Dear partners and friends,
As we reflect on Research Triangle Park’s 65-year journey, we are filled with pride and gratitude. Since its founding in 1959, RTP has grown into something far more powerful than any one of its individual elements—a catalyst for transformation and a community where innovators, dreamers and doers come together to uplift North Carolina’s economy. Guided by a bold vision and an unwavering spirit of collaboration, RTP has bloomed from its agricultural roots into a global success story, embodying progress and possibility.
For the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, 2024 marked another year of remarkable growth as Hub RTP, the Park’s vibrant downtown destination, continued to take shape. We completed core construction at Horseshoe at Hub RTP, which will soon welcome award-winning dining experiences, including Cheeni, Nanny Goat, Prime STQ and Drift Coffee & Kitchen. Alongside dynamic programming and events, these additions are transforming Hub RTP into a space for connection and community.
The opening of MAA Nixie, RTP’s first-ever residential development, signals the beginning of a new era where work, play and life seamlessly intersect. Frontier RTP and Boxyard RTP flourish as vibrant spaces for entrepreneurs, creatives and community members to gather, collaborate and grow. RTP companies continue to invest in their campuses and celebrate expansions not only within Park boundaries but throughout the greater Triangle Region. Looking ahead, we are laying the groundwork for RTP 3.0—our bold 50-year vision to reimagine RTP’s 7,000-acre footprint for smart, equitable growth. Guided by the needs of RTP landowners and tenants, this plan includes opportunities to enhance corporate campuses, imagine mixed-use environments, strengthen public services and foster deeper collaboration among our Triangle research universities, industries and community partners. A prominent component to this vision is the Triangle Mobility Hub, supported by a $25 million federal grant, which intends to create a multimodal transportation center near Hub RTP, improving access to jobs, education and services for our growing region.
As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future, we remain committed to RTP’s legacy of innovation and impact. Today, RTP is home to more than 385 companies and 55,000 employees, contributing an annual economic impact of $25.1 billion to North Carolina. With more than one million new residents expected in the Triangle Region over the next two decades, our mission has never been more vital.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, tackle challenges and shape a brighter future for North Carolina and beyond.
With gratitude,
Research Triangle Foundation of NC
Planning today for the RTP of tomorrow.
Over the course of 65 years, Research Triangle Park has transformed from its visionary beginnings into one of the world’s most successful research parks.
Fueled by collaboration among industries, academic institutions and a talented workforce, RTP remains an epicenter of innovation, committed to fostering economic opportunity throughout North Carolina.
To welcome the next generation of innovators to RTP, we’re working closely with RTP Owners & Tenants, leaders from Durham and Wake counties, elected officials, and community partners to help empower companies to reimagine their campuses, enhance R&D efforts, meet evolving workforce demands and build inviting communities.
The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, a 501c4 nonprofit organization, is responsible for driving the strategic vision of Research Triangle Park and stewarding its development. The purpose of the Foundation is to promote university, academic, industry and government collaborations leading to the establishment and maintenance of research, scientific and technology-based facilities within the Research Triangle and North Carolina to help create quality jobs and opportunities for its residents.
Facilitate collaboration among the Research Triangle universities
Promote cooperation between Research Triangle universities and industries
Create a positive economic impact for the residents of North Carolina
Working in close coordination with county, city, university and RTP company partners, the Foundation is actively shaping RTP 3.0 as a collaborative planning process to set a 50-year vision for Research Triangle Park.
As one of the fastest growing MSAs in the United States, the Research Triangle region is projected to grow by 50% in population – adding one million residents by 2050. Encompassing 7,000 acres, RTP is a unique asset that can help the region accommodate growth in a smart, sustainable and equitable way.
The guiding principles for the RTP 3.0 vision include:
• Support North Carolina’s economic growth and serve as a catalyst for the Triangle Region
• Retain regional talent retention from Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State, N.C. Central and other universities while being responsive to RTP company needs
• Maintain a destination for ground-breaking research, development and technological discovery
Understanding the identity and impact of our 7,000-acres, including companies, employees and economic multipliers, is crucial for aligning our vision for the next 50 years. The Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina commissioned HR&A Advisors (HR&A) to conduct an impact analysis to assess the economic and fiscal impacts of existing operations of Research Triangle Park on the counties in which it is located, Durham County and Wake County, and the state of North Carolina.
In 2024, the Foundation revealed the results of economic impact study that showcases Research Triangle Park’s critical role in driving the state’s economy and innovation.
• On an annual basis, RTP supports an economic value of $25.1 billion for North Carolina, equivalent to 3.9% of the state’s 2023 GDP.
• Over the past decade, major construction and development projects, including those within Hub RTP and Park company expansion initiatives have added $1.6 billion economic output, $113 million in fiscal benefits and created 29,000 jobs – adding to the 55,000 tenant employees working within RTP.
United Therapeutics expands biomanufacturing capabilities in RTP
The drug developer acquired a 95,500-square-foot biomanufacturing facility in RTP to enhance its production capabilities for complex biologic therapies, including its lung disease treatments. This expansion underscores RTP’s growing prominence in the biomanufacturing sector.
Founded in 1984, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) has served as a catalyst for the state’s life sciences sector, transforming it into a global leader. Over four decades, NCBiotech has supported the growth of the industry, which now boasts over 830 companies, employs 75,000 individuals and generates $88.3 billion in economic activity statewide. The center’s initiatives have helped solidify NC’s position at the forefront of the life sciences field.
Hub RTP is a walkable, centrally located urban community with unparalleled amenities for Triangle residents and visitors – bringing people together to work, stay, shop, dine and connect in RTP like never before. This downtown district has continued to make significant progress as it welcomed its first residents, announced exciting new food and beverage vendors and launched its inaugural community event. .
As the next phase of Hub RTP takes shape, it will boast nearly one million square feet of office and life sciences lab space, 50,000 square feet of experiential retail, 1,200 residential units and 279 hotel rooms. As a hub for community and innovation, Hub RTP also offers an impressive 16 acres of parks and greenspace–including the award-winning Burdens Creek, which connects more than 20 miles of trails throughout RTP.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Triangle region, Hub RTP is home to Boxyard RTP, a unique destination for food, retail and entertainment and Frontier RTP, a dynamic community for startups and entrepreneurs.
Frontier RTP, an office building campus nestled within the innovative Hub RTP, exemplifies the transformative power of reimagined spaces. Once an IBM campus, it was revitalized into a dynamic indoor-outdoor campus tailored to the needs of growing startups and seasoned entrepreneurs. As home to one-third of RTP companies, Frontier RTP attracts tenants by creating a vibrant sense of community with free coworking spaces, complimentary social events, pop-up fitness classes and more. Frontier breaks from stagnant market rates –boasting a consistent occupancy rate of 95%.
37 HOURS OF NETWORKING
NEW STARTUP & SMALL BUSINESS TENANTS
108 PINTS OF BEER POURED
11,028 GLASSES OF WINE SERVED
4,080
29
HOURS OF FREE WORKSHOPS
SPEAKERS TOOK THE STAGE AT RTP180 & ON THE MENU 25
450+
JOB SEEKERS AT THE FIRST RTP CAREER FAIR
INCREASE OF REGISTERED COWORKERS 33% NEW TENANTS & EXPANSIONS
Community happens at Boxyard RTP, the first experiential shopping and dining destination in RTP. Now in its fourth year, this openair venue features 40 upcycled shipping containers that create a unique space for retail shops, lively restaurants and engaging events. Designed to bring people together, signature events like the Spring Fling, Live at Boxyard RTP and new additions like Bark & Bond dog socials provide opportunities for individuals to gather before, during or after their workday and into the weekend.
Barber shop
Healthy eats
Boxyard RTP welcomes the third cohort of small business owners to PopBox – an innovative program designed to help business owners from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds scale and grow. Funded by a micro-grant from the NC IDEA and RTF, PopBox hosts pop-up retail businesses in a 320-square-foot rotating shipping container. In addition to space, businesses receive counseling from Durham Technical Community College. Since the initiative launched in 2021, $20,250 in grant funding has been awarded to 11 small businesses. Congratulations to the 20242025 recipients, Gold Clover Company, 1 Blossom 2 Bloom and Disco Differences.
The holiday season officially kicked off at Boxyard RTP’s inaugural Holiday Pop-Up Shop. The boutique shopping experience featured a curated selection of local vendors showcasing everything from handmade gifts to fun fashion. This year’s vendors included:
Horseshoe at Hub RTP transforms the RTP experience by combining retail, office space, community events and public art initiatives. Horseshoe celebrated key development milestones with the completion of the core, shell and parking garage structures. The announcement of Cheeni, Prime STQ and Drift Coffee as Horseshoe’s latest food and beverage tenants further elevates Hub RTP as a regional culinary destination.
Cheeni: One of the Triangle’s most acclaimed restaurants selects Horseshoe at Hub RTP to establish its second location. Owned by three-time James Beard Award semifinalist Preeti Waas, Cheeni offers a mix of Indian and American flavors with a focus on high quality, homestyle cooking in a fine dining setting.
Nanny Goat: Preeti Waas’ second concept at Horseshoe, is a neighborhood market offering convenient access to fine-quality goods, fresh produce, grab-and-go bites and artisan gifts. Located adjacent to Cheeni, the bodega and restaurant will share a kitchen and prep space, blending local and imported selections for a full experience.
Prime STQ: Christopher Prieto, James Beard Awardsemifinalist and owner of the award-winning Prime Barbecue, brings Prime STQ – a hybrid barbecue-steakhouse concept –
to Horseshoe at Hub RTP. A unique dining destination that reflects his Texas roots, North Carolina home and Puerto Rican heritage, Prime STQ combines Prieto’s signature Texas-style barbecue with a classic steakhouse experience. Catering to local business professionals and Triangle residents alike, the restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating, a private dining room and a to-go order area.
Drift Coffee & Kitchen: Drift Coffee & Kitchen will offer premium coffee and a wellness-focused menu of breakfast and lunch items in a 1,755-square-foot space at Horseshoe at Hub RTP. The café will feature seating for 50, both indoors and outdoors, along with convenient online ordering, appbased pickup and delivery to nearby offices and apartments for busy professionals.
MAA Nixie is RTP’s first residential building welcomed its first tenants this year. Inspired by the Nixie tube, a vintage neon display technology with ties to RTP, the building features 406 apartment homes and countless amenities, including a spacious pool, fitness center, a dog bath station and much more. MAA Nixie is the premier residential destination for professionals seeking a vibrant community, walkable access to shopping and dining, and everything Hub RTP has to offer.
Via Labs is designed to be a connector between scientific progress and the people who make it happen. Located at the main entrance of Hub RTP, the facility will deliver 265,000 square feet of state-of-theart lab and office space, coupled with a human-centric experience that includes a fitness center, coffee service and special on-site programming for tenants. Longfellow Real Estate Partners showcased the building through a VR video and hosted 30 life science brokers at Horseshoe to feature its North Carolina portfolio, including Via Labs.
The Marriott Renaissance Hotel is the first hotel to open in RTP since the historic Governor’s Inn, the 279-room Marriott property will serve as the living room for Hub RTP’s business and leisure guests. Renaissance RTP, which will break ground in 2025, will include a resort-style pool with patio seating, a coffee bar, a high-tech fitness center and outdoor spaces inviting guests to explore more than 20 miles of nature trails.
As RTP continues to evolve, public art plays a vital role in fostering identity, connection and inspiration. In 2024, three murals were installed as part of an 11-location outdoor mural project featuring local artist
Desire Path by Britt Flood embraces individuality and self-discovery, celebrating the unique journeys of those who pass through. plant.ed by Mayanthi Jayawardena symbolizes growth and collaboration, depicting vibrant flowers that represent individuals planting themselves within the Hub RTP community.
The Great Blue Heron by Taylor White blends natural landscapes with abstract technology, reflecting RTP’s deep connection to nature, innovation, and progress.
These murals serve as landmarks that invite engagement, storytelling and appreciation for the community and environment that surrounds RTP.
Creating partnerships and investing in both business and community ventures are central to RTF’s mission to foster sustainable economic development and innovation in the Triangle. This year, the Foundation is proud to have invested in programs and forged partnerships that strengthen the region’s economy and support the Park’s continued growth.
Creating partnerships and investing in both business and community ventures are central to RTF’s mission to foster sustainable economic development and innovation in the Triangle. This year, the Foundation is proud to have invested in programs and forged partnerships that strengthen the region’s economy and support the Park’s continued growth.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) officially launched street mail delivery in RTP – marking a significant milestone after years of advocacy and collaboration. As the home to more than 385 companies and 55,000 employees across 7,000 acres, this new delivery system improves operational efficiency and better supports the continued growth of RTP as an innovation leader. This is a major step forward for RTP’s infrastructure, and just one more way we’re building for the future of RTP.
Lufthansa launches nonstop service between RaleighDurham International Airport (RDU) and Frankfurt, Germany, marking a significant milestone for the region. RTF played an instrumental role in supporting the RDU Airport Authority’s efforts to secure Lufthansa as RDU’s 16th airline – connecting the greater Triangle region to Frankfurt and opening a gateway to Europe and beyond. Over the next 25 years, this new route is expected to contribute nearly $3.3 billion to North Carolina’s economy.
The Triangle Trails Initiative creates vibrant spaces for residents and visitors to connect with nature – and each other – through a network of beautiful greenways and trails spanning 15 North Carolina counties. This effort positions the Triangle region as a national leader in outdoor connectivity. RTP is a founding investor in the proposed Triangle Bikeway to connect Raleigh to Chapel Hill and Durham.
The new Triangle Mobility Hub brings efficient, accessible and eco-friendly transportation options to RTP and the Triangle region. GoTriangle secured a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help fund the multimodal transportation center. Strategically located at NC Highway 54 and the railroad corridor, the hub supports upward mobility and improved quality of life for area residents and the 55,000 employees commuting to RTP each day. The $58.2 million project, funded by federal, local and state resources, includes electric buses, charging infrastructure and improved facilities. Over the next 30 years, the hub is expected to generate $270 million in economic returns.
The Foundation is committed to creating a positive economic impact for the residents of North Carolina. This year, it prioritized initiatives that expand economic mobility, cultivate broad and varied talent pipelines, and open doors for community members to thrive—strengthening the region’s economy and fostering a future where more people can share in its success.
In April 2024, more than 500 professionals attended the inaugural RTP Career Fair in Research Triangle Park. A total of 27 RTPbased companies and nearly 90 recruiters—from startups to multinational firms in technology, biotech, fintech, marketing, nonprofit, and cybersecurity—recruited local talent ranging from recent graduates to early- and mid-career professionals.
Hosted by the Research Triangle Foundation, the career fair aimed to attract and retain local talent and highlight the diversity of industries represented in RTP. In the lead-up to the event, participants were supported with preparatory services, including interview coaching, professional headshots and resume workshops.
The RTP Charitable Fund announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 STEM RTP Grantmaking Program. This year, 10 NC-based nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $130,000 to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovation within underrepresented communities.
Black Excellence U, a video series by Research Triangle Park released during Black History Month, explores the intersection of innovation, inclusion and influence through the perspectives of local leaders and innovators with HBCU roots. The series features conversations with students and professionals on mentorship, STEM careers and how organizations can better support talent from historically Black colleges and universities. Inaugural participants included North Carolina Central University alum Durham Mayor Leo Williams, United Way of the Greater Triangle Director of Community Engagement Allyson Cobb and Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Community Investment Angelique Stallings; Shaw University alumnae Durham County Chief of Staff Shannon Trapp and dynamic entrepreneur Eve Blakney; as well as St. Augustine’s University grad and local software engineer Rich Gilliam.
For the second year in a row, the Triangle Business Journal honored the Foundation in its 2024 Leaders in Diversity Awards for its commitment to amplifying voices and creating opportunities for community members to thrive. The Foundation’s own team reflects a range of perspectives that guide its work, as it continues to expand opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) and foster an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish.
Hub RTP hosted its Juneteenth: Party in the Park event that featured music, games and local nonprofit partners sharing resources on civil rights advocacy, STEM education, entrepreneurship and career development. The event brought together community members from RTP companies and guests from across the Triangle for a day of learning, connection and cultural celebration.
Barbara Mulkey, RTP Board Chair; founder, Mulkey Engineers & Consultants, Inc.
Farad Ali, co-founder, ALI | HEIJMEN
Hugh Allen, CRE South Division Head, TD Bank
Brooks Bell, founder and executive chairman, Brooks Bell
Jud Bowman, Founder & CEO, Sift Media
Anita R. Brown-Graham, professor of public law & government, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
John F.A.V. Cecil, president, Biltmore Farms
Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, chancellor, North Carolina Central University
Daniel Ennis, executive vice president, Duke University
Charles Francis, attorney and managing Member, The Francis Law Firm PLLC
Tim Gabel, president and CEO, RTI International
Peter Hans, President, The University of North Carolina System
Greg Luberecki, director, Workplace Experience Americas Operations, East, NetApp
Chris McClure, CSO & Secretary, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ward Nye, chairman of the Board, Martin Marietta
Dr. Vincent Price, president, Duke University
Lee H. Roberts, chancellor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Michael Vollmer, chief operating officer, The University of North Carolina System
J. Bradley Wilson, CEO emeritus, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Dr. William “Randy” Woodson, chancellor, North Carolina State University
We want to thank the following Directors whose terms expired in 2024 for their commitment and service to the Research Triangle Foundation Board. Your leadership and counsel are much appreciated and have guided our success.
Dr. Johnson Akinleye, former chancellor, North Carolina Central University
Kevin Guskiewicz, former chancellor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kevin Howell, vice chancellor for external Affairs, partnerships & economic Development, North Carolina State University
Wendy John, head of global diversity and inclusion, Fidelity Investments
In 2024, Barbara Mulkey was appointed as the first woman to chair the Research Triangle Foundation Board. Watch her vision for RTP’s future.
Scott Levitan, president and CEO
Andrew Holton, executive vice rresident and COO
Carolyn Coia, cice rresident of real estate
Travis Crayton, vice president of planning and public policy
Kelly Propst, vice president of marketing and communications
Jessica Wisniewski, vice president of finance and administration
Andrew Holton joined the Research Triangle Foundation as executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2024. Meet Andrew here.
Emily Ashby, financial accountant
Cassandra Bennett, programs manager
Travis Bryant, interim chief building engineer
Brianna Cain, tenant engagement lead
Anne Kiyono Calef, planner
Sam Canney, programs coordinator
Layla Christie, real estate coordinator
Danila Degno, assistant property manager
Akilah Driver, digital media manager
Sarah Beth Harris, programs coordinator
Darren Hicks, senior accountant
Alisha Josey, placemaking manager
Blake Kane, engagement coordinator
Martin Lopez, building engineer
Jan Mactal, creative director
Maurice Montgomery, building engineer
Julia Murphy, accounting associate
Kevin Patterson, director of it
Amanda Ronan, senior director of placemaking
Caitlin Timms, property manager
Ana Velez, marketing manager
David Wieand, accounting manager
Hanna Williams, hr generalist
Kelly Wilson, executive administrative assistant
