Georgia Tech has announced the launch of Velocity Startups, a new early-stage accelerator designed to strengthen Atlanta’s growing innovation ecosystem and bridge the gap between research commercialization and scalable ventures. The program reinforces Georgia Tech’s leadership as a national hub for startup development, research translation, and entrepreneurship.
Velocity Startups will serve as a connector for founders who are ready to grow their businesses, increase revenue, and prepare for entry into more advanced accelerators such as the Advanced Technology Development Center, Engage, Fusen, and Atlanta Tech Village. The accelerator aims to help startups efficiently scale while maintaining operational efficiency and strategic discipline.
Located in Atlanta’s Tech Square, the accelerator will be embedded in one of the country’s most active innovation districts. The new facility will serve as a collaborative space where entrepreneurs can access essential mentorship, infrastructure, and networking resources, further linking Georgia Tech’s research community with the city’s entrepreneurial and investment networks.
Velocity Startups will also support Georgia Tech students, faculty, and researchers, providing critical resources to move ideas from concept to commercialized ventures. Startups emerging from programs such as CREATE-X Startup Launch and Demo Day will have access to the accelerator’s programming, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Additionally, Velocity Startups will serve as a coordinating hub for Metro Atlanta’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, which encompasses over 50 colleges and universities. And they will advocate for policies that strengthen the city’s innovation infrastructure.
The accelerator will operate as a subsidiary of Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures in partnership with the City of Atlanta. A national search is currently in progress for a director to lead the initiative and shape its future programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“Atlanta is where innovation becomes opportunity, and Velocity Startups will make that journey even faster. By connecting entrepreneurs to the critical resources they need to scale, we are fueling more startups, creating more jobs, and driving economic growth. Ultimately, this will secure Atlanta’s place as a top global destination for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial success.”
Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Advisor, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation
“Velocity Startups represents a pivotal step in bringing together the resources, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit within our ecosystems as we look to further establish Atlanta as a top national tech hub. By uniting these elements, Velocity Startups will help startups scale from their first customer to long-term growth. This accelerator enables the communities at Georgia Tech and beyond to translate groundbreaking research into high-impact ventures.”
Raghupathy “Siva” Sivakumar, Vice President of Commercialization and Chief Commercialization Officer at Georgia Tech and President of Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures
