Our team of experts delivers solutions to industry challenges through direct assistance. An innovative infrastructure consisting of technology, research and development, transportation infrastructure, and funding, coupled with an abundance of natural resources and feedstocks affords Georgia companies a competitive advantage in the evolving marketplace of renewable energy.
As Georgia continues to embrace renewable energy technologies and industries, the Energy Innovation Center offers forward thinking companies an innovative and pro-business environment in which to succeed for years to come.
Research to Commercialization
For many companies, the bridge between research and commercialization has proven challenging. The EIC helps accelerate this phase by providing clients direct access to cutting edge research at Georgia universities and other prime research facilities. Our team works with businesses and their research partners each step of the way, providing industry-specific advice, industrial process, and market knowledge.
Financial Resources
Every effort is made to connect qualified clients with funding opportunities through incentives, matching research grants, low interest loans, and access to potential investors via angel investor networks and venture capitalist organizations. Also, pairing proposed production facilities with end users such as military bases or industrial plants can result in long-term contracts which strengthen the financial position and leverage potential of the client business.
Partnerships
The center prides itself in matching clients with other companies, growers, government agencies and suppliers to form commercially successful collaborations. Each situation brings unique a unique set of needs. These variables may include real estate, labor pool, transportation or access to ports, industrial process research, stable markets, or other needs. The EIC strives to fill these needs by creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
Bioenergy One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shops, conducted in collaboration with the Georgia Center for Innovation in Agriculture, are working meetings where pre-screened businesses are brought together with representative from over 20 state and federal agencies. The companies are given the opportunity to present and discuss their bioenergy projects and leave with the actual contacts they need to get started. This streamlined process accelerates business start-up by helping companies cut through bureaucracies and permitting processes. Our goal is to steer companies through their permitting processes within 90 days, while at the same time, networking them with industry thought leaders and university research and development.
Relocation
In addition to assisting businesses within Georgia, our team actively works with bio-energy companies considering relocation. We arrange site visits, set up meetings with key agencies, review potential funding sources and serve as an on-going partner before, during and after the move.
Fuel Sources
Georgia is rich in renewable resources such as agricultural and forest products that can be used as feedstocks to supply producers of renewable energy and biofuels. In addition to virgin feedstocks, the state's bioenergy industry is fed by waste streams and industrial co-products. An example of this is $3.5 million gallons/year of ethanol being produced using by-products and waste streams from the brewing and soft drink beverage industries. Businesses seeking to locate or expand in Georgia can turn to the EIC to help them find reliable sources for fuel and industrial feedstocks.
We encourage entrepreneurs and established businesses alike to contact our team to learn how we can work together to create a more sustainable and prosperous Georgia.