Jay Hurt Hub Executive Director, Liz Brigham, Named as 2026 Rising Star by GrepBeat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DURHAM, NC – Feb. 8, 2026 –

Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Davidson College is proud to announce that its Executive Director, Liz Brigham, has been named a 2026 Rising Star by GrepBeat. This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to building and supporting startup communities across North Carolina. Liz Brigham is one of only 10 honorees selected from nominations spanning the state, showcasing her outstanding leadership and impact.

The Rising Stars awards, organized by GrepBeat, are determined by a distinguished panel of judges representing various organizations within the tech and startup ecosystem. The honorees, including Liz Brigham, were celebrated at an in-person event, highlighting their dedication and achievements in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Among the recognized individuals was Jenny Tacka of gWen and Brands x Humans, representing the Charlotte ecosystem.

"Being recognized as a Rising Star is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and community to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the region," said Liz Brigham, Executive Director at Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. "This honor reflects our commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem that supports startups and innovators."

The selection process for the Rising Stars award involves a thorough assessment by judges with extensive experience in North Carolina's startup landscape. The program not only highlights individual accomplishments but also underscores the collaborative spirit driving the state's entrepreneurial growth.

Liz Brigham's recognition as a Rising Star underscores her pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation at the Jay Hurt Hub. Her leadership has been instrumental in providing educational programming, fostering experiential learning, and ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and its initiatives, visit https://hurthub.davidson.edu/.

About Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Davidson College

The Hurt Hub@Davidson convenes innovators and entrepreneurs in the Davidson College community and the Greater Charlotte region to catalyze innovative solutions to critical problems through educational programming, experiential learning in a safe environment, an inclusive co-working space, uncompromising ethics, a robust mentor network, access to startup capital, and innovation consulting.

Media Contact:

Liz Brigham

Executive Director

Email: librigham@davidson.edu

Phone: 773-677-2783

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethsbrigham/

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