coalition Launch brought together passionate leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners committed to making entrepreneurial opportunity a civic priority in North Carolina. A huge thank you to our special guest speakers, panelists, Advisory Circle members, and attendees whose insights, energy, and dedication made this event such a powerful Read more
The Journey of Risk-Taking and Leaderhip Podcast Interview with Josette Mandela

Paula Pingel

September 13, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I’m so grateful to Josette Mandela for including me in the “The Journey of Risk-Taking and Leadership” episode of her “The Empowered Money Girl” podcast and for letting me share my journey and growth through taking risks. Read more
HealthTech Heroes Podcast Interview

Paula Pingel

June 25, 2025

Accountability, Business Impact, Change Management, Commercialization, Leadership, Technology & Innovation

I had the privilege of sharing some of my passions with Fasa (Fasahath) Husain, PhD, MBA, on his HealthTech Heroes podcast. Read more
Seed the South Capital Summit

Paula Pingel

May 28, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I had an incredible experience at the Seed the South Capital Summit last week; a transformative two-day journey of connection, learning, and celebration with hundreds of industry leaders across Southeast North Carolina. I was inspired by the powerful pitches from local entrepreneurs and gained valuable insights from subject matter experts, including Michael Praeger, the Co-Founder, Read more
NC IDEA Ecosystem Partner Event

Paula Pingel

May 28, 2025

Business Impact, Commercialization, Diversity, Economy, Leadership, Social Impact, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

It was inspiring to see CEO Thom Ruhe honor the entrepreneurs, funders, and partners gathered for the NC IDEA Ecosystem Partner event last week. I had the chance to speak with rural entrepreneurs who are actively transforming North Carolina’s rural communities. It was also enlightening to learn about NC IDEA’s unique partnerships, shared by Suzie Koonce, Read more
NC IDEA Annouces Addition of Regional Entrepreneurs in Residence

pingel

January 9, 2025

Commercialization, Leadership, Strategy, Technology & Innovation

I am thrilled and honored to serve as one of the four Regional Entrepreneurs in Residence for NC IDEA. North Carolina’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem is truly inspiring. The state’s strategic investments in entrepreneurship and innovation have positioned it as a rising leader on the national stage. From its world-class research Read more
The Importance of a Documented Commercialization Process

pingel

April 11, 2024

Commercialization

A product commercialization strategy is vital for guiding a product from conception to market success. It ensures that the product meets market needs, is effectively promoted and sold, and achieves its revenue and growth targets, thereby maximizing the chances of success in a competitive landscape. It plays a pivotal role in the transition from product Read more
Team Selection Importance in a Successful Commercialization Process

pingel

January 18, 2024

Commercialization

Assessing the team, defining roles and responsibilities, setting expectations, fostering development, promoting effective communication, monitoring progress, and recognizing achievements are crucial elements in building an informed, productive, and accountable team. Upon closer scrutiny, these actions parallel the necessities for a successful commercialization endeavor. Just as we analyze the market and competitors, establish product/service specifications, train Read more