Green That Pays: Founders Turning Passion into Lasting ...

2026-11-02 · 09:00:00 · Chapel Hill

Innovate Carolina Junction

136 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Hosted by Launch Chapel Hill and Innovate Carolina, this morning meetup kicks off Raleigh-Durham Climate Week at Innovate Carolina Junction with climate founders discussing sustainable business models.

Presented by Launch Chapel Hill and Innovate Carolina

Kick off Raleigh-Durham Climate Week in Chapel Hill. This is the first event of the week. Join founders, investors, researchers and community leaders from across the Triangle to start things off.

Some founders chase trends. Others are in it for the love of the game. They’re driven by a problem they can’t stop thinking about and a belief that the world can be better. But passion alone doesn’t keep the lights on. How do you stay true to your mission while building a company that can last?

Join three climate founders who started with conviction and kept going. They’ll share honest stories from the journey: testing markets, finding the people who believe in their work enough to pay for it, chasing funding, and growing without losing the spark that got them started.

While you’re here, see UNC’s innovation hub. Innovate Carolina Junction is where UNC researchers, student founders, startups and community partners come together to turn ideas into impact. Join a free tour to see the space, meet the team and learn how to plug into Carolina’s innovation community. Also, be sure to check out other upcoming events!

Yes, there’s parking. Forget what you’ve heard about parking in Chapel Hill. A large new parking deck sits directly across the street from the Junction on East Rosemary Street, so you can park and walk right in.

----------

Laura Olson Founder & CEO, Trashy

Laura Olson is an award-winning industrial designer and Found

Founder brief

Who should attend

Climate tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and early-stage founders wrestling with market validation and commercial traction will find direct value here. Those aiming to align sustainability missions with lasting financial viability can gain practical insights from peers who have tackled product-market fit and funding.

What happens

Three climate founders, including Trashy founder Laura Olson, share firsthand stories about testing markets, securing paying customers, raising capital, and scaling. Attendees can also take a free tour of the Innovate Carolina Junction hub to explore UNC's innovation community and available resources.

Who's in the room

Innovators gathered include local climate startup teams, angel and venture investors, university researchers, student founders, and Triangle community leaders. Staff from Innovate Carolina and Launch Chapel Hill will also be on hand to connect with regional partners.

How to prepare

Bring clear talking points regarding your venture's current stage, revenue model, and immediate growth roadblocks. Since a new parking deck is situated directly across from the venue on East Rosemary Street, you can park right by the door and arrive on time at 09:00.

Organizer: Innovate Carolina

Register

At a glance

Tickets
Free
Sectors
Climate energy

More events in Research Triangle

See all events in Research Triangle