This summer has been exceptional for the GIST Initiative, marked by the remarkable experience of our latest GIST Global Business Incubation program cohort in Washington D.C.

Global Perspectives on Innovation
Our diverse cohort brought together founders from across the globe, from Botswana to Sri Lanka. These innovators spent several weeks at the Georgia Institute of Technology, immersing themselves in Atlanta’s vibrant innovation community, connecting with world-leading mentors and faculty, and utilizing state-of-the-art Maker Space facilities.

Their journey culminated in Washington D.C., where staff from VentureWell and leaders at the U.S. Department of State joined them for the next stage of their journey. This group was particularly compelling, including Ukrainian innovators demonstrating resilience and a spirit of innovation amidst incredible challenges.
 

Kicking Off In Style

The program began at The Square with an enthusiastic welcome session. Each innovator introduced themselves and their projects, setting an energetic tone for the week ahead. In the afternoon, the group journeyed across the Potomac River to Alexandria, Virginia to visit the National Inventors Hall of Fame. There, they were treated to a tour of the museum and challenged with a thrilling scavenger hunt that showcased groundbreaking inventions, both historic and contemporary . The scavenger hunt fostered teamwork and camaraderie, making the experience both educational and fun.

Exploring Alexandria’s Old Town afterward offered participants a charming and historic setting for informal networking and cultural exchange. State Department leadership joined the group to cap off the day’s fun with a lively dinner. One of the key components of GIST’s Business Incubation program that sets it apart from other similar programs is this ability to meet directly with the stakeholders that can shape innovation policy on the global level. Innovators get to discuss what they perceive as the most pressing challenges facing their respective regions with the State Department’s science and technology entrepreneurship advocates, bringing together the high level and on-the-ground perspectives. This synergy can be critical to shaping the future of innovation, and GIST provides multiple opportunities for these exchanges.
 

Intensive Learning and Networking

The following day was packed with workshops led by Lauren McDanell from SEED SPOT, a vital partner in this journey. The morning session, “An Introduction to U.S. Funding Opportunities” presented by Michael O’Brien, equipped participants with crucial knowledge about various funding avenues available to support their ventures.

In the afternoon, the “Taking Your Business Pitch to the Next Level” workshop provided hands-on training to refine participants’ pitching skills. Pitch coaching and breakout sessions with expert mentors from diverse backgrounds, including AI, machine learning, government contracting, and user experience, offered personalized feedback and further refinement. Pitching your startup can take many different forms, from a brief elevator pitch to an extended investment pitch. Being able to effectively communicate the problem your startup solves and the innovative way it does so, is a tool that every founder needs to be able to call upon either spontaneously when the opportunity presents itself or on a stage in front of a panel of judges. For this reason, pitch training is part of nearly every GIST training program. 

The day culminated in a happy hour networking event, where the relaxed atmosphere allowed participants and mentors to unwind, learn more about each other, and solidify the bonds formed throughout the day.
 

A Day to Recharge: Deepening Connections and Preparing for the Showcase

Wednesday was a free day in observance of the holiday Juneteenth, giving participants the chance to explore the rich culture and history of Washington, D.C. Whether visiting landmarks, museums, or simply enjoying the vibrant cityscape, the day was a welcome break and a chance to recharge for the activities ahead.

The program resumed on Thursday with a visit to the Harry S. Truman building, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of State. Here, innovators had another opportunity to meet one-on-one with key State Department leaders, including Jason Donovan, Director for Science and Technology Cooperation. In this more formal setting, innovators shared their concerns, hopes, and aspirations, building meaningful cultural bridges between their places of origin and the United States.

The highlight of the day was an informal working lunch with Acting Assistant Secretary Jennifer R. Littlejohn. Innovators shared their innovations and discussed key areas of importance on crucial shared challenges, such as climate change, equity and access to health, and the future of emerging technologies like AI. Returning to SEED SPOT, the day concluded with pitch rehearsals, where participants fine-tuned their presentations in preparation for the pitch showcase.

Showcase Day

Friday was the day they had been working towards all week: the GIST Business Incubation Showcase. At the National Union Building, the sense of anticipation grew as innovators set up posters illustrating their journeys and groundbreaking ideas. Participants offered each other support and feedback as they rehearsed their pitches, making final tweaks and adjustments to ensure their presentations were polished and impactful.

The room quickly filled with individuals from private industry, all levels of government, and the incredible mentors who had spent the week supporting the young innovators. Three program participants were selected to share their pitches on stage, highlighting the diversity of ideas present:

    •Ari Altangerel (Mongolia) of Neolingo: Her language learning mobile application, built on an innovative linguistic system called Puzzle-Block, allows learners to master culturally diverse languages twice as fast.
    •Chris Vanualailai (Fiji) of Envirotech Solutions: A GIST alumnus, Chris is developing the first private initiative for environmental data collection in the Pacific Islands, crucial for meeting climate goals and allowing local aquaculture and industry to thrive sustainably.
    •Max Zabudskyi (Ukraine) of UTU: UTU’s solution for rapidly 3D printing housing and other structures is a key tool for the future of global construction and for rebuilding Ukraine more quickly and sustainably.

The room was filled with applause and admiration as each presentation concluded, celebrating not just individual achievements but the collective progress made by the entire cohort. This final event was a testament to the cohort’s dedication and the transformative experience of the GIST Global Business Incubation program.
 

Journey to SelectUSA

While the core D.C. experience had concluded, the innovators weren’t finished yet! After a restorative weekend, they gathered at the SelectUSA Investment Summit, a prestigious event that showcases groundbreaking ideas and fosters international collaboration. These visionaries pitched their innovations to a diverse audience of investors, industry leaders, and government officials. 

The conference highlighted cutting-edge technologies and solutions emerging from around the world, providing fertile ground for networking and forging strategic partnerships. Through their pitches, these global innovators aimed to attract investment, expand their market reach, and contribute to the dynamic landscape of global entrepreneurship. The SelectUSA conference underscored the importance of international cooperation in driving forward the next wave of technological advancements.
 

Stay Connected with GIST

As we continue to foster innovation and support entrepreneurs worldwide, we invite you to join our journey. Subscribe to the GIST newsletter for the latest updates on our programs and follow us on social media to stay connected with our global community of innovators. Together, we can shape the future of entrepreneurship and drive impactful change across the globe.