Entrepreneurship at Georgia State
Impact Report 2021 - 2025
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Letter from the President Georgia State University demonstrates how a high-impact public research university can combine academic rigor and inclusive excellence to deliver measurable results. Serving more than 53,000 students from every background, we have built a nationally recognized model of research strength and economic mobility that is a primary destination for ambitious, high-achieving students from across Georgia and around the country. Through the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and its crosscampus partnerships, we are advancing the next paradigm of student success. To extend our mission beyond graduation, we are equipping students with the high-demand skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to lead in a complex global economy. By integrating rigorous scholarship with immersive professional experiences, we enable our students to translate innovative ideas into meaningful action. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s global business and civic community, our campus serves as a living laboratory for innovation and collaboration. This environment attracts students seeking academic intensity and direct access to one of the nation's most dynamic economic centers. Here, students join a community of driven peers and are challenged to accelerate their growth, build influential professional networks and apply their talents to create measurable impact. Engagement in our entrepreneurship initiatives has reached its highest levels since the institute’s inception in 2016. Through platforms such as LaunchGSU and the Main Street Foundry, students from disciplines ranging from the sciences and law to business and the arts participate in a rigorous and sophisticated startup ecosystem. These initiatives provide the mentorship, seed funding and collaborative environments that enable students to prototype solutions and launch viable ventures. The results are evident in the businesses formed, the capital secured and the communities strengthened through student-led innovation. As we look ahead, Georgia State will continue to deepen interdisciplinary collaboration and build strategic industry partnerships that drive economic growth across our state and throughout the Southeast. This report reflects our sustained momentum driving innovation and talent development in one of the nation’s most dynamic regions.
M. Brian Blake, Ph.D. President of Georgia State University 1
From 2021 through 2025, Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI) has continued to advance its mission to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skillset in every Georgia State student. Guided by a vision to become a national model for access to entrepreneurial resources, ENI has strengthened its impact across all campuses through education, experiential learning, mentorship, funding, and ecosystem-building.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Table of Contents 01. Executive Summary
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02. Entrepreneurship Program
8
03. Entrepreneurs
15
04. Ecosystem
23
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Education
24
Academic Strategic Partners
27
Community Strategic Partners
30
Living-Learning Communnity
32
Co-working Spaces
32
Markerspaces
33
Main Street
33
05. Excellence
34
06. Experts
36
Entrepreneurship Faculty & Staff
36
Publications
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
01.
Executive Summary
Strategic Goals and Impact ENI’s work is anchored by four strategic goals: Expanding Awareness, Equipping Students to Thrive, Accelerating Innovation, and Fostering an Entrepreneurial Culture. ENI has achieved measurable results across academic programs, co-curricular engagement, partnerships, and venture creation.
EXPAND
4
EQUIPT
Over 7,600 students
Over 90+ student- and alumni-led companies launched
ACCELERATE
FOSTER
Awarded nearly $700,000 in non-dilutive funding
Secured over $325,000 in new grant funding
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Expanded Access and Engagement
Scholarships and Recognition
Over 7,600 students from seven colleges, including 40% from outside the Robinson College of Business, engaged in entrepreneurship degree programs, certificates, and courses.
ENI launched new entrepreneurship scholarships supported by alumni and philanthropic partners, distributing tens of thousands of dollars to aspiring founders.
New Ventures and Economic Growth
Experiential Learning
Over 90+ student- and alumni-led companies launched products and services, generating revenue, creating jobs, and attracting venture capital and grant funding.
Seed Funding and Support Main Street was awarded nearly $700,000 in non-dilutive funding to over 100 founders across 90+ companies, with the latest cohort, Cohort 5, drawing over 300 applicants.
Sponsorship
Programs like Saxbys (student-run coffeehouse), LaunchGSU (business incubator), and the Entrepreneurship Living-Learning Community (EHouse) gave students real-world opportunities to ideate, launch, and scale ventures.
University and Community Partnerships Collaborations with academic units across Georgia State, including Perimeter College and CMII, and with external partners such as TiE Atlanta, Innov8GA, and ACES, have strengthened our network, expanded mentorship opportunities, and created clearer pathways for innovation.
ENI has successfully applied for and secured over $325,000 in new grant funding to support earlystage entrepreneurs through Main Street.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Academic Excellence and Program Growth Entrepreneurship education flourished across disciplines, with growing enrollments in:
540+ majors and 280+ minors
1,600+ students Media Entrepreneurship B.I.S.
Entrepreneurship B.B.A.
140+ students
1,100+ Students
Social Entrepreneurship B.I.S.
Biomedical Science & Enterprise B.I.S./M.I.S.
110+ students
120+ Students
MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship
AI, Fintech, Disruptive Innovation Multiple Graduate Certificates for Innovation
WomenLead in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs like the Master’s Program in Creative and Innovative Education (MACIE) and the Digital Learners to Leaders Internship further expanded innovation-based learning and crossdisciplinary collaboration.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Ecosystem Development
Looking Ahead
Georgia State’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem integrates academic programs, incubators, accelerators, makerspaces, community partnerships, and alumni engagement into a cohesive network that supports student entrepreneurs from idea to launch and beyond. Signature initiatives such as InnovateSTATE unified this ecosystem with over 30 campus-wide events celebrating creativity and entrepreneurship.
As ENI continues to expand its reach, the institute remains committed to empowering students to innovate, lead, and transform communities through entrepreneurial action. The foundation laid during academic years 2021–2025, through academic excellence, experiential learning, strategic partnerships, and venture success, positions Georgia State University as a regional leader and national model for inclusive, innovation-driven education.
National Recognition Georgia State University continues to earn national acclaim:
#1 Public University for Learning Communities
Top 5 Most Innovative Universities for the past decade
#4 in First-Year Experiences
#15 in Social Mobility 7
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
02.
Entrepreneurship Program
Our ENI Story An entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to innovation have long defined Georgia State University. In May 2016, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI) was created to further strengthen the university’s commitment to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to develop and scale their own businesses or innovate solutions within existing companies. Working together with Atlanta’s vibrant business ENI’s Founding Director, ecosystem, students are encouraged to Richard Wilke in 2015 follow their dreams providing products, services and solutions to real-world problems.
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The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in partnership with the Robinson College of Business launches Social Entrepreneurship major. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute is established in an effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture across campus.
2016
Institute for Biomedical Sciences is officially established at Georgia State to bridge a gap between basic laboratory research and its clinical applications.
For the first time, Georgia Sate offers an undergraduate minor in Entrepreneurship available to all Georgia State students regardless of major.
2015
A $22.5 million gift made by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation funds the establishment of the Creative Media Industries Institute
2014
1999
The Herman J. Russell Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship endows a million dollar pledge to support student or faculty awards for innovative ideas or practices in entrepreneurship. The Center also hosts prominent guest speakers through its speaker series
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Georgia State Alumni Association Board approves the Entrepreneurship Alumni Network.
Saxbys, a student run coffee shop serving the Atlanta campus, launches providing paid, workbased experiential learning.
Founding member of Atlanta Collegiate Entrepreneurship Syndicate (ACES), a partnership with City of Atlanta and 7 Atlantaarea universities. .
2024
The Robinson College of Business launches the Major in Entrepreneurship
2018
2017
The Creative Media Industries Institute launches the Major in Media Entrepreneurship.
2019
LaunchGSU, Georgia State’s first 24/7 co-working space opens.
Georgia State launches the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund with a $300,000 grant from the Marcus Foundation to provide mentoring and funding to underresourced entrepreneurs.
First Market Day where students market their products and services directly to other students; event held twice each semester, once on Atlanta campus and rotating between various Perimeter College locations.
2023
Marvin Hinson Jr. (B.B.A. ‘19) is the first Georgia State student to graduate with the Major in Entrepreneurship from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
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2025
Entrepreneurship Speaker Series Jermain Dupri and Cory Levy - 2015
Our Vision To be a national model for access to entrepreneurial resources and empower individuals to develop innovative solutions.
Our Mission To cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skillset in every Georgia State student.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
EXPAND
Our Goal
EQUIPT
Expand Awareness, Discovery and Knowledge Our goal is to expand awareness, discovery and knowledge by advancing research through cross-disciplinary collaboration and partnerships, building capacity to respond to entrepreneurship research opportunities, and providing access to entrepreneurship courses, resources, and opportunities across all campuses. These efforts will strengthen and showcase entrepreneurship research while translating new knowledge into solutions that address real-world challenges.
Equip Students to Thrive Our goal is to equip students to thrive by expanding entrepreneurship education that inspires learners across all campuses, creating co-curricular programs that transform ideas into viable ventures, and fostering networks that connect students with alumni and industry to open doors for mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Accelerate Innovation and Entrepreneurial Endeavors Our goal is to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors by expanding student engagement in cross-disciplinary, immersive learning experiences that include mentorship, workshops, and bestpractice sharing. We provide seed funding through external sources, accelerators, and incubators while also supporting innovation and commercialization in partnership with other university entities.
Foster a Culture That Expands the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem Our goal is to foster a culture that expands the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem by building new and strengthening existing relationships, connecting varied audiences through events and activities across all campuses, and facilitating collaboration through online platforms. We are committed to reducing barriers for under-resourced entrepreneurs, providing career-building experiences for students, and engaging Georgia State’s extensive alumni network to broaden impact and opportunity.
ACCELERATE
FOSTER 13
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Results
90+
new ventures created
20+
tech-enabled companies
$600k
annual revenue generated
100+
jobs created
$700,000
NEARLY in entrepreneurship grants received Launched the annual Entrepreneurship Scholarship
5,600+
students from 7 colleges participated in entrepreneurship undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs with 40% of students outside the Robinson College of Business
300
hosted workshops and events
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
03.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of our mission, driving innovation, job creation, and lasting community impact. Our program supported hundreds of founders who are transforming ideas into scalable businesses across a wide range of industries. Here are eight exceptional entrepreneurs whose vision, resilience, and leadership exemplify the strength of our broader community. Their stories represent just a glimpse of the momentum building within our growing network of innovators.
“Let Me Do It empowers people with disabilities to have a voice, make independent decisions, and live with greater confidence and autonomy,” Angad says.
Angad Sahgal LetMeDoIt.org Angad Sahgal was born with Down syndrome and has never let it define his limits. He studies art at Georgia State University through the IDEAL Program for students with intellectual disabilities and is the founder, along with his father Amit Sahgal, of Let Me Do It—an app inspired by a phrase he often repeated as a child
The app supports daily living by breaking everyday activities into simple, step-by-step actions using visuals and text, with the option to invite a support network when needed. It has expanded into financial institutions through partnerships with some of the largest credit unions in the country, and continues to grow with financial education and inclusion tools and AI-powered decision support for everyday choices. Angad’s vision is to bring Let Me Do It to people with disabilities worldwide, fostering independence, economic engagement, and self-advocacy. For him, entrepreneurship is a way to challenge perceptions and create meaningful impact.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Tatyana Langford B.B.A Entrepreneurship 2024
Yainie Eyewear Tatyana Langford and her cofounder sister, Te’Andrea, began Yanie Eyewear (named for the nickname given to Tatyana by her mother) in December 2022 and was chosen to be a part of Main Street Cohort 4 in 2023.
Impact Report 2021-2025
Having been diagnosed herself with severe dry eye disease, Langford said many of the devices available to offer relief are expensive and bulky. She wanted to develop eyewear that not only treats the symptoms of the condition but is affordable and fashionable, so she created multi-functional glasses that provide protection and relief for severe dry eye disease. The lenses block harmful UV light, while side shields protect against wind and heat pads provide treatment to lacrimal glands. Access to Georgia State resources including free 3D modeling software and 3D printers enabled Langford to create a working prototype to demonstrate for her future product. Langford was among the 25 finalists from across the country to compete in the eFest Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Competition sponsored in part by Best Buy. Langford’s team won the $10,000 first prize in the initial 90-second elevator pitch competition and won an additional $1500 in the final pitch competition.
“Being accepted among the top 25 startups in the nation to compete was a great honor for us,” Langford said. “Being there with everyone and pitching and participating in the challenges was a really fun time.” Left to Right: Richard M. Schulze, Dr. Isabelle Monlouis, Tatyana Langford, David Mbemba and Lysaundra Bennett.
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Impact Report 2021-2025
“When I was brainstorming different business ideas, I wanted something like this. This merges all of my interests together,” Malcolm said. “Having this opportunity to bring all my passions together is my dream come true. This project is keeping me grounded and motivated. Everything feels right.” As a member of Main Street Cohort 4, she received invaluable mentorship and seed funding to help her launch her business. The crown jewel of SkinCentric is the LO1 Smart Beauty Dispenser — a tech-enabled, carousellike device designed to allow users to store all their skin care products in one place while streamlining their skin care routine. Malcolm plans to make the dispenser out of recycled aluminum and has designed it to fit five beauty products. This milestone enabled SkinCentric to attract and close its first investor round.
Paige Malcolm B.S. Computer Science 2024 SkinCentric Paige Malcolm, a computer science major, merged two of her passions — beauty and technology — to create SkinCentric. The company aims to reduce pollution from plastic waste with a tech-enabled dispenser that also minimizes bathroom clutter.
“Our target customers care about sustainability and care about what’s in their skin care products,” Malcolm said. “Of course, we can’t end plastic use as a whole, but this is a way to incorporate sustainability and recyclable material.”
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
CRSci develops culturally relevant, standards-aligned STEM curriculum that integrates students’ identities, lived experiences, and real-world contexts into high-quality instruction. Designed to be practical and affordable, CRSci’s inquiry-based labs, stations, and activities support teachers while helping students see themselves in science.
Meagan Naraine Founder & Executive Director
Ph.D. Candidate Science Education Georgia State University Culturally Relevant Science In 2022, Meagan Naraine cofounded Culturally Relevant Science (CRSci) to address persistent inequities in K–12 STEM education. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a science educator in Atlanta’s Title I schools and her doctoral training at Georgia State University, Meagan set out to reimagine what rigorous, inclusive science instruction could look like for historically underserved students.
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As a member of Main Street Cohort 4, Meagan piloted CRSci’s first comprehensive biology course at a Title I high school in Atlanta. Within one year, Biology Georgia Milestones pass rates nearly doubled, and teacher retention reached 100 percent for the first time in seven years. Today, CRSci has grown into a teacherfacing curriculum delivery platform serving more than 2,000 students across 8 schools and 6 districts. Meagan’s journey reflects how GSU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem empowers mission-driven founders to scale solutions that create measurable, community-centered impact.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Her journey into the field began over 20 years ago, inspired by her youngest brother’s diagnosis with autism spectrum disorder. This personal connection sparked a lifelong passion for supporting children with communication and neurodevelopmental differences. With nearly 20 years of experience, Rose has worked with neurotypical and neurodiverse children and teens (ages 2–18) across a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, homes, daycares, and preschools. Through teletherapy, she brings engaging, functional, and culturally responsive speech-language services directly into her clients’ homes and educational environments.
Rose is deeply committed to personcentered and family-centered care, working closely with caregivers to ensure therapy goals generalize beyond sessions. Her approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration, consistency, and empowering families with practical strategies.
Meridith Rose Early Childhood and Elementary Education Ph.D. Student HomeTele SLP Meridith Rose, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed and certified pediatric speech-language pathologist and the founder of HomeTele SLP. She was a member of Main Street Cohort 3.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
When an emergency situation is suspected, an alarm is triggered, and if not disarmed within a preset time, an alert notification is automatically sent to the person’s emergency contacts. Epipal uses a combination of motion related sensors as well as an Application Programming Interface (API) integration with Apple’s Health App to gather heart rate data to monitor for different types of seizures.
The Epipal app is a one-stop shop for seizure detection, epilepsy tracking, and medication management.
Jad Helmy B.S. Computer Science 2021 Epipal formally HealthAppy Tech Jad Helmy, an undergraduate student and co-founder of Epipal was a member of Main Street Cohort 3. He launched his company to address safety, management and disparities in seizure detection, epilepsy management and epilepsy treatment. Helmy and his brother, Amir, developed an app that monitors sensors in your phone and/or watch and attempts to detect convulsions associated with tonic-clonic seizures, and different types of falls.
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“My long-term goal for my company is to hire a team of over 20 people and positively change the lives of families with individuals with disabilities through our software,” says Helmy.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Through partnerships with women-led companies Spellbound Pictures and DiDi Productions, Emily has directed and produced multiple feature-length films, with one released, another in post-production, and more underway. Her time at Georgia State University marked a turning point. Pursuing a Film degree with an Entrepreneurship minor, she formalized her business through Cohort 2 of the Main Street, gaining structure, funding, and mentorship. “Being in that circle and all the people I met at Demo Day just continued to grow my network, which helped increase my client base quite a bit,” she recalls. The peer-to-peer learning, support from fellow founders, and direct access to industry mentors created a network that continues to generate opportunities. Support from ENI, LaunchGSU, and her entrepreneurship coursework expanded her network and sharpened her strategic mindset. Over time, Emily’s definition of success has shifted toward creative fulfillment, balance, and meaningful collaboration. As a woman in film, she values representation and uses storytelling as advocacy. Looking ahead, she plans to grow her documentary portfolio and encourages future entrepreneurs to seek out grants, mentorship, and community connections.
Impact Report 2021-2025
Emily Wilson B.A. Film & Media 2023 EKAT Productions Emily Wilson, founder of EKAT Productions, discovered her passion for video editing in middle school and steadily transformed it into a thriving purpose-driven business. What began with school projects and sports highlights grew into a dual-purpose company: producing high-quality social media content for clients while funding documentary filmmaking, her true passion.
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Impact Report 2021-2025
HAILO is a trailblazing relationship-based service that helps you manage your home's weekly to-do list. As families evolve and adapt to changing societal norms, her service provides muchneeded support and significantly reduces stress in the home.
Savannah Ezema
B.S. Education 2016 HAILO HAILO was born out of Savannah’s personal experience as a college student nannying to get through school. She quickly realized that her role extended beyond childcare. Savannah was often tasked with grocery shopping, walking the dog, grabbing the mail, organizing pantries, and handling various household chores. Her work grew from two households to twelve households per week while obtaining her degree at Georgia State University. Seeing the positive impact of the extra hand on these families inspired her to create a service dedicated to assisting busy households with their daily tasks.
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With a focus on supporting mental and emotional health, HAILO aims to provide reliable and trustworthy help for families juggling work, relationships, and personal growth. “Our clients benefit from having a dedicated assistant who understands their needs and preferences, working on a consistent schedule to tackle monotonous tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, childcare, animal care, errands, and more. By providing this invaluable support, we enable our clients to focus on their careers, relationships, communities, and overall well-being,” says Samples, a Cohort 1 Main Street participant.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
04.
Ecosystem The entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem at Georgia State University continues to thrive through a dynamic network that integrates education, community partnerships, university collaborations, a business accelerator and dedicated physical spaces.
At the core, educational initiatives equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset needed to drive innovation, supported by a curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning and real-world problem solving. University partners contribute cuttingedge research, student talent, and institutional resources, fostering a collaborative environment that bridges theory and practice. Community partners, including local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, amplify this impact by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic support. Physical spaces including LaunchGSU, an incubator, and E-House, a Living-Learning Community, provide a network of like-minded students allowing them to connect, collaborate and create. Anchoring this ecosystem is the Main Street business accelerator, a vibrant hub where startups receive hands-on guidance, access to resources, and opportunities to scale. Together, these elements create a supportive and synergistic environment where innovation can flourish, and economic development can take root.
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Impact Report 2021-2025
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Education Entrepreneurship B.B.A.
Social Entrepreneurship B.I.S.
The Entrepreneurship degree cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset by developing students’ skills in problemsolving, critical thinking, and effective teamwork. The program provides a foundation to address customers’ problems with effective solutions. In today’s fast-paced, dynamic economy, employers value an entrepreneurial mindset in new hires across a wide range of jobs and industries. In 2021 – 2025, 540+ students enrolled in the entrepreneurship major and 280+ students enrolled in the entrepreneurship minor with 1600+ students enrolled in an ENI prefix course.
The Social Entrepreneurship interdisciplinary degree at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) equips students to become innovative leaders and agents of social change by addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and sustainability. Through a blend of academic coursework, co-curricular activities, and internships, students gain practical experience with social enterprises and develop the skills needed to design, launch, and manage ventures that create positive social impact. Graduates are prepared to lead with purpose—transforming communities while creating financially viable, socially responsible solutions. In 2021 – 2025, 140+ students pursued the B.I.S. in Social Entrepreneurship.
Media Entrepreneurship B.I.S. The Media Entrepreneurship interdisciplinary degree program equips students for success in the evolving media landscape by combining core creative skills, such as film production, music industries, or graphic design, with courses in media and arts entrepreneurship. Guided by an adviser, students customize their interdisciplinary studies to explore business models, startup culture, organizational dynamics, and digital tools. They gain practical knowledge in launching media ventures, building audiences, using social media effectively, and navigating legal issues, all while developing an entrepreneurial mindset for creative industries. In 2021 – 2025, 1600+ students majored in Media Entrepreneurship. 24
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Biomedical Science & Enterprise B.I.S. & M.I.S.
MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) and the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (M.I.S) in Biomedical Science and Enterprise (BSEN) prepares students for careers in the biomedical industry or advanced study in science, business, or law. Combining biomedical science, business, entrepreneurship, and law, the program equips graduates with versatile skills to pursue opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or startups and to make a lasting impact on human health. In 2021 – 2025, 1100+ total students pursued the B.I.S. or M.I.S. in Biomedical Science and Enterprise.
The entrepreneurship concentration in the MBA program equips students with the innovation skills to craft next-generation solutions. While the MBA program enhances general management abilities, the concentration focuses specifically on preparing graduates to innovate, lead and execute change. The methods, tools and techniques taught are valuable to those chasing their own entrepreneurial pursuits or taking their talents to a wellestablished organization. In 2021 – 2025, 110+ students were pursuing an MBA Concentration in Entrepreneurship.
Master of Arts Creative & Innovative Education WomenLead in Entrepreneurship & Innovation This signature course, in partnership with WomenLead, equips undergraduate women to position themselves as founders and leaders of high-growth entrepreneurial ventures. Students learn to lead themselves and their teams through the process of building a profitable and scalable solution to a validated customer problem. Class modules include developing entrepreneurial identity, understanding overlooked markets, thinking through the financials, rightsizing teams, and practicing entrepreneurial grit. In 2021 – 2025: 120+ students participated in this course.
The M.A. in Creative and Innovative Education (MACIE) equips students to understand and support children as creative thinkers and makers. Blending coursework in child development, learning strategies, and creative education with electives in business, policy, and the arts, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers across education, nonprofits, business, and the arts. Hands-on apprenticeships with metro-Atlanta organizations deepen students' real-world experience in areas like nonprofits, startups, after-school programs, and teacher leadership. In 2021 – 2025, there were 140+ students in the MACIE program.
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Graduate Certificates in Entrepreneurship Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Students completing a Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship graduate certificate where they explore tools that stimulate creative thinking, design compelling value propositions, develop viable and profitable business models and learn to pitch to investors.
Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation equips students with a practical understanding of AI-driven concepts that support the discovery and development of innovative solutions to complex business challenges. Working within interdisciplinary teams, students design compelling, competitive value propositions and learn to effectively pitch their ideas to prospective customers and investors. The program also emphasizes the development of essential soft skills, including emotional intelligence, communication and the ability to build trust and influence.
Artificial Intelligence for Digital Innovation This graduate certificate allows the student to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for business innovation and digital transformation. Students learn how AI can transform products and services, redesign business processes, enhance customer experiences and drive creative solutions – all with a critical focus on AI ethics. 26
Impact Report 2021-2025
Fintech Innovation Anchored in Atlanta, a global center for fintech innovation, the Graduate Certificate in Fintech Innovation prepares students to understand and shape the future of financial services. Through a focus on emerging technologies and innovative problem-solving, students learn to tackle complex business challenges using forward-thinking, fintech enabled solutions.
Entrepreneurship Scholarships ENI offers thewas following Angad Sahgal born with endowed scholarships for Down syndrome and has never students let it definepursuing his limits. He entrepreneurship, studies art at Georgiamade State possible through generous University through the IDEAL Program foralumni students with gifts from and intellectual disabilities and is friends. In 2021 – 2025: the founder, along with his to over $70K was awarded father Amitthrough Sahgal, of Let Me students the Do It—an app inspired by a following scholarships: phrase often repeated as a The he Frances Wood Wilson child Foundation Scholarship The ENI Excellence Award The Arasin Entrepreneurship Scholarship The Chopra Entrepreneurship Scholarship The Moses Lee Reid Entrepreneurial Award The Salamanca Scholarship
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Academic Strategic Partners Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Institute for Biomedical Sciences
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) is developing a new generation of social entrepreneurs. They empower agents and leaders of social change to transform communities through innovative startups and existing social enterprises. Over the past four years, AYSPS has served as a host institution for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, welcoming dynamic African leaders dedicated to impact and innovation. As a collaborative partner, ENI designed and delivered a half-day, hands-on experience tailored specifically for the Fellows. Hosted Jacob Vallo, formerly of Lalani Ventures, to discuss the unique position of funding social ventures Hosted a social entrepreneurship event where students presented their social venture to key leaders in major social ventures such as Goodr, Brown Toy Box and CARE for feedback and ideas
The Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) is a multidisciplinary research and education institute committed to advancing innovative biomedical research that improves human health. IBMS also plays a critical role in educating and training the next generation of biomedical scientists and health professionals. IBMS offers three innovative educational programs across undergraduate and graduate education focusing on the intersection of biomedical science, business, and law. IBMS researchers are world-class, in terms of publications, citations, and funding received. In 20212025, IBMS: Increased enrollment and degree conferral for the undergraduate program by 16% and 700%, respectively Secured over $57 million in external funding Ranked #1 in scholarly activity nationally by Academic Analytics (2021-2024)
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Impact Report 2021-2025
Creative Media Industries Institute
Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Online Education
The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) nurtures media entrepreneurs through advanced technology media and arts training and industry collaboration so students and alumni are prepared to start careers in the entertainment and information industries. In 2021 – 2025: Featured on TED.com and TED Talks Daily: “NFTs, the metaverse and the future of digital art.” Featured on TEDxAtlanta talk – “The three letters that are changing digital experiences now” focusing on creator ownership with blockchain/NFTs Continued the Lecture Series on Emerging Topics in Media and Technology The Metaverse and the Future of Work and Play (2021) XR and AI Lightning Talks (2024)
The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Online Education (CETLOE) advances the scholarship and practice of exemplary instruction at Georgia State University. In the Digital Learners to Leaders (DLL) internship course, studentled teams create digital solutions to real challenges students identify with support and guidance from professionals across Atlanta’s education, business, government, and non-profit communities. For 2021 – 2025: Georgia State was ranked the top Public University for Undergraduate Teaching for the fourth straight year, in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 edition of Best Colleges.
Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry (CURCI) was established in AY2024 to support students, faculty, and staff in their pursuit of new knowledge and their drive for imaginative expression. It collaborates on developing course content and extracurricular opportunities, help secure fundamental resources, and celebrate students’ discoveries and achievements. CURCI will foster a culture of inquiry that promotes participation, excellence, and innovation, while preparing students for academic, professional, and personal success. In 2025: Developed a blueprint for this new university hub including vision, mission and strategic goals Appointed Dr. Kyle Frantz as the inaugural center director
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Saxbys Coffeehouse In partnership with the School of Hospitality, Saxbys opened Fall 2023 in the University Library. The cafe is run by a student CEO (the first CEO was an Entrepreneurship major) and offers a dynamic experiential learning opportunity open to students of all majors, empowering them to develop as the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Through a structured corporate mentorship and support program, students take full responsibility for operating a vibrant, student-run café at the heart of campus. In return, they earn both course credit and compensation, gaining real-world experience in management, customer service, and business operations. Since opening, there has been: 51 Saxbys student team members, per semester including 16 students in leadership positions, working over 10,000 hours and earning $221K 158 Saxbys Experiential Learning Microcredential enrollments Over 60,000 guests served
Impact Report 2021-2025
Perimeter College Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship The Perimeter College Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PCHIE) provides comprehensive resources that support Perimeter College students in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, PCHIE creates meaningful experiential learning opportunities. In 2021 -2025: Hosted multiple events throughout the year, including the Perimeter College Innovation Challenge each Fall Perimeter College’s Gorginea Care project, which provides easily accessible testing tools for cervical precancer screening, won 1st place in the national Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) in 2025..
For more about these programs, visit eni.gsu.edu From Left - Right: Pounce, Georgia State University (GSU) mascot; Jennifer Sherer, former director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute; Nick Bayer, CEO and founder, Saxbys; Kaydia Benjamin; Jeff Steely, dean of libraries, GSU; Bridget Blake, first lady, GSU; and M. Brian Blake, president, GSU, snap a photo at the ribbon cutting for Georgia State's first student-run Saxbys.
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
InnovateSTATE
Community Strategic Partners
InnovateSTATE is a two-week, university-wide, initiative launched in April 2024 to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit across Georgia State. It brings together students, alumni, faculty, and industry experts to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial journey with over 30 planned events including workshops, panels, pop-up sales events, and showcases across various Georgia State campuses.
ACES
Highlights included: Navigating Entrepreneurship Beyond the Classroom panel featuring four Georgia State alumni entrepreneurs Equifax presented Best Credit Training providing essential financial literacy skills along with internship and career opportunities Various workshops such as From Research to Startup and Building Your Dream Team offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Industry specific panels and networking events Main Street alumni founders delivered a Game Changers discussion providing insights for early-stage entrepreneurs
Georgia State is a founding member of the Atlanta Collegiate Entrepreneurship Syndicate (ACES), a consortium of local universities, led by the City of Atlanta that was launched in 2023. ACES will track three areas: how many startups are in the city and who runs them; the amount of capital that has been invested in local companies and how much capital is available; and the number of tech jobs created. In 2024 – 2025: ENI facilitated the $20K Avant South student-led startups pitch competition Georgia State’s Culturally Relevant Science start-up placed second in the competition Participated in Technology & Innovation Learning Experience (TILE), a transformative teaching and learning pilot program designed to strengthen Atlanta’s technology workforce and eco-system through entrepreneurship and co-op opportunities 12 students completed the summer pilot including 3 from Georgia State; students received a $3K stipend, free housing, meals, mentorship, and leadership development
Participants and leaders of the Technology and Innovation Learning Experience (TILE) program on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Atlanta City Hall. The program gives college entrepreneurs funding, mentorship and training. Mirtha Donastorg/TNS
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Truist Hackathon
SBDC
In partnership with Truist, ENI hosted its first annual Hackathon in 2024 titled GSU Technology Immersion Challenge. Over 90 undergraduate and graduate computer science, computer information systems, entrepreneurship and data science and analytics students participated in the inaugural event. The “capture the flag” competition was a fast-paced, collaborative environment where students tackle real-world cybersecurity programs.
The Small Business Development Center at Georgia State is a public service unit that provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Success in 2021-2025 included: 2,000+ new businesses started 15,000+ jobs supported by loan capital 4,000+ small business contact activities in 2024 3,500+ attendees participated in training programs in 2024 $1.25 billion in loans and equity financing secured by small businesses
The Hackathon included 10 cybersecurity challenges requiring encryption, web exploitation and reverse engineering skills. The winning teams received cash prizes. In addition, the first-place team members received an invitation to interview for internship positions.
Innov8GA In an effort to spur collaboration across Georgia's higher education campuses, Innov8GA was established for faculty, staff, program administrators, and ecosystem partners who are building entrepreneurial programs in universities across the state. ENI is a founding member of this collaborative. In 20212025: Hosted the Spring 2025 bi-annual conference to share best practices and connect those leading entrepreneurship programs Participated in the first pitch competition
Truist Hackathon - 2024
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Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
TiE Atlanta TiE is one of the largest entrepreneurial organizations in the world and has a very active Atlanta Chapter. They focus on five pillars: mentoring, networking, education, incubating, and funding. The TiE University (TiE-U) Pitch Competition connects student entrepreneurs across 18 Georgia Universities with business leaders from all over Georgia to perfect their companies and ideas. In 2021 – 2025: Georgia State University was the host location for the TiE University Annual Pitch Competition, where numerous Georgia State student entrepreneurs successfully participated and advanced their ventures ENI partnered with TiE Atlanta and Emory University to launch and host First Pitch Friday: University Edition bringing together top student founders from universities across the state to pitch their ideas directly to active investors Perimeter College hosted the TiE Access program
E-House Living-Learning Community In the Entrepreneurship House LivingLearning Community (E-House LLC), entrepreneurial students live on campus and participate in a variety of opportunities to connect with likeminded E-House residents. This partnership between Georgia State Housing and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute supports students with facilities and programming to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to fruition.
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Impact Report 2021-2025
Co-working Spaces LaunchGSU LaunchGSU is an incubator open to all students at Georgia State with a business or idea. Students are encouraged to Connect, Collaborate and Create through learning, networking and mentorship opportunities. In 2021-2025, LaunchGSU: Established the first annual Market Day in 2023 across Atlanta and Perimeter campuses, offering student entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to the Georgia State community, free of charge Hosted nearly 80 events 200+ LaunchGSU student members
LaunchGSU Co-working Space
Signature Lounge The Signature Lounge, located on the 12th floor of 55 Park Place, is a dedicated co-working space for LaunchGSU students. Here students can find a quiet area to study, mingle with other entrepreneurship-minded students or just relax.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Makerspaces EXLAB The EXLAB makerspace is a collaborative environment centered around experiential learning, creativity and innovation. There are EXLABs in the Arts and Humanities building and the CMII building on the Atlanta campus along with an EXLAB in the Perimeter Dunwoody campus. In EXLAB, students can use 3D printers, plotters and laser cutters; access a fully stocked workshop to build, cut, measure and solder; work with textiles to design, cut, sew and stitch fabric-based ideas; and explore virtual and augmented reality using industry-standard software and a dedicated physical space.
Catlab
CATLABs are general-use computer labs that offer state-of-the-art facilities to create, edit and share media projects. CATLABs are located on the Atlanta and Perimeter campuses and include Windows and Mac computers, cameras and multimedia equipment that can be checked out, and use of production and media software. It allows students to work together in collaborative spaces and get technical support.
Accelerator Main Street Georgia State’s award-winning Main Street is a summer business accelerator that provides seed funding, targeted workshops, networking opportunities, training from industry professionals, and intensive coaching. It was established in 2019 with a $300,000 gift from The Marcus Foundation to assist historically marginalized students, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with growing new ventures.
Impact Report 2021-2025
Founders are then evaluated by judges throughout Georgia State University. After acceptance, founders are aligned with the level of their company. Cohorts then participate in networking opportunities and weekly workshops, covering topics from customer discovery to legal pitfalls and all business matters in between. Founders also receive mentors relevant to their industries and advisory board members to help guide their companies. Each cohort concludes with a signature Demo Day event where founders meet investors and showcase their businesses to an audience of prospective customers, strategic partners, successful entrepreneurs, university leadership, and the Georgia State community. Since its inception, Main Street has: Empowered over 100 founders representing 90+ companies Provided over 1000 hours of coaching and training to founders Distributed nearly $700,000 in nondilutive funding (grants) including $300,000 from Truist Foundation Received national recognition: Specialty Award for Most Innovative Program from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award from the Deshpande Symposium for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Award for Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC) In 2025, Cohort 5 had a record-breaking pool of 300+ applicants with 30 ventures selected to participate in this award-winning accelerator
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Impact Report 2021-2025
05.
Excellence US News & World Report Rankings Number 1 public university Learning Communities Number 4 in the country for its first-year experiences For past decade, among top 5 Most Innovative schools in the country Number 15 in the country for Social Mobility
1st Place National Community College Innovation Challenge Award Perimeter College’s Gorginea Care project, which provides easily accessible testing tools for cervical precancer screening Sponsor: American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Date: June 2024
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Impact Report 2021-2025
Entrepreneurship Center of the Year Award: Sector-Focused Category Sponsor: International Business Innovation Association Date: April 2021
Specialty Award for Most Innovative Program for the Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund Accelerator Program Sponsor: International Business Innovation Association Date: April 2021
Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award Sponsors: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Deshpande Foundation, and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation Date: June 2021
Award for Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education Sponsor: Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers Date: October 2020
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Impact Report 2021-2025
Experts | Entrepreneurship Faculty & Staff Xiaoou Bai Assistant Professor
Jen Bailey Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs | Clinical Associate Professor
Berkley Baker Clinical Assistant Professor
Lyshandra Bennett Assistant Director
Erica Wright Bracey Assistant Director, Student Engagement
Matt Bramblett Part-time Instructor
Mitun (Srabanti) Chaudhuri Part-time Instructor
Charlie Crawford Part-time Instructor
Gina Desimone Executive-inResidence
David R. Forquer Interim Director, ENI Jan. - Dec. 2024 | Part-time Instructor
Dawn Gregory Expert-in-Residence
Deniece Griffin Marketing Manager
Joyelle Harris Executive Officer of Entrepreneurship | Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute Jan. 2025 - Present
Musaddeq (MK) Khan Entrepreneur-inResidence
Benjamin Lawrence* Director, Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration | Aziz Hashim Professor of Franchise Entrepreneurship
Monique Mills Visiting Lecturer
Isabelle Monlouis Professor of Practice | Associate Director, H.J. Russell Center for Entrepreneurship
Benjamin R. Moore III Part-time Instructor
Malcolm Muhammad Clinical Assistant Professor
Recha Reid Associate Director
Elizabeth Stricker Director, Media Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs | Senior Lecturer, ENI and CMII
Shirish Sundaresan Assistant Professor
Jennifer Sherer Executive Officer of Entrepreneurship | Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Institute Aug. 2018 - Dec. 2023
Deideria Wells Office Manager
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute
Impact Report 2021-2025
Publications Baker, B. (2025). Customer adoption reimagined: Strategies to win early adopters and drive market success. CIMI Publishing. Binder, P. (2023). Classroom lightbulbs for college professors: 10 easy ways to reignite your passion for teaching. Independently Published. Binder, P. (2021). Teaching consumer law and advocacy skills with a Judge Judy team project. Midwest Law Journal, 31, 27–60. Binder, P. (2019). The entrepreneurs with no garage project: Protecting ownership interests and intellectual property on a shoestring budget. Journal of Business Law and Ethics Pedagogy, 2(2), 6–28. (ALSB Best Paper Award, presented 2022) Johnson, L. (2023, July 21). AI is “an actual attainable tool” today, executive education students say. Atlanta Business Chronicle. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/07/21/executiveeducation-students-learn-ai-uses.html Lawrence, B., Zhang, J. J., Hsu, L., and Zheng, S. (2021). Return on investments in hotel franchising: Understanding moderating effects of franchisee dependence. Production and Operations Management, 30(8). https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.1338 Sundaresan, S., Boysen, A., and Nerkar, A. (2023). Adopting Dr. Robot: Responses to competitor adoption of innovation. Strategic Management Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3496
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P.O. Box 5069 Atlanta, GA 30302-5069 | 55 Park Place, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30303 www.eni.gsu.edu