Paving the Way To A Knowledge-Based Economy: Enhancing University Research And Entrepreneurial Skills in Georgia
Ilia State University, together with the San Diego State University California Campus, Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency, and Startup Grind Georgia received a generous grant opportunity funding under the University Research and Entrepreneurship Program in Georgia. The program is the United State Federal Assistance provided by the U.S. Department of State, executed by the US Embassy in Tbilisi Georgia through the Program Call on University Research and Entrepreneurial Skills Program 2017.
It is very important for Georgia to transition to a knowledge-based economy. At the backbone of every knowledge-based economy are strong “entrepreneurial” Universities. This project provided support and assistance to Georgian professors, scientists, researchers, undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students to grow from inventors, to innovators and in some cases to “academic” entrepreneurs.
By providing training in all aspects of product management (marketing, fund-raising, finding product/market fit, developing proof of concept, etc.), developing an ecosystem of knowledge transfer among Georgian universities, providing the framework for a sustainable entrepreneurial skills program are the necessary steps in creating an innovation based culture in Universities and in a country as a whole.
Donor Organization: U.S. Embassy in Georgia
Implementing Partners: Ilia State University (leading and applicant organization), San Diego State University California Campus, Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency, and Startup Grind Georgia