2025-10-21 RTP Today & Tomorrow

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RTP: TODAY & TOMORROW

(Left to right) Caitlin Timms, property manager; Travis Crayton, VP of planning and public policy; Jessica Wisniewski, VP of finance and administration; Kelly Propst, VP of marketing and communications; Carolyn Coia, VP of real estate; Andrew Holton, EVP and COO; Kevin Patterson, director of IT; Scott Levitan, president and CEO; Amanda Ronan, senior director of placemaking.

2024 MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

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

PURPOSE BEHIND THE PARK

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.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

The Triangle Region is home to:

MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

3 Tier One Research Universities

2 Medical Schools

2 Schools of Pharmacy

2 Colleges of Engineering

1 College of Veterinary Medicine

1 College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

3 Historically Black Colleges & Universities

TOP RTP COMPANIES & INDUSTRIES

Life Sciences & Research

Information Technology

Financial Technology

Agricultural Technology

RTP COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

United Therapeutics 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.

Biogen announced a $2 billion expansion over its two existing RTP campuses, with plans to add an eighth facility and upgrade fill-finish, automation and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) capabilities

Eli Lilly is investing $450 million to expand its RTP manufacturing site, creating over 100 new jobs and scaling its capacity for injectable products, device assembly and packaging.

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies opened a new $3.2 billion biotech facility in Holly Springs and continues strengthening its RTP area footprint, contributing to the trend of reshoring biologics production.

IBM Research Triangle Park (RTP) celebrated its 60th anniversary in September 2025, marking the site’s founding in 1965 and its significant role in the region’s technological development and history.

ASSESSING RTP’S REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE IMPACT

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.

Propelling the future of RTP

Hub RTP is the 100-acre destination at the heart of Research Triangle Park, designed to bring people together to work, stay, shop, dine and connect like never before. This walkable, centrally located urban district has already welcomed its first residents, introduced new food and beverage concepts, and expanded its community events and programming—marking exciting progress toward its full vision.

As the next phase unfolds, Hub RTP will feature nearly one million square feet of office and life science lab space, 50,000 square feet of experiential retail, 1,200 residential units, 279 hotel rooms, and more. The development also features 16 acres of greenspace, highlighted by the award-winning Burdens Creek, which links more than 20 miles of trails across RTP.

Hub RTP is also home to distinctive destinations including Boxyard RTP, a one-of-a-kind venue for hyperlocal food, retail and entertainment; Frontier RTP, a thriving hub for startups and entrepreneurs; and Horseshoe, the new office-over-retail development anchoring the district. Together, these elements are shaping Hub RTP a true center of community and innovation for the Triangle.

HUB RTP TAKES SHAPE

To understand where Hub RTP is headed, it helps to reflect on how far we’ve come.

The journey began with the transformation of a 450,000-square-foot former IBM campus into Frontier RTP—a cost-effective renovation that provided startups and entrepreneurs with room to grow while establishing a new, sustainable revenue model for the Foundation.

In 2021, Boxyard RTP opened as an experiment in food, retail, and entertainment. Built from repurposed shipping containers, the venue brought fresh energy to RTP and proved that the community wanted more than just a place to work—they wanted a place to gather.

Hub RTP itself was born out of feedback from RTP companies, who emphasized the need for a vibrant destination with amenities that could help attract and retain top talent. This vision drove the next phase of development on the east side of campus. A $105 million public–private investment—$75 million from the Foundation, $20 million from Durham County, and $10 million from RTP companies—funded new infrastructure and set the stage for Horseshoe at Hub RTP. Co-developed with White Point, this dynamic town square has already earned recognition as a “foodie wonderland” by The News & Observer and “Best New Development” by Triangle CREW.

That same intentional approach guided the selection of residential, hotel, and life sciences development partners. Phase 1 is now complete, with residents and commercial tenants already on site. Future phases will bring additional office and lab space, a Marriott Renaissance hotel, more housing, and expanded dining and retail.

Looking ahead, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina is seeking a master developer partner to help guide the full buildout of this 100-acre signature district for RTP. At every stage, Hub RTP has advanced with partners who share our long-term vision, embrace creativity, and have the capacity to deliver. This is the foundation for a vibrant destination that will continue to evolve for years to come.

WHAT’S NEXT

• Q4 2025 Marriott Renaissance hotel ground breaking

• 2025/2026 Master developer selected to envision future Frontier RTP campus

• Spring 2026 Horseshoe retail 50% open

• 2026 Additional residential groundbreaking

• 2027/2028 Marriott Renaissance hotel opens

Horseshoe at Hub RTP transforms the traditional research park experience by bringing together retail, office space, community events and public art. With its core, shell and parking garage now complete, the project is gaining strong momentum—50% of office space and 70% of retail are already committed, and 75% of retail tenants are expected to open in 2026. As the new town square of Hub RTP, Horseshoe is designed to be a vibrant gathering place that connects people through work, dining and shared experiences.

Nanny Goat: As the first tenant to open at Horseshoe, this boutique bodega is owned and operated by motherdaughter duo and multi-year James Beard Award semifinalists Preeti and Amy Waas. Nanny Goat offers convenient access to fine-quality goods, fresh produce, grab-and-go bites and artisan gifts.

Cheeni: With plans to open in late 2025, Waas also chose Horseshoe for her second location of Cheeni, one of the Triangle’s most acclaimed restaurants, offering a mix of Indian and American flavors with a focus on high quality, homestyle cooking in a fine dining setting. Located adjacent to Nanny Goat, the bodega and restaurant will blend local and imported selections for a full experience.

Prime STQ: Christopher Prieto, James Beard Award semifinalist and owner of the award-winning Prime Barbecue, brings Prime STQ – a hybrid barbecue-steakhouse

concept – to Horseshoe at Hub RTP in spring 2026. 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

Drift Coffee & Kitchen: Opening

November 2025, 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.

Di Fara Pizza Tavern: Di Fara Pizza

Tavern is known for its round and square pizzas, pizza by the slice, calzones, meatballs, and delectable Italian desserts such as rainbow cookies, cannoli, and Italian ice. The Brooklyn-based pizzeria — often recognized as one of the best in New York City — will include seating for 145 guests inside, including 32 in a private dining area and 90 on the patio. The space will feature a walk-up bar where guests can order cold beer on tap, wine, and cocktails. Imported gelato, and spumoni will also be available.

High Horse: Chef Katsuji Tanabe, known for his appearances on Top Chef and Chopped, will bring his acclaimed, experience-based restaurant High Horse to Horseshoe at Hub RTP. High Horse, which first opened in 2019 before shutting its doors during the pandemic, showcases bold fusion of Mexican, Japanese and American flavors through live-fire cooking. The restaurant, a partnership with local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo, will open in a 5,000-square-foot standalone space overlooking the Horseshoe courtyard in 2026.

Community happens at Boxyard RTP, RTP’s first experiential shopping and dining destination, which opened in 2021. This openair venue features 40 upcycled shipping containers that host hyper-local restaurants and retail shops, many operated by owners making their first move into brick-and-mortar—reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of RTP.

Designed to bring people together, signature events like Spring Fling, Live at Boxyard RTP and Bark & Bond dog socials provide opportunities to gather before, during or after the workday—and into the weekend.

Frontier RTP, an office campus within the Hub RTP district, exemplifies the transformative power of reimagined spaces. Opened in 2015, this former IBM campus was revitalized into a dynamic indoor-outdoor environment designed for growing startups, solopreneurs, and small businesses. Home to one-third of RTP-based companies, Frontier RTP fosters a vibrant sense of community with free coworking spaces, complimentary social events, professional development opportunities, pop-up fitness classes and more—providing businesses of all sizes a meaningful presence in the heart of the Park.

Best Coworking Maggy Awards, 2024

Nixie

MAA Nixie, RTP’s first residential building, welcomed its first tenants in fall 2024. Inspired by the Nixie tube, a vintage neon display technology with ties to RTP, the building features 406 apartment homes and a wide range of amenities, including a spacious pool, fitness center, dog bath station and 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 connect scientific progress with the people driving it. Located at the main entrance of Hub RTP, the facility will offer 265,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, build-to-suit lab and office space, paired with a human-centric experience that includes a fitness center, coffee service and on-site programming for tenants.

Led by Longfellow Real Estate Partners, the flexible design supports a variety of life sciences companies seeking tailored spaces to grow and innovate in RTP.

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 13,500 square feet of conference space, a resort-style pool with patio seating, full-service restauraunt, hightech fitness center and outdoor spaces inviting guests to explore more than 20 miles of nature trails.

BURDENS CREEK

Burdens Creek is a reimagined, award-winning stream that winds through Hub RTP’s campus, connecting more than 20 miles of trails across the Park. Lined with native plants and thoughtfully landscaped greenspace, it offers residents, workers and visitors a natural retreat for walking, running or gathering, while enhancing the campus’ commitment to sustainability and community. 1

PLACEMAKING THROUGH PUBLIC ART

As RTP continues to evolve, public art plays a vital role in fostering identity, connection and inspiration. Today, visitors can visit more than a dozen locations throughout Hub RTP that feature local artists.

1. Mayanthi Jayawardena, plant.ed. 2. Britt Flood, Desire Path. 3. Liz Haywood, BLOOM ON. 4. Taylor White, The Great Blue Heron. 5. Valentin Ramirez, Aura of the Wild.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

As the downtown of the largest research park in the United States, Hub RTP offers a vibrant array of year-round programming across its 100-acre campus. Led by a dedicated placemaking and programming team, Hub RTP hosts more than 700 events annually—ranging from music and art to fitness and nature—ensuring there is something for everyone in the community to enjoy.

1. Made By You is a monthly art workshop led by a local artist. 2. Highly anticipated outdoor stage will feature live performances, dance programs and more. 3. RTP companies and guests celebrated Juneteenth: Party in the Park over live performances, food and art. 4. South Durham Farmers’ Market serves up fresh, local produce and goods every Saturday morning. 5. Art Uncovered was an interactive scavenger hunt in celebration of World Art Drop Day, a global movement where artists hide original pieces in public spaces for others to discover.

3.0

A VISION FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS

Working closely with county, city, university and RTP company partners, the Research Triangle Foundation is leading RTP 3.0 as a collaborative planning process to establish a 50-year vision for Research Triangle Park. The effort actively incorporates feedback from RTP-based companies looking to reimagine traditional corporate campuses, ensuring the Park evolves to meet the needs of modern businesses, while upholding RTP’s founding mission to advance connectivity between academia and businesses and create a positive economic impact for all North Carolina residents. Encompassing 7,000 acres, RTP is a unique regional asset that can accommodate the Triangle area’s anticipated population growth—projected to add one million residents by 2050—in a smart, sustainable and equitable way.

ABOUT

RTP 3.0 envisions enacting a new land use governance framework and rezoning RTP to create a 21st century business park with the amenitized work environments in-demand today to allow RTP to continue to grow and prosper for the next 50 years.

RTP 3.0 GOALS

• Strengthen and enhance RTP’s pre-eminence as a leading research and development center

• Align future RTP 3.0 development with innovation district trends seen nationally and globally

• Position RTP for continued success with talent attraction and retention through placemaking strategies and diversification of uses

• Create opportunities to better utilize RTP’s centrally located land resources as regional growth continues

PLACETYPES

RTP 3.0 Vision Plan Map

Denser infill development allowed

Public-facing uses (restaurants, cafes, etc.) allowed

Conversion to parking decks

Enhanced Corporate Campus Residential Neighborhood Development

Medium-density

residential housing allowed

Supportive retail (grocery stores, restaurants, etc ) allowed

Opportunity to live closer to work

High density development allowed

Mix of uses required (housing, retail, office)

Builds on Hub RTP model of development

RTP 3.0 COMPONENTS

Implementing RTP 3.0 requires changing regulations both internal and external to RTP. The two major components that must be adopted are:

Implementing RTP 3.0 requires changing regulations both internal and external to RTP. The twomajor components that must be adopted are:

RTP Land Covenants: Tied to every deed in RTP, the land covenants govern and provide guidelines to businesses that operate within the boundaries of the Park. Specifically, they outline allowable land uses, development regulations, and internal Park governance. Must be approved by O&T and RTF.

• RTP Land Covenants: Tied to every deed in RTP, the land covenants govern and provide guidelines to businesses that operate within the boundaries of the Park Specifically, they outline allowable land uses, development regulations, and internal Park governance. Will need to be approved by O&T and RTF.

County Zoning Regulations: Zoning regulations are county-level land use regulations that govern how land can be developed. RTP is currently zoned to only allow for low-density office parks and a more flexible zoning framework is needed allow for the RTP 3.0 place types. Must be adopted by Durham and Wake Counties.

• County Zoning Regulations: Zoning regulations are county-level land use regulations that govern how land can be developed RTP is currently zoned to only allow for low-density office parks and a more flexible zoning framework is needed allow for the RTP 3.0 place types. Will need to be adopted by Durham and Wake Counties

WHERE WE ARE

Since late 2021, the Research Triangle Foundation has actively engaged with RTP companies, landowners and government partners to shape the RTP 3.0 initiative. In January 2025, the RTP Owners & Tenants Association approved covenant changes with a 96% majority—the first major amendment in 65 years—reflecting feedback gathered from more than 120 meetings with Association representatives, company leaders and key stakeholders.

Building on nearly three years of collaboration and widespread support, the Foundation aims to have the RTP 3.0 vision enacted by fall 2025 by working with Wake and Durham counties to update zoning ordinances to support the RTP 3.0 framework. The Foundation will work with Association members to establish land use regulations for new development options.

Apr 2025 Wake County Planning Board vote: Approved Oct 2025 Durham County Planning Commission vote: Approved

Spring 2026 O&T adopts new development guidelines

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY

PRIME LOCATION & REGIONAL ACCESS

Hub RTP is strategically positioned at the epicenter of the Triangle region –offering direct access to major transportation arteries, including I-40, NC-147 and NC-540. Hub is less than a mile from the future. Triangle Mobility Hub, which will be served by regional bus routes and bus rapid transit connecting RTP to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and other communities throughout the Triangle. This prime location also offers close proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), providing easy access for business travelers and supporting recruitment efforts for companies across the Park.

PARTNERS

www.campo-nc.us NC

(CAMPO)

Triangle Trails Initiative

Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (Triangle West)

www.dchcmpo.org

PARK-WIDE COMMUTER OPTIONS

RTP offers a variety of commuter support programs to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and promote alternative transportation options, including:

• RTP Connect: A last-mile transit program that provides free rides from regional bus stops to Park locations – helping commuters overcome the gap between public transit and workplaces.

• GoTriangle Bus Service: Frequent and reliable bus service with connections to Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill.

• Ride Share: Hub RTP has access to participate in Park-wide carpool and vanpool programs to reduce traffic and promote shared commuting.

RDU AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY

The Foundation works in collaboration with RDU Airport Authority to enhance accessibility for Park companies and support business growth. Improved air connectivity will strengthen the region’s position as a global business hub.

• Direct Domestic Flights: New York City (JFK, LGA, EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD, MDW), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), Austin (AUS) and more.

• Direct International Flights: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), Toronto (YYZ), Mexico City (MEX), and more.programs to reduce traffic and promote shared commuting.

FUTURE-FORWARD TRANSIT PLANNING

The Foundation is an active participant in the region’s long-term transportation strategy:

• Investor in the FAST Transit Study, aimed at advancing high-capacity transit solutions across the Triangle.

• Participant in regional transportation planning with local, regional, and state partners through CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) and TWTPO (Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization).

• Future bus rapid transit (BRT) will connect Hub RTP to downtown Raleigh via downtown Cary, providing easy, frequent, and reliable connections across the region.

• Exploring options to add an Amtrak station at the future Triangle Mobility Hub to provide rail connections from RTP to Raleigh, Durham, and west to Charlotte.

TRIANGLE MOBILITY HUB: TRANSFORMING REGIONAL TRANSIT + BRT

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 Hub will include:

• Electric bus-charging infrastructure and covered boarding bays

• Dedicated drop-off spaces for paratransit, microtransit, and rideshare vehicles

• Priority bus access for regional travelers and last-mile connections

• Multimodal access – allowing commuters to seamlessly transition between biking, walking, and public transit

GoTriangle RTC Relocation RAISE grant

August 2024

Triangle Mobility Hub

Joint Development Request for Qualifications issued

June 2024

RAISE Grant announced

May 2025

Hoffman & Associates selected as master developer of Triangle Mobility Hub

November 2024

Partners selected to respond to a Request for Proposals

Late 2027

Anticipated groundbreaking

ALL TRAILS LEAD TO RTP

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.

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT

Lead, Facilitate, Promote, Connect

The Foundation actively collaborates with regional and statewide partners— including the Raleigh and Durham Chambers, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and the RDU Airport Authority—to advance initiatives that strengthen the region’s economy. From supporting international flight recruitment that connects RTP to global markets to investing in programs that enhance business growth, these partnerships help ensure the Park remains a catalyst for innovation and prosperity.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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. 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.

RTP: YOU’VE GOT MAIL

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.

INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY

Raleigh-Durham International Airport now offers 80 nonstop destinations—making it a major gateway that connects the Triangle to the world. With 14 direct international flights, RDU solidifies its role as a global access point for business, innovation and accessible travel in the Triangle region.

ECONOMIC MOBILITY

The Foundation is committed to creating a positive economic impact for the residents of North Carolina. In 2024, 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.

UNITING TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY

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.

INVESTING IN INNOVATION

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.

HIGHLIGHTING HBCU LEADERS

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.

2024 LEADERS IN DIVERSITY AWARD

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.

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

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.

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