UG Innovator – An Innovative Competition for School Students Launches
On the occasion of the International Day of Creativity and Innovation, the University of Georgia and UG Startup Factory are launching a large-scale educational and entrepreneurial project – UG Innovator, aimed at developing innovative, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking among senior students of accredited public and private schools in Tbilisi.
UG Innovator is an 8-week program that combines learning, mentoring, competition, and a final Demo Day. The project enables students in grades 10–12 to create their own innovative ideas, work on real-world problems, present solutions to a professional jury, and win cash prizes from a total prize fund of 10,000 GEL:
All participants of UG Innovator will receive official certificates confirming their experience and acquired knowledge. In addition, project partners will award winners and mentor teachers with various extra prizes and opportunities, making UG Innovator an even more valuable experience.
For the University of Georgia, innovation is an essential part of its identity. UG actively creates an environment where young people learn how to turn ideas into real projects and take their first steps in entrepreneurship and innovation.
UG Innovator is a continuation of this vision – a platform that brings together schools, universities, and the innovation ecosystem in one space, offering young talents real development opportunities.
Main message of the project: Create More!
Who can participate?
The competition is open to:
Students of grades 10, 11, and 12 from accredited public and private schools in Tbilisi
Program stages
Registration
April 21 – May 5
Registration can be completed by a student representative and/or a mentor teacher. Only one team per school is allowed, and it must be approved by the school administration.
Information Meetings and Initial Selection
May 12–13
Participants will learn about the competition principles and receive their first assignment.
Educational Module
May 27–29
Selected teams will attend two thematic sessions covering:
Internal Demo Day
June 2
Teams will present a 5-slide presentation outlining their idea and direction. The top 10 finalist teams will be selected.
Mentoring and Pitch Preparation
June 4
Finalist teams will participate in an online Q&A session and receive training for their final pitch.
Grand Finale – Demo Day
June 12
Finalist teams will present their ideas to a jury, which will select three winning teams to receive cash prizes. Mentor teachers of winning teams will also be awarded.
UG Innovator is an opportunity that begins with an idea. This project is a first step for young people who want to turn their ideas into real projects, develop new skills, and engage in an innovative environment.
Why should you participate?
In today’s world, the most valuable skill is the ability to identify problems and solve them. UG Innovator teaches you exactly that – how to find real problems, turn them into ideas, and create impactful solutions.
During the project, you will:
