Our Mission (Today)

The Eshelman Institute is forging a game-changing approach to translating bold new ideas into real-world impact for patients.

Our Vision (Tomorrow)

The Eshelman Institute aspires to be a preeminent driver of cutting-edge technologies that solve the most pressing healthcare challenges.

What would you do with $100 million?

On December 3, 2014 Dr. Fred Eshelman committed $100 million to the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy with the simple directions: “Close your eyes, and think big.”

With Dr. Eshelman’s gift, the Eshelman Institute for Innovation was born as a vehicle to accelerate idea generation and innovation.

The Eshelman Institute for Innovation encourages and develops new opportunities and bold, high-risk, high-reward ideas that advance innovation in education, research, and healthcare. Through strategic collaborations inside and outside of the University of North Carolina, the Institute will help create jobs and spur economic development in the state of North Carolina and beyond. By using a sustainable business model, the Institute aims to remain a perpetual engine of innovation.

The Eshelman Institute for Innovation advances the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy as a nationally recognized hub of discovery for disease treatments, drug-delivery systems, and health care practice.

“The best of the best ideas will come about and be brought to fruition only through intense collaboration:  Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Public Health and others.”

– Provost Bob Bloiun

“…if we are going to in fact increase the pace to attain our goals, the private sector must make the investment like never before. It is one of the best investments we could possibly make for our children, our neighbors, our friends and our fellow citizens. As part of that investment, and as per the Institute, we must help in the translation of ideas and research into products, into services and into tools that will be good and useful for our citizens.”

– Fred Eshelman