Programs

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

More innovations from Georgia's universities are brought to the world because of GRA's Innovation & Entrepreneurship program. Through I&E, GRA turns inventions and discoveries into products that serve industry and benefit Georgians.

The Gap We Fill

I&E provides seed investment and guidance to university researchers at a point when their lab discovery shows commercial potential but needs more validation and development to be market-ready. It's a point in time when most outside investors want to see less risk and more progress before getting involved.

GRA steps into this gap. Our I&E program awards grants and loans and provides researchers with expertise and connections that help technologies reach crucial milestones and move forward.

As of 2026

Investing for Impact

GRA's Innovation & Entrepreneurship program has generated an astounding return on Georgia's investment.

$61MDeployed by GRA's I&E program

300+Startup companies formed

$2.1BCompany annual revenue generated

$2.5BOutside investment unlocked

Why It Matters

Drives economic growth

Through GRA's grants, loans and guidance, 200-plus I&E projects and companies have attracted over $2.3 billion in follow-on equity investment, primarily from investors outside Georgia. In addition, the Georgia-based startups generate annual revenues, further adding to the state and local tax base.

Creates new workforce opportunities

Many of the jobs and contracting opportunities generated by the startups are highly skilled positions in life science and technology businesses. The startups not only employ Georgians, they also provide valuable experience for mobility to other companies.

The young companies are resilient, too: 87% of GRA-backed startups are still in business after four years (double the national average of 44%).

Strengthens key industry sectors in Georgia

The technologies GRA helps move out of universities align well with Georgia's top industries. GRA's I&E program also works actively to connect entrepreneurial researchers with representatives from Georgia companies. All of this assures that innovation flows from universities to industry, generating new growth in key sectors.

Greater Yield

Greater Yield is an extension of I&E built to support Georgia's leading industry, agribusiness. Georgia's poultry, livestock, dairy and crop farmers need innovation more than ever, and university researchers are inventing technologies to meet those needs: easing labor shortages, safeguarding animal health, making crops more resistant to drought and disease.

Launched in 2020, Greater Yield provides the essential bridge between those researchers and Georgia's ag and food production industries: identifying and evaluating technologies, providing seed funding, mentoring newly launched companies, and connecting founders with investors and customers.

The Portfolio

The most promising inventions and discoveries at Georgia's universities often lead to the launch of new companies. GRA invests in these companies at crucial early-stage points and provides guidance that is essential to new enterprises. Here is what is in the GRA portfolio right now.