The Advanced Technology Development Center, based at Georgia Tech, extended its reach into Gwinnett County with the establishment of a new facility at the UGA-Gwinnett Campus. Presidents from both universities signed a memorandum of understanding on Oct. 11 to solidify the entrepreneurial-friendly initiative for the metro Atlanta region.
Held at ATDC Gwinnett’s new home-the UGA Gwinnett Campus-the ceremony showcased the result of strategic business development collaboration between the universities and Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber.
“Gwinnett has been working for years to bring a strong start-up program to its community,” said Jim Maran, president and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. “The ATDC, together with Partnership Gwinnett’s dedicated focus on start-ups and small business, will provide an even stronger environment to foster organic growth and the entrepreneurial foundation for which Gwinnett is already so well known.”
“This (partnership) captures the spirit of two great institutions collaborating to provide meaningful economic development programs to enhance job and wealth creation in an important part of the state,” said UGA President Michael F. Adams. “We are very pleased to be working out of our Gwinnett Campus with the ATDC and Georgia Tech on this endeavor.”
Launched in 1980, ATDC has become a highly-successful start-up engine for economic and business development in the state. The new Gwinnett location will provide enhanced technology-based economic development in the county, delivering educational programming and consulting for existing and potential entrepreneurs located outside the ATDC’s existing midtown location.
“For more than 30 years, ATDC has contributed to the growth of technology industry in Georgia and to the development of a thriving community of entrepreneurs,” said G.P. “Bud” Peterson, president of Georgia Tech. “We are pleased to collaborate with the University of Georgia and economic development organizations in Gwinnett County to expand ATDC’s reach.”
