Innovate Durham

Speaker with microphone at Innovate Durham Demo Day event

About Innovate Durham

We're turning local government into a laboratory for startups and entrepreneurs.

Innovate Durham is a 16-week partnership program that turns the Durham County into a lab to test new ideas, products, or services. Innovate Durham participants will work with a Durham County department to test, scale and innovate new ideas and technology. Participants get access to staff, data, and facilities to assist with making Durham more efficient and encourage a culture of innovation within Durham County.

Program Goals

Test Latest Technology: Keep Durham informed of new trends and technologies by opening the doors of government to startups and entrepreneurs.
Build Innovation Capacity: Build capacity for innovation work by allowing departments to partner with program participants to test new ideas and use new technology.
Support Local Businesses: Provide opportunities for businesses to work with the County, giving them a use case to attract clients or investors.
Support Local Businesses: Provide opportunities for businesses to work with the County, giving them a use case to attract clients or investors.