On November 9, 2023, as part of the "Entrepreneurship Education – Pathway for Innovation, Inclusion and Quality" (MES-CIF-1-22) project funded by the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF), a kick-off meeting took place between Caucasus University and partner universities involved in the project. The meeting was organized and hosted by the Project Coordinator, Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (SJSU), and representatives from George Washington University's (GWU) Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship also participated.

Kick off meeting  was attended by esteemed guests from both the private and public sectors, CIF representatives, as well as academic and administrative staff from the university. The opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Maka Beridze, Rector of Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (SJSU), who extended her best wishes for the success of all project participants.

During the event, Akaki Kapanadze, Director of the Project Management Department, and Giorgi Burduli, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, provided comprehensive presentations on the project's goals, objectives, and planned activities. They also engaged in discussions about the challenges in the filed of innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the opportunities that this project brings to both universities.

The second  part of the meeting was conducted online. Irena Melua, Vice President of Caucasus University, addressed the attendees and introduced the representatives from George Washington University's Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE). They shared their extensive experience and activities in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation, and outlined their role and future plans within the project.

The "Entrepreneurship Education – Pathway for Innovation, Inclusion and Quality" project aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities by leveraging university resources, aligning strategic objectives, and expanding the existing network with employers. The international partner in this project is George Washington University's (GWU) Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), which, in turn, will provide valuable expertise and insights to Georgian universities. Their involvement will play a pivotal role in connecting the university's resources with the industry.

The project is funded by the joint program of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the World Bank "Innovation, Inclusion and Quality Project – Georgia I2Q (IBRD)" Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF).