Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies
University System of Georgia
Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) & Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
ATDC
ATDC is Georgia’s startup incubator, providing integral startup coaching, resources, and connections to help tech founders learn, launch, and scale their companies. We’re part of Georgia Tech’s Office of Commercialization, but are open to any startup or entrepreneurs in Georgia, regardless of any university affiliation. We are a community of entrepreneurs, coaches, and experts who are all-in on helping founders build real, sustainable businesses.
ATDC was founded in 1980, created and funded by the Georgia General Assembly. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of startups grow into successful companies. ATDC graduates have attracted more than $6.2 billion in investment and generated over $14 billion in revenue here in Georgia.
If you’re a tech entrepreneur, ATDC is the place to be in Georgia.
As a student, faculty, or staff member of any USG Institution you are eligible for free membership into the ATDC Educate Program. This program is for anyone in Georgia who wants to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, shape ideas into viable products, and discover if the startup journey is right for them. Membership in the Educate program provides a foundational curriculum to build your startup knowledge: connections and coaching from experienced mentors; and a community of like-minded individuals across Georgia. We offer in-person and virtual classes which can be taken from anywhere in the state, plus self-paced training so you can learn on your own schedule.
To join our Educate program for free, contact the entrepreneurship program at your institution for a promotional code. If you school doesn’t have a promotional code for free membership, have a faculty member contact either Ivy Towns at ivy.hughley@gatech.edu or Benjamin Andrews at ben.andrews@atdc.org to receive one.
GRA
The Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) is a unique nonprofit organization which brings together Georgia's research universities, business community and state government to create opportunities to grow Georgia's economy through scientific discovery. GRA’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship program helps Georgia’s universities move more discoveries out of the lab and into the world by providing crucial early-stage investment and advice to help researchers shape startup companies around their inventions.
SBDC
The University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as one of Georgia’s top providers of small business assistance, the SBDC has 18 offices ranging from Rome to Valdosta to serve the needs of Georgia’s business community. Since 1977, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.