Lenovo Celebrates Two Decades of Innovation in North Carolina

The following is an article by Ryan McCurdy, Senior Vice President and President of Lenovo North America.

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty years ago, Lenovo bet on the Research Triangle – a region that wasn't the tech hub it is today, but one that had the potential for big ideas, emerging talent, and an unmatched spirit of local collaboration. The year was 2005 and our company was acquiring IBM's PC business. We knew the business decision would establish one of two global Lenovo headquarters sites in Morrisville, North Carolina. It was a bold move, but Lenovo's decision to choose North Carolina proved to be a powerful launch pad for two decades of astonishing innovation.

With the help of our North Carolina colleagues, Lenovo has grown into the world's top PC provider with a product portfolio stretching from smartphones to data center infrastructure. And much of that innovation was developed here in North Carolina. Of the more than 10,000 patents Lenovo holds in the United States, nearly 40 percent are from our Morrisville labs. Patents and ideas born here don't just live here, they have global impact. From pioneering warm-water cooling for data centers to designing high-performance workstations alongside renowned car manufacturer Aston Martin, Lenovo products and solutions designed in the Triangle touch a global audience making life and work easier for billions of people.

Businesses and consumers alike trust Lenovo to provide the tech they need – and we help power some of the most iconic venues in the world! Our ideas and innovations light up Sphere in Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden in New York. As official technology partners of Formula 1 and FIFA, Lenovo brings the action to sports fans around the world.

But innovation is not just measured in ideas and products – it lives in people. Our state's world-class universities, community colleges, and K-12 school system are vital partners in preparing the next generation of technology leaders. Each summer, Lenovo welcomes interns from high school to college who bring fresh ideas, energy, and a passion for learning to our global headquarters in North Carolina. As the generations evolve, so do our strategies for engaging the workforce. For example, we champion skills-based hiring so that those with trade experience have equal opportunity as those with traditional four-year degrees. Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, professional sports teams, and community organizations are just a few of the ways we try to open the door technology leaders of tomorrow and inspire bright minds to pursue STEM careers.

As a company deeply rooted in the Triangle, we are invested in growing the local economy and supporting the small businesses that are the backbone of our community. That's why we established the Evolve Small program in 2020. This annual program provides financial, technology and mentoring support to North Carolina entrepreneurs. We help them secure the tools, training, and resources they need to grow their individual businesses. These small businesses are just one of the many reasons why the Triangle is such a great place to live, and we want to see this region continue to thrive for decades to come. I'm exceptionally proud of our team and the community work we've enjoyed for twenty years.

I'm also a huge Carolina Hurricanes fan, and I have to admit, I love seeing our company name on the Lenovo Center. The 10-year commitment to sponsor one of the area's largest sports and entertainment venues was a fitting way to celebrate 20 years in North Carolina. More than just a location for sports and concerts, the arena stands as a visible symbol of Lenovo's commitment to the place we call home.

As we celebrate 20 years in the Triangle, our focus is firmly on the future. Lenovo is investing $1 billion in artificial intelligence innovation over the next three years, building on the state's leadership in this space. AI will help make technology more personal and efficient, advancing our vision of "Smarter Technology for All." The investment in AI goes beyond our products though. First and foremost, we aim to be a good neighbor in all 180 markets that we serve around the world. This means not just being there for our community's technological needs, but helping contribute to the greater good, such as when Western North Carolina was in dire need of recovery efforts.

With 20 years of North Carolina success in the rearview mirror, we are excited for the road ahead. Our global ambition combined with North Carolina's business culture, strong workforce, and caring communities will further ignite a brighter future than we ever dreamed. The Triangle is our proving ground and tomorrow is our horizon.

Media Contact
Mary Cullen
[email protected]

SOURCE Lenovo