Community
Partner with us to ignite entrepreneurship.
Our partnerships are built to spark entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and expand opportunities for students, faculty, industry, and the community. For the community, our efforts support small business growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development, strengthening Augusta’s role as a center for innovation and opportunity.
Go to: Advisory Committee | Entrepreneurs in Residence | Our Partners
Regional Innovation Advisory Committee
The Regional Innovation Advisory Committee exists to advance Augusta University's strategic goals of community engagement, student success, and research excellence by fostering cross-sector collaborations. Our mission is to spark innovation through shared expertise, creative problem-solving, and actionable insights that address economic, technological, and social challenges in the Augusta River Region.
The Committee envisions a thriving CSRA innovation ecosystem where Augusta University is a leader in advancing research, fostering entrepreneurship, and cultivating community-engaged partnerships. Through collaboration with key regional stakeholders, we will empower the community to solve problems, develop talent, and establish the region as a hub for innovation and economic prosperity.
Academic Members
- Dr. Matt LyonMedical College of Georgia, Augusta University
- George HsuMedical College of Georgia, Augusta University
- Dr. Guido VerbeckChair of Chemistry, Augusta University
- Joann DenemarkSpeech Language Pathology Lead, Augusta University
- Bill and Mary WhiteAugusta Prep High School
- Dr. Andy HaugerChair of Physics, Augusta University
- Mike MooreAugusta University Innovation Commercialization
Government Members
- John Bobbitt Savannah River National Lab, Department of Energy
- Kelsey Shull Innovation Specialists, Veterans Healthcare Affairs of Augusta
- Chris NdetiInnovation Specialists, Veterans Healthcare Affairs of Augusta
- David Hepner GT APEX Accelerator, GA Tech, DoW small business and government contracting
- Diane JohnstonAugusta Regional Airport
- Greg LarsonAugusta Regional Airport
Industry Professionals
- Troy Akers Chief Medical Officer, Eisenhower Hospital and Serial Entrepreneur
- Ernesto Cortez VP of Business Development, AEVEX Aerospace
- Keith Hearon/Daniel HuangNuceptive
- Bob Agans Mission Partner Networks Project Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Open Space
Startup Development
- Dr. Paul Newsom Managing Director of Venture South Aiken
- Shaun Andrews Executive Director, Accelerate Augusta, Augusta Technical College
- Eric Frickey Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia, Augusta
- Chris Dickson Advanced Technology Development Center, GA Tech
- Dan Dykstra Entrepreneur
Economic Development Leaders
- Sarah ChildersDestination Augusta
- Margaret Woodard/Tara Wood Downtown Development Authority
- Natalie Butler Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Jim Tunison CEO, Aiken Chamber of Commerce
- Open space for Columbia County or Richmond County ED partner
2025 Sponsors of Innovate
- Allan SotoVinea Capital
- Brandon SizemoreCFIC
- Sherrie BishopAurubis
Entrepreneur Mentors
Entrepreneur mentors bring experienced founders, business leaders, and innovation experts into direct collaboration with Augusta University students, faculty, and staff.
Why not consider serving as a mentor and help translate bold ideas into viable startups? Mentors provide invaluable insights, drawing from real-world experience that bridges the gap between theory and entrepreneurial practice.
Through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and project-based engagement, together we empower our campus community to think like entrepreneurs, act on opportunity, and grow ventures with purpose.
We are Grateful for our Partners
Vinea Capital
Accelerate Augusta
Downtown Development Authority
Augusta Preparatory Day School
CFIC
GCITC
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
