Stan Eskridge knows a marketable idea when he sees one.
The local businessman, who takes part in a major entrepreneurial initiative at UNC, has helped University graduates make their daydreams a reality.
Now Eskridge and people like him are helping others at UNC achieve their goals.
Students and faculty looking to put either their products or their research on the market can learn entrepreneurial skills through a series of seminars called Launching the Company that starts this October.
During the program, which will meet weekly until Spring Break, participants can take part in lectures, workshops and labs.
About half a decade ago, Eskridge helped graduates of the series, a part of the Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative, found Hemocellular Therapeutics Inc.
The company is working to launch its first product, a hemostatic therapeutic. "It helps stop uncontrollable bleeding," Eskridge said. "It is a huge medical need."
"I couldn't be a bigger supporter of the program," he added. "They are doing a great job of teaching researchers how to market their products."
The program is divided into two parts. The fall semester focuses on feasibility analysis; the spring semester concentrates on launching a business.