Georgia is set to establish its first technology hub outside the country in San Francisco, facilitating Georgian startups' entry into international markets and providing access to global investors in Silicon Valley, the global center of technology and innovation. This hub will enable Georgian startups to connect with international technology companies, foreign venture funds, and angel investor networks, with the goal of attracting relevant investments to Georgia’s innovation sector. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Irakli Nadareishvili emphasized that the United States, particularly Silicon Valley, is a key partner for Georgia's innovative startup ecosystem. He noted that Silicon Valley hosts the majority of the world's venture capital and intellectual resources, making the opening of the Georgian Innovation Hub a pivotal step for strengthening Georgia’s startup ecosystem.

The technology hub will be established by the Innovation and Technology Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will operate within the Consulate General of Georgia in San Francisco, which has been functioning since 2020 and plays a crucial role in promoting Georgia's innovation ecosystem and assisting Georgian startups in Silicon Valley. With the launch of this hub, Georgia will be the first country in the region to establish a technology hub in Silicon Valley, further positioning itself as a key player in the global innovation landscape.

Avtandil Kasradze, Head of the Innovation and Technology Agency, highlighted that the hub’s primary role would be to strengthen the competencies of Georgian startups. This will involve mentorship programs, training sessions, and workshops conducted in collaboration with Silicon Valley experts. In addition, cultural exchange initiatives will showcase Georgia’s technological potential, as well as its culture, through events aimed at the technology business community.

The activities of the Technology Hub will focus on enhancing networking opportunities for Georgian startups, facilitating connections with potential investors, partners, and clients. This will include organizing demo days for international investors, B2B meetings, and presentations about Georgia’s innovation ecosystem. Georgian startups will also receive business support services, including legal advice, access to office spaces, and the sharing of business contacts.

Levan Kulijanishvili, Consul General of Georgia in San Francisco, stressed that the new hub would provide Georgian startups with direct access to global investors, significantly increasing their chances of securing funding. He expressed hope that the hub would foster bilateral investments, not only attracting American investments to Georgia but also helping regional investments flow into the U.S. market.

A memorandum will be signed between Georgia’s Ministries of Economy and Sustainable Development and Foreign Affairs to formalize the establishment of the technology hub. This partnership aims to strengthen Georgia's innovation ecosystem and support the development of information technologies, investments, and innovation initiatives.

Since the establishment of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency, 279 startups have been funded through co-financing grants. These startups have contributed to the creation of up to 4,000 new jobs, generated private investments totaling GEL 545 million, and received GEL 43.5 million in funding through various grant programs. Notably, 43 percent of these funded startups are led by young entrepreneurs.