Two of the state’s heavy hitters, NC IDEA Foundation and the Wireless Research Center (WRC), announced a partnership Wednesday to give local entrepreneurs even more support.
The RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP) and key team members, Tom Snyder and Rachael Newberry, will join the NC IDEA team, to expand its acceleration services for entrepreneurs across North Carolina.
The collaboration begins with the Spring 2026 cohort of RAP, a 12-week, high-touch accelerator, running March through June. Applications are currently being accepted and are due February 20, 2026.
WRC will also launch RIoT Labs to focus specifically on “dual-use” and defensive technology acceleration and entrepreneurial support.
“Going forward, we see meaningful opportunities to collaborate with WRC to advance defense technology innovation and impact across North Carolina,” said NC IDEA CEO Thom Ruhe.