UNC Charlotte eyes uptown tech hub with push from Hugh McColl

CHARLOTTE — Retired Bank of America Corp. CEO and newly installed UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees member Hugh McColl wants to help the university lead the creation of a technology education and research hub in the center city — and the school is already embracing the possibilities.

McColl, who became a trustee in July, told CBJ recently that he has had discussions with UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber about the prospect of a tech hub, a concept that ties in with an effort begun last year by Charlotte Center City Partners to explore a tech-entrepreneur hub similar to Atlanta’s Georgia Tech-backed district.

Gaber answered questions by email from CBJ and confirmed UNC Charlotte’s interest in moving forward.

“While the project is in its early stages, we are assessing the academic, research, and innovation activities that can be relocated to our Dubois Center to align with the future hub’s objectives,” she said. “… The tech hub will give our students and faculty the opportunity to interact directly with industry leaders, furthering the potential for innovation, discovery, and commercialization.”

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