Charlotte, NC, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Honeywell has announced a $10 million investment to create the Honeywell Innovation Hub at UNC Charlotte, aiming to enhance STEM education and provide thousands of students with practical industry experience. The facility will be renovated and opened in 2027, featuring modern labs and classrooms while supporting scholarships and research opportunities in engineering and computer science.
Charlotte, NC – Honeywell has announced a $10 million investment to establish the Honeywell Innovation Hub at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), signifying the company’s first major partnership with the academic institution. This initiative is geared towards enhancing STEM education and is set to renovate Burson Hall, originally built in 1985, with plans to open the hub in 2027.
The focus of this collaboration is to create a robust pipeline for future job market entrants rather than just a donation. It is anticipated that the Innovation Hub will have a significant impact on thousands of students majoring in engineering, data science, and computer science, thereby directly influencing the future technical workforce.
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber highlighted the significance of connecting students with real-world experiences and industry leaders. Besides enhancing the educational experience, Honeywell’s investment will also support student scholarships, research opportunities, and endowed faculty positions aimed at improving both teaching and research capabilities at the university. Over the next decade, Honeywell plans to award 48 scholarships specifically for high-achieving students in STEM fields.
This year alone, Honeywell has engaged approximately 1,700 interns, with around 70% of those interns being offered full-time positions within the company following their internships. The new hub will feature advanced technology and simulations related to Honeywell’s automation solutions, with more than $1 million of the investment earmarked for industry-grade technology.
The facility is planned as a spacious 155,000-square-foot complex designed with glass exterior walls to promote transparency and collaboration among students and professionals. It will include modern engineering labs and classrooms, as well as specialized research and simulation spaces. This initiative is closely tied to UNC Charlotte’s recent R1 research designation, underlining its commitment to pioneering research.
The inaugural class of Honeywell Scholars comprises six undergraduate students across various engineering and computer science disciplines, amounting to $180,000 in scholarship funding. The investment will also endow four faculty positions—two dedicated to engineering and two to computer science—further strengthening the educational infrastructure.
Research areas supported by the hub will include AI safety, smart infrastructure, and workforce development. This partnership is part of Honeywell’s broader strategy to bridge the gap between academic training and industry requirements, as Charlotte continues to attract more technology companies. The collaboration will enable students to work alongside engineers on annual projects that aim to solve real-world challenges faced by Honeywell and its clients.
This initiative is not just aimed at benefiting Honeywell but represents a model for regional collaborations designed to encourage economic growth and development through education. Honeywell employs 97,000 people worldwide, with 1,150 of those positions based in Charlotte, where the company relocated its headquarters in 2018.
In recent developments, Honeywell has initiated a strategic split into three companies focused on aerospace, automation, and advanced materials, with the automation element continuing to be headquartered in Charlotte. UNC Charlotte currently boasts an enrollment of over 32,000 students, with significant numbers in the College of Computing and Informatics and the Lee College of Engineering.
Key Features of Honeywell Innovation Hub
- Investment: $10 million
- Planned Opening: 2027
- Facility Size: 155,000 square feet
- Scholarships: 48 over a decade
- Research Areas: AI safety, smart infrastructure, workforce development
- Endowed Faculty Positions: Four total (two engineering, two computer science)
- Inaugural Honeywell Scholars: 6 undergraduate students, $180,000 funding
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Honeywell Innovation Hub?
The Honeywell Innovation Hub aims to enhance STEM education and build a strong pipeline for future job market entrants through a partnership with UNC Charlotte.
When is the Honeywell Innovation Hub expected to open?
The hub is scheduled to open in 2027.
How much is Honeywell investing in this initiative?
Honeywell is investing $10 million in the Honeywell Innovation Hub.
What types of students will benefit from the Honeywell Innovation Hub?
Thousands of students studying engineering, data science, and computer science are expected to benefit from the hub.
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Honeywell Invests $10 Million in Innovation Hub at UNC Charlotte
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