Founders Night
Join Georgia Tech researchers, startup founders, investors, industry partners, and innovation leaders for an evening focused on technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and the connections that help breakthrough ideas become real-world impact.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Marcus Nanotechnology Building, Georgia Tech
Pre-registration is closed. Onsite registration will be available for those who would still like to attend.
About Founders Night
Founders Night brings together startup founders, entrepreneurs, Georgia Tech faculty and researchers, students, investors, corporate innovation leaders, industry partners, and members of the Atlanta innovation ecosystem to celebrate entrepreneurship, share insights from startup journeys, and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Whether you're launching a new venture, exploring commercialization opportunities, investing in emerging technologies, building industry partnerships, or looking to grow your professional network, Founders Night offers a chance to connect with the people shaping the future of technology. Hosted by the Institute for Matter and Systems, the event highlights how research, facilities, partnerships, and entrepreneurial leadership can accelerate innovation from concept to market.
Why Attend
Connect with Founders
Hear firsthand from startup founders and innovators about their experiences building companies, overcoming challenges, and bringing new technologies to market.
Expand Your Network
Meet researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and members of Georgia Tech's innovation ecosystem.
Explore New Opportunities
Learn how Georgia Tech programs, partnerships, and facilities support technology development, commercialization, and startup growth.
Gain Practical Insights
Discover lessons learned from real-world entrepreneurial journeys and emerging technology ventures.
Agenda
| 4:30 p.m. | Opening Remarks Eric Vogel, Executive Director, IMS |
| 4:35 p.m. | IMS Core Facilities, Headquarters for the Atlanta Hard Tech Startup Ecosystem Billyde Brown, External User Outreach Manager, IMS |
| 4:50 p.m. | Georgia Tech’s Commercialization Ecosystem, Introducing the Venture Arcade Lara Hodgson, Velocity Startups Executive Director, Georgia Tech Office of Commercialization |
| 5:00 – 6:10 p.m. | Company and Ecosystem Partner Presentations |
| 5:00 p.m. | How a Small Needle Turned into a Big Deal Mark Prausnitz, Co-Founder, Micron Biomedical; Regents' Professor and Regents' Entrepreneur, J. Erskine Love Jr. Chair in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
| 5:15 p.m. | Stellar Scale Nano Fabrication: Building for Scale Harry Watkins, Founder and CEO, Stellar Scale Nano Fabrication |
| 5:25 p.m. | Growing in Metro Atlanta: The Opportunity and the Partnership Barton Lowery, Vice President Community Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce |
| 5:30 p.m. | Commercialization Grant Funding Source: Georgia Research Alliance Andrew Short, Director of Innovation Programs, Georgia Research Alliance |
| 5:40 p.m. | The Challenges of Building Hardware and Med-Tech in Atlanta Addison Shelton, Founder and CEO, Kickr Design |
| 5:50 p.m. | FounLioniX International – Custom PIC and MEMS Solutions Provider James Walker, North American Representative, LioniX International |
| 6:00 p.m. | Silex Microsystems, The World's Leading Pure-Play MEMS Foundry Timothy Brosnihan, Executive Director of Business Development, Silex Microsystems |
| 6:10 p.m. | Break |
| 6:15 – 7:30 p.m. | Networking |
| 6:15 p.m. | Optional Guided Tours of the Materials Characterization Facility and Cleanroom Meet tour guides in the Marcus Atrium. |
Visiting Campus
The Institute for Matter and Systems is located in the heart of Georgia Tech's vibrant campus. There are numerous parking, dining, and hotel accommodations within walking distance of our home in the Marcus Nanotechnology Building. Whether you’re attending an event, exploring our facilities, or meeting with our experts, we look forward to your visit.
Getting to Atlanta
Attendees traveling to the workshop should fly into the Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). As the busiest passenger airport in the world, ATL offers direct flights to a wide array of global cities.
From the airport, you can reach campus by taxi (approximately $40), or by using the MARTA public transportation system. There is a MARTA station located inside the airport. The closest stops to campus are the North Avenue Station and the Midtown Station.
Visitor Parking
Several hourly parking lots are located on campus. Credit cards are accepted at all visitor parking areas. Visitor surface lot area 4 or the W23 parking deck are the closest lots to the Marcus Nanotechnology Building.
Parking rate details, handicap parking locations, temporary and weekend parking permit information: Georgia Tech Parking & Transportation Services.
Campus Transit
There are a variety of free transit options for getting around campus and to nearby destinations. Each service complies with the recommendations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Campus Map
Search for parking lots, campus transit stops, buildings, areas of interest, and a self-guided campus tour.
Questions about the event? Contact Billyde Brown at billyde.brown@gatech.edu