Come One.
Grow All.
The Pearl is Charlotte’s first innovation district: a vibrant, one-of-its-kind ecosystem that sits at the crossroads of world- leading research, academic excellence, corporate innovation, clinical translation, entrepreneurial activity and community engagement.


The Pearl is more than a Place; it’s a Promise
Born from a bold question – “What if we built a medical school in the heart of Charlotte?” – The Pearl has blossomed into a state-of-the-art innovation district where excellence lives, and excellence is learned. It stands as the crowning jewel of the Queen City, a ‘city within a city,’ where researchers, students, surgeons, educators and entrepreneurs collide in moments of planned serendipity to unlock opportunity, accelerate breakthroughs and impact lives for generations to come.
We’re here because of bold ideas, strong partnerships and a deep commitment to health, to innovation, to education and, most importantly, to the future.
Where History Informs Tomorrow’s Innovation
The Pearl is located on land that was once Brooklyn, a vibrant, self-sustaining Black community with diverse families, active businesses, schools and a place of worship. During the 1960s and 1970s, Brooklyn was impacted by Charlotte’s first wave of urban renewal, displacing thousands of neighborhood residents. Today, The Pearl honors its legacy through inclusive design, community partnerships and the Purposeful Walk – a living tribute to the voices and stories of Brooklyn’s past. The Pearl is where history informs innovation, and where the future is built with intention, respect and belonging.
Happening this Week in The Pearl
Locate in The Pearl
Whether you’re a global industry leader or an emerging innovator, The Pearl provides the ideal environment for your organization’s growth. With flexible research facilities, customizable office spaces, and cutting-edge collaboration areas–plus lifestyle amenities that attract and retain top talent–organizations of every scale can accelerate their vision within Charlotte’s premier knowledge community.

Office & Lab-Ready Space
Flexible spaces designed for both emerging and established companies, with options ranging from private offices to custom multi-floor suites. Whether you need a single bench or an entire floor, move in quickly and scale within our vibrant, innovative environment. Our intentionally designed spaces support your growth from startup through market expansion.
The Pearl – Phase I
Set to open in summer 2025, The Pearl will incorporate lab, office, academic, and retail spaces paired with popular amenities and collaborative and community programming.
The first phase features 643,000 SF with the capacity to grow to 4.2M SF within the innovation district.


IRCAD North America
The Pearl will be home to IRCAD North America, an experiential education and innovation center offering hands-on courses, expert guidance, and innovative techniques for medical professionals to advance in their field.
The Latest Updates from The Pearl
Articles
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Featured
4 Ways The Pearl Innovation District Will Transform Charlotte
Want to Build a Community? Think Public Space.
How BMI OrganBank Is Changing the Kidney Transplant Equation
Press Releases
See all press releasesCabarrus County Schools and The Pearl Innovation District Announce Partnership to Launch Workforce-Aligned, Health Care Innovation Microschool
IRCAD North America celebrates grand opening at The Pearl innovation district with global health care leaders and industry partners
Mentions in the News
See all news articlesConversations on the State of Healthcare podcast: The Pearl
North Carolina Healthcare Association
See inside: Charlotte’s new surgical institute trains thousands of health care workers with robots
Axios
‘Magic’ starting to happen at IRCAD in Charlotte
Business NC
