ECU research project receives NCInnovation funding to support honeybee health – WCTI

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by News 12 Staff
A research project at East Carolina University is among several across the state to receive new funding aimed at advancing technology toward commercial use.
NCInnovation announced it has approved $7.9 million to support nine university projects statewide. As part of that funding cycle, an ECU-led project focused on honeybee health was selected.
According to the announcement, ECU researcher Lok Pokhrel is developing a device designed to deliver mite treatment to honeybee colonies as bees enter and exit their hives. The technology is intended to address a key threat to bee populations, which play a critical role in agriculture and food production.
The funding is part of NCInnovation’s effort to help move university research from early-stage concepts toward real-world applications and potential private-sector investment. Officials said the program supports projects that have already demonstrated proof of concept but require additional development, testing and industry engagement.
The latest round of funding brings NCInnovation’s total portfolio to $37 million across 47 projects statewide, spanning areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare and manufacturing.
Leaders with the organization say the goal is to strengthen North Carolina’s economy by helping universities translate research into technologies that can lead to new businesses, industries and jobs.
The ECU project is one of several selected from universities across the state in the latest funding cycle.
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