Innovation Gateway at the University of Georgia has appointed Dan Geller as the new director of its Innovation Gateway Startup Program. Geller assumed the role on October 1 after serving as assistant director since 2020.
The program is part of the university’s technology commercialization efforts and plays a central role in helping faculty, staff, and students establish companies built around UGA-developed intellectual property.
In this position, Geller will guide the expanding number of startups emerging from university research. His responsibilities include advising researchers and founders on startup formation, supporting the development of commercialization strategies, and assisting newly formed ventures in securing early-stage funding. The program currently collaborates with over 200 projects and offers resources such as business model workshops, market strategy development programs, mentoring, grant-writing support, and incubator space for emerging companies.
Geller brings a long history with the university, holding a Ph.D. in engineering, a master’s in biological engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.
Over the course of more than two decades at UGA, he has taught engineering, secured research funding, and contributed to the creation of products such as a sustainable charcoal lighter fluid. Alongside his academic work, Geller has co-founded multiple ventures, including Kindercore Records and Kindercore Vinyl, and has experience navigating both successful outcomes and challenging entrepreneurial lessons.
His appointment is viewed as a key moment in advancing the university’s innovation ecosystem. Leaders within UGA highlighted Geller’s long-standing dedication to supporting researchers and entrepreneurs. They emphasized the program’s role in transforming academic discoveries into viable commercial ventures that contribute to the broader innovation district within the university.
KEY QUOTES
“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Geller as director of the Innovation Gateway Startup Program. With his deep UGA experience and proven commitment to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship, Dan is well positioned to enhance our efforts to translate research discoveries into impactful new ventures. I look forward to working with Dan to accelerate the impact of university-based startups.”
Derek Eberhart, Associate Vice President for Research and Executive Director of Innovation Gateway
“Dan’s appointment is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his commitment to UGA innovation and represents an exciting step forward for the Innovation District. He brings a passion for educating researchers and founders on turning their ideas into thriving companies. I look forward to continuing our strong collaboration and to growing this vibrant, interconnected innovation ecosystem at UGA.”
Chris Rhodes, Executive Director of the Innovation District
“I’ve been here for 30-plus years, if you count my education. I have a great love for this university, and in this role I feel I have truly found my calling. It allows me to unite my education and academic career with my experience starting companies and working with non-academics in my other life as a serial entrepreneur.”
“Those experiences have been a great asset when working with the many diverse companies that emerge from research at UGA.”
Dan Geller, Director of the Innovation Gateway Startup Program
