U News | University of North Carolina System imposes budget freeze
The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University are taking medical and biomedical research to the next level by moving seven cutting-edge labs into Science Square.
From the University of North Carolina System:
The University of North Carolina (UNC) System President Peter Hans has initiated a directive that caps employee head count and permanent salary spending at April 2025 levels, and it asks universities to identify meaningful savings in contracted services.
In a memorandum issued last week, he cited anticipated cuts at both the federal and state levels.
“While the State budget has not yet passed, both the House and Senate versions include meaningful reductions for the UNC System. In light of those anticipated reductions, combined with pending federal changes and the state revenue projections, I am implementing the following measures at the institutions and the System Office:
- Total permanent salary spending is capped at April levels for each campus.
- Total administrative employee headcount is capped at April levels for each campus.
- The Chancellor (or the CFO {Chief Financial Officer} or COO {Chief Operating Officer} if designated by the chancellor) is required to approve all new faculty and staff hires. Long–term costs of hires should be considered given realistic research, enrollment, and tuition levels.
Campuses shall also reassess the continued need for all existing contracted services with an eye towards achieving savings. Any extensions, renewals, or new contracts with a value over $100,000 may only be entered into with prior approval from the chancellor or the designated CFO or COO.”
From the Georgia Institute of Technology:
The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University are taking medical and biomedical research to the next level by moving seven cutting-edge labs into Science Square, the Southeast’s premier life sciences district. This expansion is more than just growth in square footage; it marks a major push to establish Atlanta as a Top 5 technology hub in the U.S.
“Science Square Labs marks a pivotal step forward for Georgia Tech and for Atlanta’s growing life sciences ecosystem. We’re not only accelerating our research and innovation — we’re building powerful momentum across the region,” said Ángel Cabrera, President of Georgia Tech. “Our labs moving to this space will attract top talent and drive medical innovation. The move sets the stage for transformative discoveries, and we hope others will join us to continue Atlanta’s evolution into a global hub for medical breakthroughs.”
This move comes as Georgia Tech saw a 46 percent increase in research awards from 2018 to 2024, evidence of the Institute’s fast-growing impact. By adding these labs, Atlanta strengthens its position on the national stage for advanced tech and life sciences innovation.
Science Square Labs, which opened in 2024, offers more than 368,000 square feet of premium lab and innovation space across 13 floors. Strategically located across from Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area, the building is designed to bring together academic institutions, start-ups, and industry leaders.
From Boise State University:
Students interested in launching tech start-ups can now earn college credit for taking part in Sandbox, a Boise State start-up incubator program.
Sandbox began at Brigham Young University in 2020 as a credit-earning, capstone-style course that integrates into degree programs. After many participants successfully secured funding for their start-ups, Sandbox expanded to six additional universities. In addition to Brigham Young, they include the University of Louisville, Utah State University, Utah Tech University, and Utah Valley University.
The program recently kicked off at Boise State, with student recruitment beginning in spring 2025 for the first class starting in the fall.
Collectively, Sandbox companies are valued at $149 million, with six ventures accepted into Y Combinator, described in a Boise State news release as the world’s most prestigious start-up accelerator.
Students earn 12-18 credits for taking part in Sandbox.
From the University of Chicago:
The George Shultz Innovation Fund has awarded $250,000 to StaC12, $200,000 to Theta Neurotech, and $150,000 to CavilinQ to support the continued development and commercialization of their technologies.
Managed by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, the Fund provides up to $250,000 in funding for early stage tech ventures emerging from the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.
“Since moving to a single funding cycle per year, we received one of the highest numbers of applications ever for the George Shultz Innovation Fund,” said Shyama Majumdar, Director of Science Accelerators and Investments at the Polsky Center. “The quality of submissions was exceptional, making it a challenge to select just four finalists. This year’s three awardees span material science, quantum computing, and medical devices — demonstrating the breadth and excellence of research emerging from the University of Chicago. As venture capital becomes increasingly difficult to secure, early-stage risk capital like the Innovation Fund plays a critical role in advancing university spinouts. Congratulations to our awardees—I’m excited to see the remarkable heights they will undoubtedly reach.”
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