Since 2011, GIST has partnered with the private sector to train thousands of innovators at more than 100 events and has awarded more than $1.5 million in startup resources. GIST catalyzes startup solutions that address economic and developmental challenges through networking, skills building, mentoring, and access to financing. GIST has provided training for over 15,000 startups who have gone on to generate over $250 million in revenue. This is done through competitions, startup trainings, and interactive online programs, implemented by VentureWell and Arizona State University.

GIST Programs

GIST Pitch Competitions

The GIST Network hosts GIST Catalyst, GIST Tech-I and co-hosts the Imagine Cup at premiere international entrepreneurship gatherings including the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and Global Entrepreneurship Congress. These competitions provide science and technology entrepreneurs around the world the opportunity to elevate their pitch and showcase their startup on a global stage. Both GIST Catalyst and GIST Tech-I offer young innovators training and mentorship during the competition, and the opportunity to win startup resources from GIST Network U.S. partners such as Alice, Google, Microsoft, Dell, Amazon Web Services and the U.S. Department of State. Learn More

Startup Trainings and In-Country Activities

By combining its online platform with on-the-ground partners, GIST creates education and training opportunities for young innovators in more than 130 countries around the world. Online programs like GIST TechConnect offer entrepreneurs in emerging economies the chance to learn from U.S. experts in entrepreneurship, investment and even technology. Similarly, GIST partnerships with startup incubators, including GIST Startup Trainings and GIST Innovation Hubs, promote in-country entrepreneurship networks, develop local role models and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Learn More

GIST Investors

In order to create sustainable investment networks around the world, the GIST Investor Mobilization Training program – or GIST Investors – partners with in-country stakeholders in entrepreneurial ecosystems to bolster local financial support for startups. Through GIST Investors, GIST is able to bring American investment experts to different regions around the world. By doing so, GIST provides an opportunity for in-country investors and ecosystem actors to learn how to create and sustain investor networks for entrepreneurs. Learn More

GIST Business Incubation

GIST Business Incubation brings together the best international science & technology innovators and American businesses to increase cross-market access and to create opportunities for collaboration. While in residence at incubators across the United States, entrepreneurs have opportunities to make connections with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and build business relationships for potential partners and investors. GIST Business Incubation also helps American businesses gain awareness of global entrepreneurs, innovations and markets. Learn More

GIST Partners

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting young entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe, and the raw energy and creativity coming out of GIST was terrific. When we unleash entrepreneurial minds to explore and seize the world’s opportunities, magic can happen.”
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Rich Barton
Co-founder and Chairman of Zillow and Glassdoor
"We've got world changing ideas coming out of countries that never would have spoken up before and it’s because GIST has taken the time and effort to go there to train."
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Jeff Hoffman
Founder of Colorjar, Priceline
"Everyone has a turning point in his life. And in my business life, GIST is my turning point."
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Nermin Sa'd
Founder of Handasiyat.net
"If you get out more globally, more broadly across a range of industries and expertise, that's what sparks your own ideas and gives you the opportunity to bring those things back and really create significant change."
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Cathy Reid
Founder of Epic Pharmacy Group

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