Page 28 - Athens New Comers Guide 2020

Ian Biggs

Innovation District Keeps UGA at

Forefront of Research and Development

by Andrew Smith

F or more than 230 years the sought to create synergy between director of programming at

University of Georgia has
the Innovation District. “The
the researchers and each of the
opportunity came up to bring the
operational sectors that play a role
been blazing pathways in
countless academic, social,
in getting a product to market.
startup program, the licensing
and commercial pursuits.
small business development center
Over the last five years, the Enter the Innovation District, and patent departments, and the
UGA’s comprehensive ecosystem
University has found itself at the of places, programs, and people together in the same physical area
forefront of another impactful trend all working together to foster surrounding the new Innovation
that shows no signs of slowing. innovation, entrepreneurship, and Hub building.”
experiential learning.
UGA is annually among the nation’s The heart of the Innovation District
top higher education institutions “We were doing things in many is developing along the interface
in getting innovative products to different silos,” said Ian Biggs, of UGA’s North Campus and
market thanks to strong foundations
in academic research, securing
patents, and pitching products and UGA’s Innovation Impact
solutions to the business world.
To date, more than 775 products • Top 5 University in New Products to Market
developed at UGA have reached • $531M National Impact from UGA Startups
the market, while more than 175
companies are powered by • 175+ Companies Built on UGA Research
UGA solutions. • Top 10 in U.S. for New Licenses/Options for 12 Consecutive Years
• 100% of Students Participate in Experiential Learning
With an increased reliance on
technology-based solutions for real- • 3,500+ Students Impacted by Entrepreneurship Program
world problems, University leaders

24 UGA Innovation District Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800