News Archive

Innovation Gateway partners with Center for Black Entrepreneurship on new SBA grant

Three young adults stand outside, talking and smiling. Two men wear business attire; the woman wears a casual black jacket. A modern building, possibly part of the Innovation Gateway, is visible in the background.

By Brandon Ward In partnership with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, Innovation Gateway is one of 49 recipients of the Federal and State Technology Grant, receiving $200,000 to support proposals for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer. (Photo courtesy of Center for Black Entrepreneurship) Innovation Gateway will ...

Georgia Bio awards recognize UGA inventor, corporate partners

A man in a suit stands in a laboratory, smiling at the camera, while two researchers in lab coats work with scientific equipment and review product details in the background.

By Carson McAfee Professor Qingguo “Jack” Huang and collaborators discovered an electrochemical process to degrade dangerous “forever chemicals” in water. The solution has been licensed and is marketed under the name DE-FLUORO. University of Georgia Professor Qingguo “Jack” Huang, Delta Innovation Hub resident company Dalan Animal Health, and Athens manufacturer ...

Rhodes named executive director of the UGA Innovation District

A man in a dark blue suit and light blue shirt, possibly an executive director, stands in a modern UGA Innovation District office with glass walls and a conference table in the background.

Rhodes named executive director of the UGA Innovation District 4 days ago Chris Rhodes has been named executive director of the UGA Innovation District. (Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA) New leader brings track record of leadership in innovation and commercialization The University of Georgia is accelerating its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship with ...

Queen Bee: Berry turns a sweet hobby into research & impact

A person wearing a beekeeping suit and veil smiles while holding a beehive frame outdoors, showcasing bees on the frame—a glimpse into CytoNest Inc., a UGA startup dedicated to developing innovative commercial products for beekeepers.

Queen Bee: Berry turns a sweet hobby into research & impact By Brandon Ward Jennifer Berry, Apicultural Research Professional and Lab Manager for the UGA Bee Program, recently achieved her Ph.D. and Triple Dawg status. She has been working with the Bee Program at UGA for over 20 years. (Photo by ...

UGA startup CytoNest Inc. launches its 1st commercial product

A person holds a blue tray labeled CytoSurge 3D Scaffold with six circular holders in one hand and a box labeled CytoNest Inc., a UGA startup commercial product, in the other hand.

UGA startup CytoNest Inc. launches its 1st commercial product By Brandon Ward Through grants from the Georgia Research Alliance, the Good Food Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CytoNest acquired the necessary tools, lab space, equipment and services to release their first product to the marketplace. (Photo by Lauren Corcino) ...

Intranasal COVID-19 vaccine headed to clinical trials

Two scientists in lab coats collaborate in a laboratory, with one explaining clinical trials to the other as they work amid scientific equipment and supplies.

Intranasal COVID-19 vaccine headed to clinical trials By Brandon Ward The new vaccine is based on a viral delivery platform developed by He containing modified strains of parainfluenza virus 5, which causes kennel cough in dogs but is harmless to humans. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker) University of Georgia-based startup CyanVac LLC ...

Innovation Gateway hits the road to connect entrepreneurs to early-stage funding

Several entrepreneurs check in at the Innovation Gateway registration table in a lobby area; staff assist them with name tags and paperwork.

Innovation Gateway hits the road to connect entrepreneurs to early-stage funding By Brandon Ward Photography By Brandon Ward VIEW SLIDESHOW Innovation Gateway, along with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship and the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Morehouse, cohosted the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) America’s Seed Fund 2024 Road Tour stop on May 14 in Atlanta ...

Planting seeds of success at Innovation Bootcamp

A group of women standing around a table, planting seeds of success as they collaborate and share ideas.

Planting seeds of success at Innovation Bootcamp By Brandon Ward Video By Brandon Ward Since its inception in 2019, Innovation Bootcamp has provided entrepreneurs with building blocks of success. An on-ramp to entrepreneurship, the program helps participants develop their “why” statement, streamline pitches, and build leadership necessary for success in business. In 2021, a $1.25 ...

Education, innovation soar through partnership with Delta

A Delta Air Lines airplane, representing innovation, flies above mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Education, innovation soar through partnership with Delta By David Mitchell Video By UGA Development and Alumni Relations Communications The University of Georgia and Delta Air Lines have long partnered to help careers, research, education, and innovation off the ground. Since the beginning of its partnership with the university over 40 years ago, Delta ...

Valentine Nzengung named Regents’ Entrepreneur

A scientist in a University of Georgia lab coat, possibly Regents’ Entrepreneur Valentine Nzengung, stands in the foreground while two colleagues work at a laboratory bench in the background.

Valentine Nzengung named Regents’ Entrepreneur By Brandon Ward Valentine Nzengung, professor in the Department of Geology and founder of MuniRem Environmental, LLC, has been named as UGA’s third Regents’ Entrepreneur. MuniRem manufactures solutions for chemical neutralization of a broad range of explosives and chemical warfare agents. (Photo by Beth Chang for ...

Five professors named Senior Members of National Academy of Inventors

A collage of five people, three men and two women, posed in different professional or academic settings as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors.

Five professors named Senior Members of National Academy of Inventors By Brandon Ward Five UGA professors were named NAI Senior Members, giving the university 16 in its history. Pictured (clockwise from left) are Elizabeth Brisbois, David Crich, Jack Huang, Ralph Tripp, and Paul Raymer. The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has selected five ...

When Puliyur met Sheba: UGA researchers find success collaborating in life and lab

Seven people pose for a group photo in a laboratory, showcasing UGA researchers whose life and lab experiences highlight the spirit of collaboration amid scientific equipment and shelves in the background.

When Puliyur met Sheba: UGA researchers find success collaborating in life and lab By Brandon Ward Puliyur and Sheba MohanKumar (seated, left to right) met at Madras Veterinary College in India. Now married, the tandem is innovating solutions for disorders related to the brain, endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular functions. Their company, ...

Innovation Bootcamp launches new alumni program

A group of people pose for a photo in front of a Delta Innovation Hub sign, with a mascot in the background, celebrating their participation in the Innovation Bootcamp alumni program.

Innovation Bootcamp launches new alumni program By Brandon Ward OPEN IMAGE Innovation Bootcamp alumni came together on Jan. 17, 2024, for Innovation Gateway’s first Reboot event. Reboot is a series of events for Bootcamp alumni to get to know participants from previous cohorts through networking and sharing updates on their entrepreneurial journey ...

Hu, Sellers named National Academy of Inventors Fellows

A man in a suit and red tie stands against a gray background, next to a woman in a white lab coat standing in a laboratory setting—both recognized as Inventors Fellows by the National Academy of Inventors.

Hu, Sellers named National Academy of Inventors Fellows By Brandon Ward Jack Hu and Holly Sellers They join 14 other UGA faculty members who have received the honor since the academy began electing fellows in 2012 University of Georgia Provost S. Jack Hu and Professor Holly Sellers have been elected Fellows of ...

UGA dedicates Truist Plaza

A group of people stand outside for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Truist Plaza, holding a large red ribbon with bows in front of the UGA brick building.

UGA dedicates Truist Plaza By Brandon Ward University officials and Truist executives pose for a photo opportunity before the ribbon cutting at the Truist Plaza dedication ceremony. The ceremony commemorated a 2021 gift from Truist and a partnership that dates to 1967. (Photo by Justin Evans) The University of Georgia, Truist ...

UGA’s Ox Sox wins top spot at SEC Student Pitch Competition

A person stands next to UGA’s bulldog mascot, who is wearing a red jersey with the number 1, inside a room with brick walls and SEC Student Pitch Competition signage—showcasing school spirit and Ox Sox pride.

UGA’s Ox Sox wins top spot at SEC Student Pitch Competition UGA Entrepreneurship Program hosted student startups from 13 universities at the ninth annual pitch contest By Merritt Melancon Posted October 24, 2023 Hairy Dawg poses for photos at the 2023 SEC student pitch competition on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Athens, ...

Two UGA programs recognized in national competition

People carry potted plants along a sidewalk while a woman arranges flowers in a large planter outside a brick building on a sunny day, showcasing community spirit often seen during UGA programs and national competition events.

Business & Economy • Georgia Impact Two UGA programs recognized in national competition 5 days ago by Brandon Ward UGA students in the PROPEL Rural Student Scholars Program visit Baxley, Georgia, to learn about rural economic issues and help with a service project to beautify the downtown. (Shannah Montgomery) The awards are for ...

Georgia MBA student strikes a deal on Shark Tank

A Georgia MBA student sits on a couch with pillows in a lounge area, holding flowers, while people gather and converse in the background.

Georgia MBA student strikes a deal on Shark Tank Gently Soap founder Kristen Dunning takes her UGA-born soap to prime time By Merritt Melancon Posted October 2, 2023 When Kristen Dunning, a Georgia Full-Time MBA student and founder of Gently Soap, launched her sensitive skincare brand in 2021, she made a goal to ...

SEC Student Pitch Competition comes to UGA

Spacious, modern meeting room at UGA featuring rows of white chairs, tables, mounted displays, circular lights, and exposed brick walls—an ideal venue for events like the SEC Student Pitch Competition. Large windows and an industrial ceiling complete the look.

SEC Student Pitch Competition comes to UGA Student entrepreneurs from the 14 SEC schools come to Athens Oct. 23 for the pitch competition By Merritt Melancon Posted September 26, 2023 From software for reporting sustainability metrics to makeup that can stand up to a day in the gym — students from Southeastern ...

Partnership with Truist empowering generations of student entrepreneurs at UGA

A group of twenty-one adults stands indoors, each holding a certificate and facing the camera, in front of a wall labeled Innovation Hub.

By David Mitchell Video By UGA Development and Alumni Relations Communications The University of Georgia and Truist have a longstanding relationship, dating back to 1967. During that period, the company has given over $2.5 million to support a range of areas at UGA, including career pathways for students and strengthening small businesses. From ...

Delta Innovation Hub provides new hive for creators of world’s first honeybee vaccine

Jars of dark liquid, a pink tool, and Penicillium larvae bacterin honeybee vaccine are arranged on a wooden surface outdoors, showcasing the creators' work at Delta Innovation Hub.

Delta Innovation Hub provides new hive for creators of world’s first honeybee vaccine By Brandon Ward Dalan Animal Health moved to the Delta Innovation Hub on UGA’s campus in the fall of 2022. The company has shipped 500 doses of the world’s first honeybee vaccine, which it developed, to partners in ...

UGA again leads the nation in new products based on research

A person wearing blue gloves uses a brush to apply liquid to a multi-well plate on a black lab surface, showcasing research at UGA with a petri dish nearby.

UGA again leads the nation in new products based on research By Brandon Ward Fiscal year 2022 saw 60 new products released based on UGA research. (Photo by Chamberlain Smith) The University of Georgia once again ranks No. 1 among U.S. universities for number of commercial products to market based on its ...

Innovation Bootcamps help Athens entrepreneurs grow and thrive

UGA’s Innovation District is a hub for local businesses to learn the ropes Athens is a town known for arts, creativity and a vibrant collection of independent businesses. It is also home to the birthplace of public higher education in America: the University of Georgia. Located at the intersection of downtown ...

Ox Sox translates foot funk into $10,000 at UGA Next Top Entrepreneur contest

Three people stand indoors holding oversized checks as winners of the UGA Next Top Entrepreneur Competition. A sign and brick wall are visible in the background, celebrating Ox Sox’s innovative solution to foot funk.

Ox Sox translates foot funk into $10,000 at UGA Next Top Entrepreneur contest By Merritt Melancon Matt Tesvich’s mission is making the world smell better — one pair of socks at a time. Since launching his line of odor-killing Ox Sox, the Terry College management information systems major sold nearly 4,400 ...

A modern source for classic car parts wins UGA Entrepreneurship’s Idea Accelerator

Four people stand indoors holding a $2,500 check made out to Effingo from UGA Entrepreneurship’s Idea Accelerator, dated April 10, 2023. The group is set against a red and black themed background—perfect for fueling innovations like classic car parts.

A modern source for classic car parts wins UGA Entrepreneurship’s Idea Accelerator Subtitle: Psychology student’s 3D-printed car part business, Effingo, wins top prize of $2,500 Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 12:00pm By: Merritt Melancon Image: Whether it’s a 1979 Honda sedan or a 1969 Indian motorcycle, project cars and bikes ...