Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University (NC State) is a prominent public land-grant research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. As part of the University of North Carolina system, NC State is the largest university in the Carolinas and forms one of the corners of the Research Triangle, alongside Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The university's core mission is to advance knowledge and innovation through research, education, and community engagement. NC State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields.

Notable affiliates include alumni who have made significant contributions in various sectors, as well as faculty members recognized for their research and innovation. The university has attracted substantial investments, such as the $30 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to lead a biomanufacturing hub for sustainable dietary proteins. Key achievements include its classification among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," reflecting its impact on research and innovation. Overall, NC State significantly contributes to scientific advancements, economic development, and societal progress through its robust academic programs and research initiatives.