Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a comprehensive public research institution in Boone, North Carolina, serving the High Country and the wider region. Industry partners engage through a developing Innovation District on the university’s Millennial Campus, designed to co-locate applied research space and collaboration areas, and powered by a next‑generation, low‑carbon energy system. App State also operates New River Light and Power, a university‑owned electric utility that provides a rare, utility‑scale living lab for grid modernization and community‑based pilots. Faculty pursue competitively funded research supported by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, alongside state and philanthropic sources. A dedicated Office of Research and Innovation streamlines sponsored programs, agreements and research protections, and supports technology transfer and commercialization.