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Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio (Kairos)

Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio (Kairos)

Runs Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio to build and capitalize digital health startups through structured programs.

Between cyclesUNC Chapel Hill β€” OTC / UNC-NCSU BME / Eshelman School of PharmacyUnited StatesServing North Carolina

The Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio, now branded Kairos, is a public-private partnership managed by Eshelman Innovation β€” the innovation arm of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The studio conceives, de-risks, incorporates, and capitalises digital health startups, pairing UNC-affiliated faculty innovators with student venture builders in 6-m…

Pre-seed equity investment of approximately $1 million per startup for UNC-affiliated digital health ventures, selected through a 13-week stage-gated diligence process and launched via the Eshelman Innovation Venture Studio (Kairos).

CycleiHow often this grant runs β€” e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.β€”
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.β€”
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.β€”
Award typeiThe form of funding β€” grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Equity
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.β€”

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: eshelmaninnovation.org