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CU Founder Sprint: From Discovery to Ideathon

4 May 2026

Build Your First Startup with Global Mentors

 

In partnership with global venture capital accelerator 2080 Ventures and Angel Investor Network Georgia – Axel, the Caucasus University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is launching a 2-stage CU Founder Sprint for students. A unique opportunity to go from idea → validated concept → real startup pathway.

 

Learn from Global & Local Mentors

 

Throughout the program, you will work with international and local startup experts, including:

 

  • Timur Daudpota -  Founding Partner at 2080 Ventures, who has worked with early-stage founders across multiple markets
  • Sun Choi - Founding Partner at 2080 Ventures, Angel investor, cross-border acceleration leader
  • Nato Chakvetadze - A startup ecosystem builder, program leader, and mentor 
  • Davit Tsitsko - a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic partner with 15+ years of experience across technology, energy, and investment. 
  • Irakli Svanidze - Ecosystem Enabler, Startup Mentor, Acting Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at CU
  • Ketevan Khuntsaria - Entrepreneur and a  member of Axel’s Investment Board, actively involved in startup evaluation and investment decisions. 
  • Ia Tsulaia - An active angel investor at Axel and a startup mentor, with extensive experience supporting early-stage ventures.
  • Tekla Gugushvili - Project Manager at Axel, working closely with startups and investment processes.

 

This means direct exposure to people who build, invest in, and scale startups globally.

 

Stage 1 : Online Founder Sprint

 

You will learn how to:

 

  • think like a founder
  • identify real, high-value problems
  • validate ideas with real users
  • build MVP and business model thinking

 

By the end, you’ll already have a validated problem and initial concept.

 

Stage 2: On-Campus Ideathon Experience

 

You will:

 

  • Find your co-founders through structured matching
  • Work on real-world problem challenges
  • Build a startup concept in teams
  • Pitch your idea in front of mentors & judges

 

Program Provides:

 

  • Opportunity to receive mini-grants / prizes 
  • Access to an international network of founders & investors
  • Real experience of how startups are actually built

 

Who is this for?

 

  • Caucasus University Students who want to explore startups
  • Future founders (even without an idea) (CU affiliated) 
  • People who are looking for a team and real opportunities (CU affiliated) 

 

No idea required. Just curiosity and drive.

Timeline: May 4-22 (Online Sessions; Ideathon)  

 

Limited spots available - Apply now and take your first step into the startup world.

 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/i5yRMPAQCzY8oddE9 

 

Registration Deadline: April 30, 2026