Jim Roberts
RALEIGH, NC – James (Jim) Roberts, well known in North Carolina for his roles in technology economic development and entrepreneurial support organizations, has joined the Center of Innovation in Nanobiotechnology as director of membership services and fundraising.
Most recently, Roberts served as a business development manager for the International Trade Division, North Carolina Department of Commerce where he was responsible for helping North Carolina nanotechnology, alternative energy, information technology and aerospace companies sell to developing international markets.
Roberts was founder and executive director of Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council (BREC) and Blue Ridge Angel Investors Network (BRAIN) in Asheville, NC.
Roberts was also founder of FirstRound, an entrepreneur support organization based in Charlotte that expanded to Greensboro, Raleigh, Asheville and Greenville, SC.
We first met Roberts a decade ago when he was just forming FirstRound and we were reporting for one of the Internet’s first tech business oriented daily news sites. His energy and dedication to making things happen was evident and never seemed to flag despite two economic downturns since.
COIN helps accelerate new product development
COIN is a non-profit that promotes commercialization of nanobiotechnology in North Carolina and beyond. The opportunity represented by the myriad applications of nanobiotechnology in key life science and medical product sectors for the state is significant.
COIN’s programs and services are designed to help researchers, entrepreneurs, product developers, business managers, and investors involved in nanobiotechnology to accelerate innovation management and new product development.
In his new role, Roberts will develop industry, university, foundation, and individual participation in and support for COIN’s initiatives. Roberts will also take the lead in evaluating and launching a program offering assistance to nanomedicine companies in identifying and accessing pre-clinical testing services.
“We are delighted to have Jim Roberts on board. Having started two entrepreneur development organizations and a successful angel investor network, Jim is qualified to help COIN evolve and grow as a client-driven organization,” said Brooks Adams, executive director & president of COIN.
To contact TechJournal South Editor & Writer Allan Maurer: Allan at TechJournalSouth dot com.
Related Stories:
- Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council Executive Director leaves position
- Nanobiotech Center wins $2.5 million, 4-year grant
- COIN seeks materials from NC nanotech firms for DC conference
- NC Nanobiotechnology Center makes the ultra small a big deal
- COIN sets date for roundtable event focused on nanotools firms
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Tags: BREC, COIN, Economic Development, Jim Roberts, nanotechnology
