Community
Partner with us to ignite entrepreneurship .
Our partnerships are built to spark entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and expand opportunities for students, faculty, industry, and the community. For the community, our efforts support small business growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development, strengthening 麻豆官网首页入口鈥檚 role as a center for innovation and opportunity.
Go to: Advisory Committee | Entrepreneurs in Residence | Our Partners
Regional Innovation Advisory Committee
The Regional Innovation Advisory Committee exists to advance 麻豆官网首页入口's strategic goals of community engagement, student success, and research excellence by fostering cross-sector collaborations. Our mission is to spark innovation through shared expertise, creative problem-solving, and actionable insights that address economic, technological, and social challenges in the 麻豆官网首页入口 River Region.
The Committee envisions a thriving CSRA innovation ecosystem where 麻豆官网首页入口 is a leader in advancing research, fostering entrepreneurship, and cultivating community-engaged partnerships. Through collaboration with key regional stakeholders, we will empower the community to solve problems, develop talent, and establish the region as a hub for innovation and economic prosperity.
Academic Members
- Dr. Matt LyonMedical College of Georgia, 麻豆官网首页入口
- George HsuMedical College of Georgia, 麻豆官网首页入口
- Dr. Guido VerbeckChair of Chemistry, 麻豆官网首页入口
- Joann DenemarkSpeech Language Pathology Lead, 麻豆官网首页入口
- Bill and Mary White麻豆官网首页入口 Prep High School
- Dr. Andy HaugerChair of Physics, 麻豆官网首页入口
- Mike Moore麻豆官网首页入口 Innovation Commercialization
Government Members
- John Bobbitt Savannah River National Lab, Department of Energy
- Kelsey Shull Innovation Specialists, Veterans Healthcare Affairs of 麻豆官网首页入口
- Chris NdetiInnovation Specialists, Veterans Healthcare Affairs of 麻豆官网首页入口
- David Hepner GT APEX Accelerator, GA Tech, DoW small business and government contracting
- Diane Johnston麻豆官网首页入口 Regional Airport
- Greg Larson麻豆官网首页入口 Regional Airport
Industry Professionals
- Troy Akers Chief Medical Officer, Eisenhower Hospital and Serial Entrepreneur
- Ernesto Cortez VP of Business Development, AEVEX Aerospace
- Keith Hearon/Daniel HuangNuceptive
- Bob Agans Mission Partner Networks Project Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Open Space
Startup Development
- Dr. Paul Newsom Managing Director of Venture South Aiken
- Shaun Andrews Executive Director, Accelerate 麻豆官网首页入口, 麻豆官网首页入口 Technical College
- Eric Frickey Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia, 麻豆官网首页入口
- Chris Dickson Advanced Technology Development Center, GA Tech
- Dan Dykstra Entrepreneur
Economic Development Leaders
- Sarah ChildersDestination 麻豆官网首页入口
- Margaret Woodard/Tara Wood Downtown Development Authority
- Natalie Butler 麻豆官网首页入口 Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Jim Tunison CEO, Aiken Chamber of Commerce
- Open space for Columbia County or Richmond County ED partner
2025 Sponsors of Innovate
- Allan SotoVinea Capital
- Brandon SizemoreCFIC
- Sherrie BishopAurubis
Entrepreneur Mentors
Entrepreneur mentors bring experienced founders, business leaders, and innovation experts into direct collaboration with 麻豆官网首页入口 students, faculty, and staff.
Why not consider serving as a mentor and help translate bold ideas into viable startups? Mentors provide invaluable insights, drawing from real-world experience that bridges the gap between theory and entrepreneurial practice.
Through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and project-based engagement, together we empower our campus community to think like entrepreneurs, act on opportunity, and grow ventures with purpose.
We are Grateful for our Partners
Vinea Capital
Accelerate 麻豆官网首页入口
Downtown Development Authority
麻豆官网首页入口 Preparatory Day School
CFIC
GCITC
US Department of Veterans Affairs
麻豆官网首页入口 Metro Chamber of Commerce
