Page 29 - Athens New Comers Guide 2020

“We thought, during the Innovation District
pandemic, that there

would be a lot less activity,

but we’ve seen the
opposite. Industries are

needing more innovation

and are seeking solutions
to encourage people to

start purchasing again.”

Ian Biggs, director of programming
at the Innovation District

downtown Athens, where the district 30-35 at any given time to now more “Half of all startups that fail make
has grown alongside the Classic City’s than 140 projects. Despite the many something nobody cares about,”
vibrant art, music, and food scenes. challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic Biggs said. “We’re all about ‘de-risking’
that struck in 2020, Biggs said the projects as early or completely as we
This area includes Studio 225, the Innovation District is as busy as ever. can so they are more viable for their
new home for UGA’s booming
Student Center for Entrepreneurship, Although it can take years for a commercial applications and more
as well as the Innovation Hub, aimed product to make it onto a shelf or for appealing to companies who may
to expand faculty entrepreneurship a technology to be implemented, the want to purchase them.”
and industry engagement. Terrell Hall leaders behind the Innovation District
houses both the Office of Industry are working to reduce that time The current national impact of
Engagement and Innovation Gateway, $531 million from the jobs created
which leads UGA’s research licensing significantly. According to Biggs, one by the more than 775 solutions
and startup efforts. Meanwhile, the of the best things UGA can do is help developed through UGA research
Small Business Development Center startups with the customer discovery
is at 382 E. Broad St. process. Rather than spending will only increase as more startups
months or years solving a perceived succeed and more products hit the
Biggs said since the district began its problem – which may or may not market. And while the reach of UGA
cohesion efforts about five years ago, be a real problem – researchers and continues to grow, Biggs noted,
the number of research projects in entrepreneurs can address customer the University’s mission as a land
the development pipeline went from needs directly. grant institution will always focus on
improving the lives of Georgians.

“The No. 1 thing is to get UGA
technologies out to the public for
everyone to take advantage of,” Biggs
said. “But if we can also find a way to
keep jobs in the area, the community
of Athens as a whole will benefit
from this.”

For more information
on the University of Georgia’s
Innovation District, please visit
innovation.uga.edu.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800 UGA Innovation District 25