Athens Startup Week, a showcase of the growing entrepreneurship community in Athens and at the University of Georgia, is April 12–16.
With a combination of in-person and streaming expert panels, pitch competitions and demonstrations, Startup Week is an opportunity for students, faculty and community entrepreneurs to connect and learn about what’s happening in the Classic City.
Programs highlight the bourgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem that crosses from campus into the Athens community as well as the university’s efforts to turn its innovative ideas into products, business ventures and nonprofits.
Events are hosted by UGA’s Innovation District partners, including Innovation Gateway and the Student Entrepreneurship program, as well as the nonprofit Athensmade and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.
Monday, April 12
Ask Me Anything
The session will feature a panel of veteran Athens entrepreneurs to share their experiences of starting a business and answer audience questions.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Studio 225 & Online
Hosted by: Athensmade & Athens Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, April 13
Startup Stories
The session will feature successful UGA alumni as well as community entrepreneurs who will offer testimonials about their startup experiences, including the challenges and opportunities they have encountered, along with lessons they have learned along the way.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Studio 225 and Online
Hosted by: UGA Entrepreneurship Program & Athensmade
Wednesday, April 14
Students to Startups
This event facilitates connections between students and local entrepreneurs.
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Location: Studio 225 and Online
Hosted by: UGA Entrepreneurship Program
Innovation District Showcase
The Showcase will display technologies, researchers, startups and entrepreneurs from the University of Georgia. UGA’s startup enterprise includes nascent startups, mid-stage companies and mature businesses from a range of academic fields.
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Innovation Hub and Online
Hosted by: Innovation Gateway
Thursday, April 15
“Next Top Entrepreneur” Pitch Contest
This pitch competition hosted by the University of Georgia attracts student competitors from across the U.S. Student teams and businesses compete for a $10,000 prize by pitching business ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience.
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Online
Hosted by: UGA Entrepreneurship Program
Friday, April 16
Society of Entrepreneurs “Life’s a Pitch”
During this Hackathon hosted by the Society of Entrepreneurs, attendees are divided into teams and assigned a broad problem relevant to the Athens community. During a limited timeframe, the teams develop a business concept addressing the assigned issue and pitch the concept before a panel of judges. Proceeds raised for this event support a preselected Athens nonprofit.
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Online and Studio 225
Hosted: Society of Entrepreneurs