In the past, if you launched a startup in the Research Triangle region, daunting questions arrived faster than answers. How do you navigate the limited avenues of support for turning intellectual property into products or services? Or compete with larger corporations that have more established networks and resources? Or wrestle with the reality that venture capital investments and IPOs in the region trail other US-based innovation centers? And how do you find the right team to help you run the business without having any money? But, thanks to an innovative partnership between two of the world’s leading research universities that both call the Triangle home, IP-based startups in the area are now well-positioned to answer tough questions faster and thrive in the long term. Kickstart Venture Services, a University department that is part of the Innovate Carolina initiative at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the New Ventures Program at the Duke Office of Licensing & Ventures are working together to launch an entrepreneurial hub aimed at strengthening startups and positioning them for success. The hub will provide startups with access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem, a joint talent network and an established database of service providers.