Promote STEM workforce development through hands-on learning in hackathons and workshops that build real-world skills. Support innovators in transforming ideas into real-life solutions.

Cultivate a community that inspires curiosity and collaboration, turning ideas into ventures and innovators into leaders who create lasting impact.

LaunchWorks was founded on a simple belief: people learn best by doing.

For years, we have seen firsthand how hands-on learning helps students discover what they enjoy, what they do well, and how their strengths can connect to future careers. Real growth happens when people are given opportunities to solve problems, work with others, build solutions, and see the results of their efforts. These experiences develop practical skills while helping participants gain confidence, explore interests, and identify pathways for their future.

This belief was reinforced through the experience of LaunchWorks Executive Director Kaiwen Cheng, who spent seven years leading Queen City Robotics Alliance and more than thirty years building and developing teams in industry. Under his leadership, QCRA expanded opportunities for hundreds of students through robotics and STEM programs while demonstrating the power of experiential learning to inspire future engineers, technicians, business leaders, and innovators. As part of a long-term succession plan, Kaiwen chose to transition leadership responsibilities to the next generation, helping support the sustainability and continued growth of QCRA while opening a new chapter focused on expanding hands-on learning into AI, software, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, software development, automation, and digital tools are creating new ways for people to learn, build, and contribute. Unlike many physical STEM activities, these technologies can often be practiced and applied remotely, creating opportunities to engage a broader and more diverse audience. Kaiwen saw an opportunity to build on the lessons learned from robotics while creating new pathways for innovation, workforce development, and real-world problem solving.

After helping host innovation challenges and hackathons for two years, including the NASA Space Apps Challenge Charlotte, it became clear that hackathons offer a powerful platform for learning. Participants develop technical skills while also practicing teamwork, communication, project management, creativity, and problem solving as they address meaningful real-world challenges. However, many promising ideas and talented participants have limited opportunities to continue their journey once the event ends.

LaunchWorks was created to bridge that gap.

Through hackathons and workshops, LaunchWorks helps participants explore emerging technologies, discover their strengths, and develop innovative solutions. For promising ideas, LaunchWorks seeks to provide mentorship, resources, and entrepreneurial support to help transform concepts into real products, services, ventures, or community initiatives. For participants seeking practical experience, LaunchWorks creates opportunities to work on real-world projects that help nonprofits, startups, and local businesses adopt digital technologies, improve processes, and leverage tools such as artificial intelligence.

By connecting talent, ideas, and opportunity, LaunchWorks creates a continuous cycle of learning, innovation, and impact. Participants gain valuable experience, organizations gain access to fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and communities benefit from solutions that address real challenges.

Our vision is to cultivate a community that inspires curiosity and collaboration, turning ideas into ventures and innovators into leaders who create lasting impact. Through hands-on learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, LaunchWorks helps participants discover their strengths, develop practical solutions, and move ideas toward real-world application.