WRC Continues Mission as a Catalyst for Entrepreneurship and Technology-based Economic Development

WAKE FOREST, N.C. (May 23, 2022) – The Wireless Research Center, a catalyst for technology-led economic development founded in Wake Forest in 2010, has opened offices in the downtown Wake Forest location of The Loading Dock.

The co-working space at 525 S. White Street opened in December. It includes 48 private offices, multiple conference rooms, and an event space for more than 200 people. The Wireless Research Center (WRC) joins the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP) and Wake Forest Area Chamber to anchor shared resources to support entrepreneurs and the creation of new companies and jobs.

The WRC has helped more than 80 start-ups at its commercialization center and headquarters at 3331 Heritage Trade Drive as well as through RIoT, a WRC economic development initiative in Raleigh to facilitate entrepreneurship for the Internet of Things (IoT) market. RIoT has expanded to build communities and host events across the nation, including more than 9,000 members and 90 company sponsors.

“The collaboration between these organizations is specifically designed to benefit local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the setting of our historic downtown. This sends a powerful message conveying the progressive, innovative, pro-business culture of Wake Forest,” said WFBIP President Jason Cannon. “In a post-COVID world, the opportunities for our community’s advancement as a place where residents can work – as well as live and play – have never been stronger. The WRC’s addition brings unique strengths to the already thriving environment within The Loading Dock Wake Forest, where those opportunities are becoming realities.”

“The Loading Dock and collaboration with the town, WFBIP and the Wireless Research Center is a success story for growth that provides a cornerstone for further downtown development,” said Liz Simpers, president of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce. “As we serve our business community, we must pay attention to their evolving needs, and the work of the Wireless Research Center is a strong example of how those needs can be met. The Wake Forest Area Chamber is proud to be a part of this forward momentum.”

RIoT and the new WRC Connected Communities initiative will collaborate with educational and networking events at The Loading Dock. Connected Communities is focused on research, planning, developing and deploying broadband connectivity infrastructure and digital workforce skills job training programs.

The WRC has a history of supporting entrepreneurs, including support for the Rotary Club’s Launch Wake Forest and Launch Rolesville programs. “We are thrilled to see the growing support for entrepreneurs at The Loading Dock in collaboration with the town, WFBIP, and the Chamber of Commerce,” said WRC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Gerry Hayes.

About The Loading Dock

The Loading Dock was founded by Philip Freeman, founder and CEO of Murphy’s Naturals, in May 2016 out of a desire to bring together impact-minded leaders and entrepreneurs as he was pursuing a new space to scale his business. The first shared workspace at Dock 1053 near Raleigh’s Five Points and Midtown districts, provides coworking, office suites, co-warehousing and event space. Prince Hall is in downtown Raleigh. Beryl is in West Raleigh. Wake Forest is the fourth location in the Triangle area. The Loading Dock team understands the importance of flexibility in the early years of a company and has designed inspiring workspaces where diverse entrepreneurs can learn, grow, and flourish together. The Loading Dock prides itself on abundant hospitality, a rich business-to-business ecosystem, and maintaining inspiring workspaces. For more information, please visit www.theloadingdock.com

About the Wireless Research Center

The WRC is an independent nonprofit founded in 2010 to serve as a catalyst for collaborative innovation and technology-led economic development to improve communities. The WRC is a partner with clients globally for applied research and engineering services, including communities of businesses, governments and researchers to bring new products and services to life. The WRC accelerates the rate of scientific innovation as a network design and Internet of Things (IoT) consultant and certified testing facility for the nation’s wireless industry and many wireless network providers. The WRC bridges the gap between research and commercialization with a unique approach of not requiring an ownership share of intellectual property for jointly developed inventions.

Community economic development initiatives include 5G innovation. The WRC is leading the deployment, operation and collaboration with commercial businesses for drones and unmanned aerial systems in 5G testbeds for the nation’s third advanced wireless research platform supported by an industry consortium and a $24 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Other community initiatives include broadband connectivity infrastructure and digital workforce skills job training, advanced mobility with autonomous air and ground vehicles, entrepreneurship for Internet-of-Things connected devices, public safety and government technology. For more information, visit www.wrc-nc.org

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