Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies

University System of Georgia

USG Innovation Competition

“Georgia’s brightest minds. One bold challenge. Endless possibilities.”

The University System of Georgia invites student innovators to compete in the USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition—a dynamic, two-day (April 6-7) event where creativity, strategy, and entrepreneurial spirit take center stage. Each USG institution will select one team of up to five student creators to represent them in this system-wide challenge. Teams will pitch their original ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win the USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Trophy, $25,000 in cash prizes, mentorship from industry experts, and access to top institutional accelerators. 

Competition Information & Resources

The following information shown and listed - including 1. Guest Registration, 2. Team Information, 3. Introduction Video Clip, 4. Hotel Accommodations, 5. Parking Information, 6. Team Needs Template, and 7. Event Program - correspond to the upcoming deadlines communicated with the institutional representatives for the USG Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition.

 1. Guest Registration for USG I&E Competition

Please use the following link to register for the event. All guests are required to register prior to attending the USG Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. This is a ticketed event, and a valid ticket must be presented for entry. Check-ins opens one hour before the preliminary rounds and the finals. 

2. Team Information & 3. Introduction Video Clip Requests

Team Information

Accessible Format

Deadline
Institution Name
  • Single line

March 12
Team Name
  • Single line

March 12
Team Project - Short Description
  • One sentence

March 12
Team Project - Long Description
  • 100 words max

March 12
Team Logo & Main University Logo 
  • Both horizontal & vertical layouts (if applicable)
  • Vector-based files (preferably EPS) or PNG

March 12
Team Photo
  • File type: JPEG, PNG

March 12
Team Introduction - Video Clip
  • Name files as: InstitutionName-Resolution.FileType
  • Preferred resolution: 4k (3840x2160)
  • Minimum resolution: 1080p (1920x1080)
  • Audio within video should not exceed -6dB
  • Preferred file type: ProRes (.mov)
  • Minimum file type is H.264 (.mp4)
  • For slides, horizontal 1920x1080 PNGs are preferred

March 19

4. Hotel Accommodations

Hotel

Google Rating

Address

Distance to Student Center

~Drive Time

Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center

Enter the following code under Corporate account: 9883576 for a 15% KSU discount when booking.  

 4-star hotel 500 Powder Springs St, Marietta, GA 30064 3 miles 7 min
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton at The Battery Atlanta 3-star hotel 2780 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 6 miles 13 min
Aloft Atlanta at The Battery Atlanta 3-star hotel 950 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 6 miles 13 min
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria 3-star hotel 2733 Circle 75 Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 6 miles 13 min
Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria 4-star hotel 200 Interstate N Pkwy E SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 6 miles 12 min
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel 4-star hotel 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 7 miles 15 min

5. Parking Information

Guest parking is available in two nearby lots. All guests must register for the event in order to receive a parking pass, which will be required upon arrival.

  • Lot Y (across from the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center) - 860 Rossbacher Way, Marietta, GA 30060
  • East Lot 1 (in front of the Recreation Center) - 955 Technology Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060

Both lots are a short walk to the event. Staff and signage will be on-site to help direct you. 

6. Team Needs Template

Please review and use the provided team needs template.

7. Event Program

Please use the following link 2026 USG I&E Competition Program to view the competition program that outlines the two-day event and features the schedule of preliminary pitches and finalist presentations along with the team information showcasing our students from across all 25 USG institutions. 

Competition Guidelines & Resources