Charlotte’s Innovation District

The Pearl ushers in a new chapter for the Queen City

The Pearl officially opened its door in June 2025, marking a transformative milestone in health care innovation. Developed through a visionary public-private partnership led by Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology, The Pearl unites cutting-edge medical education, research and technology to drive collaboration and economic growth. Anchored by the Charlotte campus of Wake Forest University School of Medicine – the city’s first four-year medical school – and IRCAD North America, a global leader in surgical training, The Pearl is positioned as a global destination for medical advancement.

Over the next 15 years, The Pearl is projected to generate more than 5,500 on-site jobs and over 11,500 jobs regionally, serving as a catalyst for opportunity and inclusive growth. Its impact extends beyond medicine, with deep community engagement including a K-12 STEM partnership with several county system schools to inspire middle and high school students toward health care careers.   

This innovation district represents a bold new chapter for Charlotte – where education meets entrepreneurship, and where partnerships fuel progress. With more than 700,000 square feet completed in its first phase, The Pearl is where excellence is learned, shared and scaled for start-ups, global businesses, academic institutions and tech companies.