NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced today that the organization has selected 20 semi-finalists from across the state in its 40th SEED grant cycle.

“Marking both 20 years and our 40th cycle of the SEED program, one thing remains true: narrowing down such a competitive field of applicants is never easy,” said Amy Bastian, Vice President of Grants & Programs of NC IDEA. “We look forward to learning more about the outstanding group of companies moving forward to the next phase,” Bastian added.

 The 20 Fall 2025 NC IDEA SEED Semi-Finalists include one WNC company: ArgusEye in Asheville, NC. 

NC IDEA has invited the semi-finalists to submit a full proposal with greater details by early October. Finalists will then be selected to present before a review panel of ecosystem partners, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and experienced investors. Grant recipients will be announced live on November 17th on day one at NC IDEA’s Ecosystem Summit at the Sheraton Imperial in Research Triangle Park. The $50,000 grants are intended to support business activities that validate target markets, reduce the risk associated with early stage companies, and help companies reach the point of suitability for growth through investment or revenue.

Source: NC IDEA.