Charlotte, North Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Honeywell has made a $10 million investment to create the Honeywell Innovation Hub at UNC Charlotte, aiming to modernize STEM education facilities. The hub, expected to open in 2027, will focus on engineering, data science, and computer science. It will provide scholarships, research opportunities, and endowed faculty positions, contributing to a strong talent pipeline for future workforce demands.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Honeywell has announced a significant investment of $10 million to establish the Honeywell Innovation Hub at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). This initiative aims to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education by transforming Burson Hall, a building originally constructed in 1985, into a modernized facility dedicated to technological and educational advancements. The new hub is projected to be operational by 2027.
The Honeywell Innovation Hub is set to benefit thousands of students specializing in engineering, data science, and computer science. The collaboration between Honeywell and UNC Charlotte seeks to develop a robust talent pipeline for the future workforce, as stated by Honeywell Chairman and CEO, Vimal Kapur. The initiative is aligned with UNC Charlotte’s recent achievement of an R1 research designation, which indicates high research activity at the institution.
To further support student success, Honeywell’s investment includes funding for student scholarships, research opportunities, and the creation of endowed faculty positions. Over the next decade, Honeywell plans to provide 48 scholarships specifically for high-achieving STEM students, with the inaugural Honeywell Scholars program awarding $180,000 in total to six undergraduate students.
Additionally, four endowed faculty positions will be established, with two allocated to the College of Engineering and two to the College of Computing and Informatics. The funds will also contribute to various research projects, focusing on key areas such as AI safety and smart infrastructure.
In terms of facility design, the 155,000-square-foot hub will feature a modern glass exterior, allowing visibility into collaborative workspaces and specialized engineering labs, classrooms, and simulation spaces. Over $1 million of Honeywell’s investment will be reserved for implementing industry-grade technology. The campus will also utilize Honeywell’s building automation solutions, reflecting real-world technology applications.
The initiative aims not only to enhance the quality of STEM education at UNC Charlotte but also to ensure that the region has a skilled workforce to meet future demands. In its commitment to creating a strong internship pipeline, Honeywell plans to hire more interns after hosting 1,700 interns and achieving a hiring rate of about 70% in the current year.
Honeywell’s investment is viewed as a model for collaboration between private companies and educational institutions. The company is also committed to supporting local educational initiatives, including FIRST Robotics and other community programs. UNC Charlotte, with an enrollment of over 32,000 students—including approximately 4,520 in the College of Computing and Informatics and 4,168 in the Lee College of Engineering—continues to grow and expand its educational offerings.
Honeywell, which employs around 97,000 people globally, has a significant presence in Charlotte, with 1,150 local employees. The company relocated its global headquarters to Charlotte in 2018 and is in the process of splitting into three companies, each focusing on different sectors.
Key Features of the Honeywell Innovation Hub
- Investment: $10 million by Honeywell
- Opening Date: Expected in 2027
- Facility Size: 155,000 square feet
- Key Focus Areas: Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science
- Scholarships: 48 scholarships over ten years; $180,000 for inaugural Honeywell Scholars program
- Endowed Positions: Four faculty positions established
- Research Areas: AI safety and Smart Infrastructure
- Internship Program: 1,700 interns hired, with a 70% hiring rate
FAQs
What is the investment amount for the Honeywell Innovation Hub at UNC Charlotte?
When is the Honeywell Innovation Hub expected to open?
How many scholarships will Honeywell award over the next ten years?
What key research areas will the Honeywell Innovation Hub focus on?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Business North Carolina
- WSOC TV
- QC News
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Google Search: Honeywell Innovation Hub
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
