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2026 March Madness Open House

March 19, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

Description

 đźŹ€ Join us for our 5th Annual March Madness Open House: Where Innovation Takes Center Court™. This dynamic event brings together an ecosystem of high science, high impact entrepreneurs and supporters.

The schedule for the day: 

9:00 to 9:45 AM - Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ritesh Sheth, Global Head of NPP & OpenAg Research Platforms, UPL 

Dr. Sheth will share background on UPL’s NPP & OpenAg Research Platforms as it relates to Open Innovation and non-confidential topics of strategic interest.

10:00 to 12:15 PM - Ultimate Pitch Session 

  • Duke - Cierra Buchman
  • East Carolina University - Victor Ihuka
  • East Carolina University - Dr. Heather Wright and John Smoot
  • NC A&T - Danielle Bunker
  • Meredith College
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill - Nandini Kanthi
  • North Carolina Central University - Cori'ana Carter
  • Campbell University - Tyler Renken and Ethan Kessler
  • University of North Carolina, Wilmington - Carson Jackson
  • Elizabeth City State University - Jaylin Razor and Ashanti Razor

12:15 to 2 PM Lunch

2:00 to 4:30 PM - Open House with LOTS of BASKETBALL


Our Sponsors:


Time

8:30 - 9:15 AM 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Ultimate Test Flight Pitch Practice Each regional university will host one seat in the Test Flight pitch practice, with First Flight’s Navigator Mentors providing feedback. 12:00-5:00 PM - Open House with LOTS of BASKETBALL! It's game time! Join First Flight Venture Center for the ultimate viewing experience across three TVs, connecting, networking, and enjoying the NCAA Tournament games together as an ecosystem.

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Contact Information

First Flight Venture Center
Name: Emmit Owens
Phone: (252) 333-9704
Email: eowens@ffvcnc.org
Details: Director of Ecosystem Development - TBD
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