The Georgia Chamber is proud to announce its newest initiative to establish Georgia as a leading state for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business success.
 
In partnership with the Georgia Department of Education, University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, and private colleges the Chamber launched its “Georgia InVenture Prize” statewide competition. As a concept modeled after Georgia Tech’s existing InVenture Prize contest, the initiative seeks to enhance entrepreneurial culture and strengthen Georgia’s pipeline of inventors and start-up companies.
 
The statewide initiative will provide opportunities for growth and development in emerging industries across all sectors. Students in K-12 and higher education are eligible to participate. The Georgia colleges and universities competition will represent teams comprised of full-time, degree-seeking, undergraduate students who are the original creators and owners of the invention or intellectual property conceptualizing their business plan. A First Place, Second Place, and People’s Choice Award will be awarded upon the conclusion of the final round. Divisions featured in the K-12 contest include high school, middle school, elementary school, and K-2.  This contest will represent teams from Georgia’s public and private schools throughout the state. Both contests will be judged on the quality of their idea, business model, entrepreneurship, and probability of success.
 
“As the largest statewide business advocate, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, as it is a long-standing Chamber position to support the implementation of policies that promote commercialization, research activity, and collaboration among the private and public sectors,” said Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President & CEO. “We encourage participation and look forward to working with our Georgia InVenture Prize partners in our continued efforts to develop local talent and increase access to venture capital.”