Techstars Startup Week Athens 2019

Explore and celebrate UGA’s success in bringing scientific discoveries to the marketplace. Hear firsthand from UGA researchers and entrepreneurs who turned their research breakthroughs into new products and businesses that drive economic development!

Innovation Gateway's annual Technology Transfer Educational Series, "Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry," is a four-part series that highlights how Innovation Gateway collaborates with UGA researchers to maximize the impact of their discoveries by partnering with industry, or helping to launch startup companies, to move discoveries from the lab or field to the marketplace.

The fourth and final event in the series, “Success Stories: Turning UGA Research into Products,” will feature an exclusive panel of UGA researchers and entrepreneurs sharing their licensing and startup success stories and experiences, followed by questions from the audience. 

The one-hour panel discussion will be followed by a networking reception with refreshments. Space is limited and registration is encouraged. RSVP to Tyler Duggins at tduggins@uga.edu or 706-542-8969.

Panelists:
Joe Bouton, Emeritus Professor, UGA Department of Crop and Soil Sciences; Developer of new cultivars of forage and bioenergy crops

Dan Geller, Public Service Associate in the College of Engineering; co-inventor of a renewable fire-starter technology; leader of the Renewable Technical Assistance Program; and Chief Technology Officer of Kindercore Vinyl

Robert Woods, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry; President and Co-Founder of Lectenz® Bio

Song Kue, Inventor and UGA alumna; Founder of MiraBlue Bio LLC

Moderator:
Rachael Widener, Senior Licensing Manager, Innovation Gateway

Athens Game Jam is back and better than ever for 2019! Compete and build the biggest, baddest game you can in just 48 hours!  A game jam is an event where you form a team and create a game over the course of a weekend. We announce a theme at the start of the jam on Friday evening. Teams create a new original game based on that theme within the next 48 hours.

More Info + Registration: http://athensgamejam.com/2019/

Eight weeks ago, nearly 50 teams of students and community members set off on an entrepreneurial journey that could change their paths forever. Each started with an idea for a new business and set off on the process of testing it in the real world through hundreds of customer interviews and thoughtful insight from expert instructors. Tonight, the remaining teams pitch their ideas before a panel of judges and the public to determine who will go home with $5,000 to launch their new business. Join us as we welcome several new entrepreneurs into Athens' startup scene and congratulate these teams on their hard work and future success.

Gather everything you need for a week's worth of locally-made, nutritious meals at the Downtown Culinary Showcase! This is your chance to immerse yourself in the local food scene and socialize with your neighbors while supporting Athens' small business community and supporting the efforts of the Culinary Kitchen of Athens!

The Culinary Kitchen of Athens Downtown Incubator Kitchen is a program supported by the Athens
Downtown Development Authority in partnership with the North East Georgia Business Alliance and
Athens Chamber of Commerce . The Culinary Kitchen of Athens is a micro-enterprise program that
provides the necessary skills for helping low to moderate income, small established businesses, to
prepare and learn how to compete as a commercial retail vendor through class, material sharing and
presentation style partnerships. These resources help the creatives become more business minded,
provides a free resources and exposes them how to get their product to the next level. For more information, visit http://www.culinarykitchenathens.com/

Free Money: Startup Funding Fireside Chat is an interactive event that will introduce attendees to the different types of funding available to research-based startup companies. Three panelists will discuss funding opportunities and programs for startups and answer your candid questions. The panel discussion and Q&A will be followed by a networking reception.

Panelists:
Ashley Cornelison
Operations Director, Venture Development, Georgia Research Alliance

Colin Ake
Regional Lead Instructor, I-Corps South

Connie Casteel
SBIR/STTR Catalyst, Advanced Technology Development Center, Georgia Institute of Technology


Moderator:
Tim Martin
Associate Director-Startups, Innovation Gateway, University of Georgia


RSVP to Christy Anderson (christy5@uga.edu) if you plan to attend, but please feel free to come regardless! Brought to you by UGA's Innovation Gateway

Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012- a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Through the power of volunteers, 1 Million Cups has grown to more than 180 communities.

As a program of the Kauffman Foundation, 1 Million Cups works with entrepreneurs, empowering them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses. Mr. Kauffman believed it was a fundamental right for anyone who had a big idea to be able to bring it to life—and we're here to fulfill that mission.

1 Million Cups Athens is organized by the Athens-Clarke County Development Department, Four Athens, and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. The weekly event is sponsored by Roundsphere, Athens Rising, Jittery Joe's, and 1000 Faces.  

Where do you go to find that perfect software developer, marketing expert, hype man, or financial partner for your next entrepreneurial idea? Downtown! Join the Four Athens crew this (and every) Wednesday at The World Famous to exchange ideas and contact info over a round of drinks and a few tasty appetizers.

UGA's Next Top Entrepreneur is open to student startup teams from all over the country. During this live event, teams pitch their existing business plans or business idea in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. At the end of the competition, one winning team is awarded $10,000!

5:00 – Reception area is open for everyone to enjoy heavy hors d’ouevres and drinks
5:30 – Teams begin their pitches
7:00 – Teams finish and judges start to deliberate
7:45 – Winner is announced

Not your typical job fair, Students 2 Startups is a unique opportunity for students to connect with young local companies and the entrepreneurial scene to find internships and employment in Athens.  Students from all majors are encouraged to visit with participating companies to inquire about positions and learn more about the Athens startup community.

For more information on being a participating company, please contact Tiffany Rainey: tiffany@fourathens.com.

Learn how to turn bold ideas into successful startups at this Shark-Tank style pitch competition. This year’s ideation theme is innovation on water sustainability!

How it works:
1. Kick off with a crash course on pitching
2. Teams form for quick brainstorming and coaching from outstanding Shark panelists
3. Commence with two fast-paced rounds of pitching for Monster’s Grand Prize Packs

Winners will be rewarded with prizes from Monster plus automatic consideration to UGA Entrepreneurship’s Summer Launch Accelerator Program.

Free food and beverage will be available at the event including beer and wine for people of age. Dress is casual. All are welcome. Come make waves of change in the world of sustainability!