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Programs

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

“Investor-ready” is our aim: GRA’s I&E program provides counsel and early investment to advance university innovations to the point of attracting next capital. We work closely with researchers, private investors and experts to launch and develop startup companies.

How it works

A lab discovery or invention has market potential – but it needs more validation and development to be investor-ready. GRA’s I&E team steps into the gap, awarding milestone-driven grants and loans and providing researchers with helpful expertise and connections.

All of this happens at a crucial moment in innovation, when most investors want to see less risk and more progress before getting involved.

Meet our Senior Advisors

As of September 2026

I&E’s impact to date

GRA’s I&E program has generated an astounding return on Georgia’s investment.

$74MState dollars deployed by GRA’s I&E program
300+Startup companies formed in Georgia
$3.5BOutside investment drawn to startups
$2.4BRevenue generated by startups
$6BTotal capital leverage created

How Georgia benefits

Returns to the tax base

$6 billion in outside investment in (and company revenue from) GRA-backed startups has propelled steady capital flow to state and local tax bases — through payroll, property, sales and other tax revenues generated.

New workforce opportunities

Jobs and contracting opportunities created through GRA startups are highly skilled positions in life science and technology enterprises. These positions provide invaluable training for Georgians.

Answers to needs, challenges

The technologies GRA moves out of universities align well with Georgia’s top industries. GRA’s I&E program also connects entrepreneurial researchers with Georgia companies. The net gain: Georgia businesses get new solutions to help them grow and develop.

How to Apply
The Companies

GRA’s startup portfolio

More GRA Startups
The Projects

Entering the pipeline

Dozens of promising discoveries are emerging right now from Georgia’s university labs. They have market potential, so GRA works with these researchers to move them to the launch phase. If you’d like to know more about any of these projects, contact the I&E team.

  • Consumer & Education 1

    • Passive Tactile Learning (PTL) Gloves

  • Cybersecurity 1

    • Network Analytics for Systems Monitoring

  • Diagnostics 3

    • ElectroPhage Technology
    • Ferrohydrodynamic Cell Sort
    • OC and OPC Cancer Screening

  • Digital Health & Health Services 1

    • SHIELD

  • Energy & Cleantech 4

    • BTMS
    • IGED
    • Oceanic Lithium Extraction
    • Rare Earth Elements Recovery from Coal Ash

  • Hardware, Sensors & Robotics 3

    • Collaborative Environment for Robot Operation and Management
    • Compressible MicroInterconnects
    • Vapor Chambers for Thermal Management

  • Industrial & Environmental Biotech 2

    • Adsorbent for Nutrient Management
    • Metabolic Valve technology

  • Materials & Advanced Manufacturing 1

    • Carpet Recycling Technology

  • Medical Devices 6

    • Adult Heart Valve
    • Intubation Aerosol Containment System (IACS)
    • NIR (Near- Infrared Technology)
    • Robotic Guidewire
    • Transcatheter Heart Valve
    • Transcaval Docking

  • Regenerative Medicine & Biomaterials 1

    • Artificial Platelets 2

  • Research Tools & Drug Discovery 1

    • BCARS

  • Therapeutics (incl. Vaccines, Drug Delivery) 4

    • KRAS - RasKi Development for Cancer Immune Therapy
    • Nitric Oxide-Donating Nanoparticle
    • Novel Anti-Metastatic Agents
    • Rare Cystic Fibrosis Mutations