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GITA Regional Pre-Acceleration Program

Regional Pre-Acceleration Program, initiated by the Georgia's Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), is implemented across the regions of Racha-Lechkhumi, Kakheti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Adjara, Svaneti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Imereti. The program is designed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems by fostering innovative and technology-driven entrepreneurship, promoting startup culture, and supporting young innovators, entrepreneurs, and individuals with innovative business ideas.

 

The program offers participants a four-week intensive training and practical development course, combining modern startup methodologies, mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on assignments. Throughout the program, participants systematically progress through the key stages of startup development-from problem identification, solution design, and idea validation to customer discovery, business model development, MVP and prototype creation, go-to-market strategy, and investor pitch preparation.

 

The Pre-Acceleration Program also prepares participants for GITA's Regional Grant Competition, where successful applicants can compete for grants of up to 25,000 GEL.

 

A distinctive component of the program is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern digital technologies into the learning process. Participants gain practical experience with AI-powered tools and contemporary approaches to product development, enabling them to enhance the efficiency of their ideas and acquire essential digital entrepreneurship skills.

 

The educational process follows the Learning by Doing methodology and combines theoretical lectures, practical workshops, individual mentoring sessions, and continuous feedback. Throughout the program, experienced startup mentors share both professional expertise and real-world entrepreneurial experience, guiding participants in transforming their ideas into viable business ventures.

 

The program concludes with a Demo Day, where startup teams present the progress of their business ideas and showcase the results achieved during the program. This final event strengthens participants' presentation and communication skills while creating valuable networking opportunities with representatives of Georgia's innovation ecosystem and potential future partners.

 

The long-term objective of the project is to accelerate the development of innovation-driven entrepreneurship across Georgia's regions by identifying and empowering local talent, supporting the creation of new startups, and expanding the country's innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to increase the participation of regional youth, entrepreneurs, and innovators in technology-driven entrepreneurial activities, thereby contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy and enhancing regional competitiveness.

 

Upon completion of the program, participants acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience that enables them to transform innovative ideas into viable startup concepts, prepare for investment and grant opportunities, and actively engage in both national and international innovation programs.

 

The project is implemented by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center of Caucasus University.

 

Program Implementation Timeline:

 

  • Racha-Lechkhumi | June – July 2026
  • Svaneti | June – July 2026
  • Kakheti | June – July 2026
  • Mtskheta-Mtianeti | June – July 2026
  • Samtskhe-Javakheti | September – October 2026
  • Adjara | November – December 2026
  • Imereti | November – December 2026

Sandro Kandelaki is an experienced professional in digital transformation and innovation, with extensive expertise across both the private and higher education sectors.

 

He currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Digital Wise Guys and is the Co-founder of Student Hunt and Founders.ge. Previously, he led digital transformation initiatives at Terabank and headed the Digital Technologies Department at the Georgian Farmers' Association.

 

Alongside his professional activities, he lectures at Ilia State University and actively contributes to the development of Georgia's startup ecosystem.

 

Tamta Mamulaidze is the Chief Executive Officer of Agronavti and the Head of the Agritech and Innovation Department at the Georgian Farmers' Association.

 

She actively works in the fields of agritech innovation, digital transformation, and startup development, participating in numerous local and international initiatives as both a project manager and startup mentor. Her expertise focuses on the practical application of technology and supporting the growth of innovative businesses.

 

Maro Koshadze is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amadeo, with extensive experience in startups, digital product development, and knowledge management.

 

Throughout her career, she has worked with companies including Prodware and Phubber, where she led learning and development, operations, and product management initiatives. She also serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Caucasus University and actively mentors startup teams.

 

Levan Asanidze is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HERIO.

 

He has extensive experience in strategic management, product development, and business growth. Levan actively contributes to Georgia's startup ecosystem as a mentor and speaker, sharing his entrepreneurial experience with aspiring founders and startup teams.