Kennesaw State University will host the inaugural University System of Georgia Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition on its Marietta Campus on April 6-7. The two-day event will bring together student teams from each USG institution to present original business or innovation concepts before a panel of judges.
The competition aims to highlight creativity, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial talent among students across Georgia’s public universities. Teams will compete for the USG Innovation and Entrepreneurship Trophy, $25,000 in cash prizes, and access to accelerator programs from institutions throughout the state.
Finalists will present their ideas on stage at the KSU Dance Center inside the Joe Mack Wilson Student Center on April 7. The final round is open for public attendance with an RSVP option and will also be livestreamed on the USG website.
“Kennesaw State University is incredibly proud to host the inaugural University System of Georgia Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Beyond the exciting 25 student competition teams, we will welcome USG leadership along with industry partners from across technology, healthcare, business, engineering, and the nonprofit sector,” said President Kathy S. Schwaig. “The event is an incredible showcase of not only the entrepreneurship ecosystem on our campuses, but also the collective strength of our system—working together to develop stronger students, build stronger communities, and create a stronger Georgia.”
Representing Kennesaw State in this year’s competition is student innovator SueAnn Hollowell with her business PaintCo Labs Inc., which has developed a patented commercial body art printer that enables fans to print custom sports designs directly onto skin within seconds.
Organizers say that by bringing together diverse teams with innovative ideas at a time when higher education and workforce needs are changing rapidly, this initiative reflects bold thinking intended to strengthen Georgia’s economy. Throughout both days of events, students can network with peers as well as leaders from academia and various industries including technology and healthcare.
Judges will evaluate entries based on originality, market potential, feasibility of execution, and presentation quality. In addition to competing for prizes and recognition, participants gain exposure to mentorship opportunities intended to help move promising projects beyond classroom settings into real-world application.
Kennesaw State was selected as host due in part to its expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem supported by resources such as HatchBridge Incubator and Robin & Doug Shore Entrepreneurship Center. These initiatives provide degree programs focused on innovation along with experiential learning opportunities designed for practical problem-solving.
