The GBBC is a program of the University of Georgia and is in partnership with the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies (CAGT). The Georgia BioBusiness Center, founded in 2000, is currently affiliated with several established and startup bioscience companies with research and technology ties to UGA. The program enables bioscience startup companies to accelerate their early growth through access to management expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Interdisciplinary expertise and resources come together through the Georgia BioBusiness Center to nurture and stimulate the development of biotechnology companies for the benefit and expansion of Georgia’s bioscience industry.

Admissions Criteria for the GBBC

• Industry Application - Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics or other bioscience.
  
• Market Opportunity - Significant multi-million dollar market opportunity generated through products, or a combination products/services.
  
• Financial Status - First round secured, enabling concept validation in the context of the business model.
  
• Management Experience - At least one member of the management team (CEO/COO) has track record within the industry application or analogous industry experience. Relevant experience outlined in Business Plan.
  
• Business Model - Your company's business model must not be in direct competition with any other company currently in residence at the Center.
  
• Intellectual Property - Ability to illustrate extent of portfolio, patents issued, pending or other.
  
• Relationship to the University - Includes faculty founders, IP licenses/options/research agreements, level of interest in students, level of interest in UGA core facilities, faculty consulting or other.
  
• Job Creation - Approximately 4-20 employees in Athens, within a designated time frame

Admissions Process for the GBBC

Please prepare Executive Summary including: business introduction, concepts, strategy and tactics; relevant research into industry/competition; financial projections for first five years; and CV of each principal involved. If you already have a Business Plan prepared, please submit accordingly.

Your plan will be reviewed within fourteen days. As we evaluate your plan, we may engage the services of external reviewers with expertise in the proposed business area, or in other aspects of your plan. All Center and external reviewers will respect your proprietary information with the utmost confidence. If your company meets all minimum requirements, and the internal evaluation is positive, you will be invited to meet with Center management to present your plan.

Graduation Criteria

Three year residency is completed. (One year extensions available, under specific circumstances.) OR
Your company may exit the GBBC in less than three years, if two or more of the following milestones occur:

• Revenue projections are met
  
• Second, third or mezzanine financing achieved
  
• Consumption of the maximum allowed square footage of facility
  
• Management team secured
  
• Scale-up of production no longer feasible within core facility