From May 12-18, a delegation from Caucasus University and Samtskhe-Javakheti State University undertook a working visit to George Washington University in the USA. The visit was part of the project “Entrepreneurship Education – Pathway for Innovation, Inclusion and Quality,” funded by the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF).

During the visit, workshops were conducted at the George Washington Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, George Mason University, University of Richmond, and William & Mary University in Virginia. The purpose of the meetings was to familiarize participants with the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, programs, and ongoing projects at the mentioned universities and to exchange knowledge with Georgian colleagues. Meetings were also held at the Halcyon Incubator and the GW Center for Culinary Medicine. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to engage in both individual and interactive sessions, allowing them to hold discussions with experienced mentors and receive practical advice on best practices for collaboration with the industry and the private sector.

The delegation from Caucasus University was led by the university's president, Kakha Shengelia, and included the vice president, Irena Melua, the director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, Giorgi Burduli, the director of the Project Management Department, Akaki Kapanadze, and the center's manager, Irakli Svanidze.

The objective of the "Entrepreneurship Education - Pathway for Innovation, Inclusion and Quality" project is to modernize higher education programs and the learning environment, as well as to enhance their connection with the labor market. The participating Georgian universities - Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (SJSU) and Caucasus University (CU) will develop innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities within the framework of the project. They will draw on the expertise of the George Washington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, utilize university resources, update strategic goals, and strengthen their existing networks with employers.

The project is implemented with the support of the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF), the Ministry of Education and Science and the World Bank.