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North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative

North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative to make NC the national leader in AI and Blockchain.

We advance smart policy, responsible innovation, and the strongest business climate for emerging technologies — unifying the industry with one voice in North Carolina.

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2019
NC Blockchain Roots
NC #1
Goal: National Leader
5
2026 Policy Priorities
"Our mission is to make North Carolina the number one state in the country for blockchain and AI — through advocacy, policy, and the unified voice of industry."

North Carolina's blockchain and AI policy landscape is being written right now.

NCB+AI is the state's first advocacy and convening organization for blockchain and AI. The space has historically been fragmented — companies operating in silos with no unified voice in North Carolina. We change that.

What We Do

Three Pillars of Impact

01
Advocacy

We combine policy expertise with strategic communication to help our members influence outcomes and advance meaningful change. Through bipartisan engagement, legislative monitoring, and direct access to key decision-makers, we navigate the process so your voice is heard when it matters most.

02
Industry Coalition

Unifying startups, enterprises, researchers, and policymakers around shared priorities. One voice, one agenda — bringing blockchain, AI, crypto, banking, and energy companies together under a unified front.

03
Education & Convening

We curate events, briefings, and resources that give members the knowledge and connections they need to stay ahead. Leveraging North Carolina's world-class university system to build and retain the next generation of blockchain and AI talent in the state.

2026 Agenda

Policy Priorities

01
Responsible AI Frameworks
→
02
Digital Asset Regulatory Clarity
→
03
Public Sector Blockchain Pilots
→
04
Workforce & Talent Acceleration
→
05
Business Incentives for Emerging Tech
→

Balanced innovation and safety standards for AI deployment in North Carolina. We advocate for transparent procurement guidelines, ethical deployment standards for public-sector AI, and frameworks that give businesses regulatory certainty without stifling development.

Clear, predictable frameworks for digital assets and cryptocurrency in NC. Consumer protection without over-regulation. We work to establish definitions, licensing clarity, and a fintech sandbox that gives innovators room to build while maintaining strong consumer safeguards.

Identity verification, public records, and procurement efficiency pilots using blockchain infrastructure. We advance the policies that enable NC government to modernize using proven distributed ledger technology — reducing costs and increasing transparency.

University pipelines, certification tracks, and industry collaboration programs. We are working to develop a statewide workforce initiative — in partnership with industry, educators, and government — to align training programs with the real skills that emerging tech companies need.

North Carolina already offers a robust set of performance-based business incentives designed to attract and grow companies in emerging technology sectors. NCB+AI advocates for blockchain and AI companies to have full access to these existing programs — including job creation grants, early-stage technology funding, and other incentives administered through the state — among others. Our goal is not to create new incentives, but to ensure our industry has a seat at the table when these programs are deployed.

Leadership

The Team Behind NCB+AI

Built by practitioners with deep roots in policy, blockchain, finance, and North Carolina — this is a leadership team that opens doors and gets results.

Founding Leadership
Chairman of the Board
Dan Spuller
Bio coming soon.
EVP, Blockchain Association — the largest blockchain advocacy organization in the United States
Founder & State Advocate
Dan Forest
Bio coming soon.
Two-Term Lt. Governor of North Carolina — founder of NCB+AI and instrumental in establishing the original NC Blockchain Initiative in 2019
Board of Directors
Board Member
Lyle Gravatt
Bio coming soon.
General Counsel & Technologist
Board Member
Eric Porper
Bio coming soon.
Entrepreneur & Fintech Investor
Board Member
John Bridge
Bio coming soon.
National Security & Financial Crimes Expert
Board Member
Alej Navia
Bio coming soon.
Media, Technology & Finance Entrepreneur
Director of Operations
Patrick Riley
Bio coming soon.
NC Blockchain + AI Initiative
The Case for North Carolina

Why NC Is Positioned to Win

  • Research Triangle Park and Charlotte — two of the nation's most concentrated tech and research ecosystems
  • North Carolina's 17 public universities — spanning the full UNC System — form one of the nation's most comprehensive research ecosystems, driving cutting-edge output in AI, computer science, engineering, and data science across the entire state.
  • Deep fintech and banking sector presence Across North Carolina
  • Energy infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale data centers and compute
  • Entrepreneurial talent pipeline fed by 17 UNC System campuses and 40+ private institutions

The coalition is forming now…

Don't wait until the policies and rules are already written — join now and be at the forefront of shaping what comes next.

The companies at the table now will shape the rules everyone else has to follow. Early members set the agenda, define the priorities, and build the relationships that matter. Don't let someone else define your industry's future.

Join NCB+AI Contact Us
Membership

Find Your Seat at the Table

Tier 01
Startup Member
  • Policy updates & advocacy alerts
  • Event access & networking
  • Member directory listing
  • Coalition newsletter
Contact for pricing
Learn More
Tier 02
Professional Member
  • All Startup benefits
  • Priority event registration
  • Working group participation
  • Policy brief access
Contact for pricing
Learn More
Tier 03
Corporate Member
  • All Professional benefits
  • Brand positioning on materials
  • Speaking opportunities
  • Legislative briefing access
  • Advisory input on policy agenda
Contact for pricing
Learn More
Limited Seats
Tier 04
Founding Partner
  • Permanent founding recognition — never replicated
  • Advisory board status (annual)
  • Direct policy agenda influence
  • Inaugural dinner access
  • Dedicated speaking platform
  • All corporate benefits
$25,000 / year
Inquire Now
About NCB+AI

North Carolina's Voice for Emerging Technology

A nonpartisan trade association dedicated to making NC the national leader in blockchain, AI, and digital assets.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make North Carolina the number one state in the country for blockchain and AI — through advocacy, policy, and the unified voice of industry.

NCB+AI is North Carolina's first dedicated advocacy and convening organization for blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. The space has historically been fragmented — companies operating in silos with no unified voice in Raleigh. We change that.

We bring the full industry together around shared policy priorities, connect industry to policymakers, and ensure that North Carolina's regulatory environment enables innovation rather than restricts it.

Our Approach
01
Political Narrative Influence
Industry roundtables, targeted engagement, and government committee presence.
02
Targeted Lobbying
Strategic policy architecture on the bills that matter — from drafting language to seeing legislation across the finish line.
03
Energy Infrastructure
Advancing data center, grid, and compute infrastructure policies that make NC viable for blockchain and AI at scale.
04
Talent Pipeline
Leveraging NC's world-class university system to build and retain the next generation of blockchain and AI talent.
Leadership

The Team

Chairman of the Board
Dan Spuller
Bio coming soon.
EVP, Blockchain Association — the largest blockchain advocacy organization in the United States
Founder & State Advocate
Dan Forest
Bio coming soon.
Two-Term Lt. Governor of North Carolina — founder of NCB+AI and instrumental in establishing the original NC Blockchain Initiative in 2019
Board Member
Lyle Gravatt
Bio coming soon.
General Counsel & Technologist
Board Member
Eric Porper
Bio coming soon.
Entrepreneur & Fintech Investor
Board Member
John Bridge
Bio coming soon.
National Security & Financial Crimes Expert
Board Member
Alej Navia
Bio coming soon.
Media, Technology & Finance Entrepreneur
Director of Operations
Patrick Riley
NC Blockchain + AI Initiative — ncbblockchainai.com
Policy Agenda

Smart Policy.
Strong Business Climate.

Nonpartisan, pro-innovation advocacy. We believe responsible governance and competitive markets are not in conflict.

2026 Priorities

NCB+AI advocates for a regulatory environment that encourages responsible innovation, provides clear rules for businesses operating in emerging technology, and positions North Carolina as the nation's premier destination for blockchain and AI investment.

01 Responsible AI Frameworks +

Balanced innovation and safety standards for AI deployment in North Carolina. We advocate for transparent procurement guidelines, ethical deployment standards for public-sector AI, and frameworks that give businesses regulatory certainty. Clear standards that enable innovation while maintaining public trust — not blanket restrictions that chill development.

02 Digital Assets & Regulatory Clarity +

Clear, predictable frameworks for digital assets and cryptocurrency in NC. Consumer protection without over-regulation. We work to establish definitions, licensing clarity, and a fintech sandbox that gives innovators room to build — aligned with federal efforts like the GENIUS Act — while maintaining strong consumer safeguards.

03 Blockchain Infrastructure & Government Modernization +

Identity verification, public records, and procurement efficiency pilots using blockchain infrastructure. We advance the policies that enable NC government to modernize — reducing costs and increasing transparency through proven distributed ledger technology. Pilot programs in targeted agencies to demonstrate ROI before broader deployment.

04 Workforce & Talent Acceleration +

University pipelines, certification tracks, and industry collaboration programs. We are working to develop a statewide workforce initiative — in partnership with industry, educators, and government — to align training programs with the real skills that emerging tech companies need.

05 Competitive Business Climate +

Tax clarity, regulatory predictability, and targeted incentives for emerging tech companies choosing to locate and grow in North Carolina. Data center permitting reform, energy policy that supports compute infrastructure, and tax treatment of digital assets — the blocking and tackling of making NC the nation's most business-friendly state for this sector.

Take Action

Join our advocacy alerts or submit stakeholder input on active legislation.

Join Advocacy Alerts Submit Input
Policy Library
Policy Brief
NC Digital Asset Regulatory Framework
Coming Q2 2026
Testimony
AI Procurement Standards — General Assembly
Coming Q1 2026
Coalition Letter
Industry Response to NC SB Fintech Sandbox
Coming Q2 2026
Membership

Find Your Seat at the Table.

Founding seats are limited. Our mission is driven by principle — not by who shows up last.

Who Should Join
Startups
Blockchain, AI, and crypto companies building in NC
Enterprise Tech
Companies deploying AI and blockchain at scale
Financial Institutions
Banks, fintechs, and digital asset firms
Law & Advisory Firms
Practices serving the emerging tech sector
Universities
Research institutions and academic programs
Energy Companies
Infrastructure and grid companies supporting compute
Investors
VCs, family offices, and institutional investors in tech
Government Contractors
Firms delivering AI and blockchain to public sector
Membership Tiers
Tier 01
Startup Member
  • Policy updates & advocacy alerts
  • Event access & networking
  • Member directory listing
  • Coalition newsletter
Contact for pricing
Contact Us
Tier 02
Professional Member
  • All Startup benefits
  • Priority event registration
  • Working group participation
  • Policy brief access
Contact for pricing
Contact Us
Tier 03
Corporate Member
  • All Professional benefits
  • Brand positioning on all materials
  • Speaking opportunities at events
  • Legislative briefing access
  • Advisory input on policy agenda
Contact for pricing
Contact Us
Limited Seats
Tier 04
Founding Partner
  • Permanent founding recognition
  • Advisory board status (annual)
  • Direct policy agenda influence
  • Inaugural Raleigh dinner access
  • Dedicated speaking platform
  • All Corporate benefits
$25,000 / year
Inquire Now

Ready to join?

Contact Patrick Riley directly to discuss membership options.

Get in Touch
Events

Where Industry
Meets Policy.

Members-only briefings, industry roundtables, and North Carolina's flagship emerging tech forum.

2026 Calendar
14
Apr 2026
Legislative Briefing — Raleigh
Spring Policy Briefing
Members-only briefing with NC General Assembly members. Focus: GENIUS Act alignment, digital asset frameworks, and AI procurement standards.
Register
22
May 2026
Industry Roundtable — Charlotte
AI Industry Roundtable
Closed-door session for corporate and founding members. Topics: AI infrastructure, energy policy, fintech sandbox update, and talent pipeline.
Register
TBD
Jul 2026
Working Group — Research Triangle
Digital Finance Council Launch
Formation of the NCB+AI Digital Finance Council. First formal convening of fintech, banking, and blockchain members around shared regulatory priorities.
Register
TBD
Aug 2026
Day of Action — Raleigh
First Annual Day of Action
NCB+AI's first formal Day of Action in Raleigh. Members meet with legislators, committee staff, and executive agency leadership on priority legislation.
Register
18
Sep 2026
Annual Summit
NC Emerging Tech Summit 2026
The flagship NCB+AI annual event. 150+ attendees, full press coverage, keynotes, policy announcements, and NC's premier emerging tech policy forum.
Register

Sponsor an Event

Prominent brand positioning with NC's most influential policy and tech audience.

Sponsorship Inquiry
Insights

Policy. Analysis.
Industry Intelligence.

High-signal coverage of the issues shaping North Carolina's blockchain and AI landscape.

Latest
Policy
What the GENIUS Act Means for North Carolina Digital Asset Businesses
Federal stablecoin legislation creates both opportunity and complexity for NC-based fintech and crypto firms. Here's what businesses need to know before the rules take effect.
March 2026
AI
NC's AI Procurement Challenge: Getting Government Technology Right
As state agencies accelerate AI adoption, the absence of clear procurement standards creates risk for vendors and taxpayers alike. NCB+AI's proposed framework.
February 2026
Infrastructure
Data Centers, Energy Policy, and the Future of AI in North Carolina
The intersection of compute demand and grid capacity is emerging as a critical constraint. What NC's energy policy needs to get right to remain competitive.
February 2026
Workforce
The Talent Gap: Why NC Universities Must Lead on Blockchain and AI Education
NC graduates thousands of computer science students annually. Converting that pipeline into retained blockchain and AI talent requires deliberate policy — and it starts in the classroom.
January 2026
Business Climate
Comparing State Business Climates for Blockchain: Where Does NC Stand?
Wyoming, Texas, and Florida have made aggressive moves. North Carolina has the assets — the question is whether the policy environment will match the opportunity.
January 2026
Blockchain
Public Records on the Blockchain: NC's Government Modernization Opportunity
Three NC agencies are positioned to run pilot programs using distributed ledger technology for identity, records, and procurement. What would it take to make this happen?
December 2025
Newsroom

Press & Updates.

The latest news and announcements from the North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative.

April 16, 2026 · Press Release

NC Blockchain + AI Initiative supports NC Digital Asset and Stablecoin Act

NCB+AI applauds the House Select Committee report proposing the North Carolina Digital Asset and Stablecoin Act, positioning the state as a national leader in digital finance.

Open PDF Press Release ↗
April 14, 2026 · Letter

North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative letter to the Treasury regarding GENIUS ACT

Official comment letter submitted by North Carolina Blockchain + AI in support of the Treasury Department’s GENIUS Act rulemaking framework.

Open PDF Letter ↗
March 12, 2026 · North State Journal

New group wants to propel NC as leader in blockchain, AI

A new initiative is aimed at positioning North Carolina as a leader in the rapidly evolving worlds of blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Read Article on North State Journal ↗
March 12, 2026 · Press Release

North Carolina Blockchain Initiative Evolves into NCB+AI, Integrating Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Statewide Innovation

A permanent, non-governmental association dedicated to making North Carolina the number one state in the country for blockchain and AI.

Read Full Press Release →
March 12, 2026 · Axios

Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launches AI policy group

Former N.C. Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest is launching a new group to promote the adoption of pro-cryptocurrency and AI policies within North Carolina.

Read Article on Axios ↗
March 12, 2026 · WRAL News

Former NC Lt. Gov. Dan Forest forms blockchain, AI coalition as regulators write tech rules

A new coalition seeks to unite blockchain and artificial intelligence companies in North Carolina to shape policy.

Read Article on WRAL ↗
March 12, 2026 · The News & Observer

Former NC Lt. Gov. Forest heads blockchain and AI initiative

Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest hopes to influence state policy by bringing different sectors of the blockchain and artificial intelligence industries together in a combined advocacy and education organization.

Read Article on The News & Observer ↗
← Back to Newsroom

Press Release.

Official announcement regarding the evolution of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2026

North Carolina Blockchain Initiative Evolves into NCB+AI, Integrating Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Statewide Innovation

A permanent, non-governmental association dedicated to making North Carolina the number one state in the country for blockchain and AI

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Blockchain Initiative (NCBI), originally established as a state-appointed task force under the leadership of former Lt. Governor Dan Forest, today announced a formal transition into a permanent, non-governmental association: the North Carolina Blockchain and AI Initiative (NCB+AI).

This transition marks a significant expansion of the organization's mission. As NCB+AI, the initiative will serve as a strategic nexus for industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers across North Carolina. The expanded scope now includes artificial intelligence, reflecting the critical convergence of AI and blockchain technologies in driving modern economic growth. NCBI was originally convened as a state-appointed task force under then-Lt. Governor Dan Forest, who helped launch the initiative and bring early statewide attention to blockchain innovation.

Dan Spuller, Chairman of the NCB+AI Board and a founding member of the original initiative, emphasized the importance of this shift.

"The future of economic competitiveness will be driven by states that embrace decentralized systems and intelligent automation. North Carolina is uniquely positioned to lead, and this initiative ensures we have the infrastructure and resolve to do so."

DAN SPULLER — CHAIRMAN, NCB+AI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In a move to strengthen its leadership and operational capacity, NCB+AI is pleased to announce that Patrick Riley has been named Operating Director. Riley brings deep institutional knowledge in state government to the role, having served in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor from 2021 to 2024. In his new capacity, he will lead the initiative's day-to-day operations, ensuring the execution of its strategic mission across the state.

"North Carolina has the talent, the institutions, and the political will to lead on blockchain and AI. I'm proud to help build the organization that turns that potential into policy and results."

PATRICK RILEY — OPERATING DIRECTOR, NCB+AI

Joining Spuller on the inaugural NCB+AI Board of Directors are Lyle Gravatt (General Counsel & Technologist), Eric Porper (Entrepreneur and Fintech Investor), John Bridge (National Security & Financial Crimes Expert), and Alej Navia (Media, Technology & Finance Entrepreneur).

The Initiative will host regular summits, working groups, and stakeholder roundtables across the state, aiming to serve as a national model for technology-forward governance. The initiative's primary pillars for 2026 will center on:

2026 STRATEGIC PILLARS

Responsible Adoption

Promoting the ethical integration of decentralized systems and intelligent automation across North Carolina's economy.

Innovation Policy

Supporting legislation — including the pending HB 92 (Digital Assets Investments Act) — that keeps North Carolina competitive.

Governance Infrastructure

Hosting summits and stakeholder roundtables to serve as a national model for technology-forward governance.

Public-Private Partnership

Building partnerships to ensure workforce readiness and digital infrastructure development across the state.

ABOUT NCB+AI

The North Carolina Blockchain and AI Initiative (NCB+AI) is a permanent, non-governmental association dedicated to making North Carolina the number one state for blockchain and artificial intelligence. Through advocacy, policy engagement, and the unified voice of industry, NCB+AI drives responsible adoption and economic leadership in emerging technologies. For more information, visit ncblockchainai.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACT

Patrick Riley

Operating Director, NCB+AI

patrick@ncblockchainai.com · 919-922-0420

Contact

Let's Talk.

Membership inquiries, press requests, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions — reach us directly.

Send a Message

Operations

Patrick Riley
patrick@ncblockchainai.com
919-922-0420

ncbblockchainai.com

Membership Inquiries

Contact Patrick Riley directly to discuss founding membership, corporate membership, or any other membership opportunities.

Press Inquiries

Media requests are handled through our operations team. Please select "Press Inquiry" in the form and include your deadline.

Location

North Carolina (Statewide)
Raleigh — Charlotte — Research Triangle