Enterprise Innovation Institute Global Newsletter
Enterprise Innovation Institute Global (EI² Global)
Our mission is to foster economic opportunities worldwide by creating lasting change in communities across the globe.
A Note from EI² Global Director
This quarter has been an exciting one for EI² Global. We strengthened existing partnerships and welcomed new collaborators from universities and startups across the globe. I am also delighted to welcome Alina María Restrepo as the new Director of Georgia Tech’s Medellín Center. Her leadership will be instrumental as we expand our presence in Colombia. Looking ahead, we are preparing to host Spanish Immersion Week in Atlanta this September—an opportunity to connect international startups with Georgia Tech’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we continue to nurture ecosystems where ideas grow into opportunities.
- Juli Golemi, Director of EI² Global
New EI² Global Training: Building Resilient Communities
EI² Global is excited to announce the launch of its own training course, adapted from FEMA, designed to strengthen economic resilience and recovery. This program focuses on empowering communities of all backgrounds across the U.S. by fostering partnerships, encouraging information sharing, and driving collaborative problem-solving. The goal: to help communities better prepare for and recover from the impacts of both natural and man-made disasters.
Puerto Rico: Food Safety Training for Atlanta’s Latin American Entrepreneurs
In response to a growing need for Spanish-language food safety education in Atlanta, EI² Global partnered with PRiMEX (Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Partnership), Prospera, Latin American Association, Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator (GT.FBA), and Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) to deliver specialized training for local food entrepreneurs. The program brought PRiMEX instructors to Georgia Tech to teach food safety entirely in Spanish, serving restaurant owners, food truck operators, and small businesses specializing in Latin American cuisine. The training not only addressed a critical knowledge gap but also fostered community connections among participants, instructors, and partners.
EI² Global’s Role in Georgia’s Economic Growth
Georgia Tech Food & Beverage Program Shines at ATL Tech Week 2025
Georgia Tech’s Food and Beverage Accelerator—partly funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center Program—joined the vibrant Tech Hop event in Tech Square during ATL Tech Week, offering attendees a taste of innovation—literally. Midtown Atlanta buzzed with energy as visitors explored cutting-edge startups and sampled culinary creations from local vendors and student-led ventures. The event highlighted the intersection of technology and taste, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit driving Atlanta’s next big ideas. Be sure to check out the ATL Tech Week recap to relive the excitement!
Join us in welcoming Alina María Restrepo, the new Director of Georgia Tech Medellín Center
Alina has more than two decades of experience leading innovation, entrepreneurship, and human talent initiatives in the private sector, academia, and the science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem, primarily in Colombia, with additional experience in Latin America. Her expertise includes designing innovation strategies, strengthening organizational capacities, and mentoring startups in commercialization and investment preparation. Please welcome Alina to the EI² family! We look forward to the incredible contributions she will make to our community.
Georgia Tech Welcomes MIET UdeC Students
Students from the Master's in Technological Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIET) program at the University of Concepción (UdeC) enjoyed an international experience by participating in our immersion ecosystem program in Atlanta, Georgia. Over five intensive days, participants explored innovation from three key angles—organizational, methodological, and individual. Through hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and real-world exposure to Atlanta’s thriving tech ecosystem, they developed the tools, frameworks, and mindsets to become effective intrapreneurs and changemakers in their home institutions and industries.
Georgia Tech Boosts University Innovation in Colombia
In the heart of Technology Square, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Global hosted a dynamic cohort of faculty from Medellín, Colombia, as part of its innovative University Ecosystem Development Program, a Train-the-Trainer initiative designed to build sustainable entrepreneurship and commercialization capacity across Colombian universities.
Exploring Collaboration in Tech and Mobility
EI² Global Director, Juli Golemi, recently traveled to Madrid to connect with founders and share what they can expect from our Spanish immersion week. The visit focused on building connections and inviting Spanish startups to explore Atlanta’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. With 10+ companies confirmed, we are excited for an energizing week of learning, growth, and cross-border collaboration!
From East Asia to the “A”: Taiwan Trade Mission Visits Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech recently welcomed a trade delegation from Taiwan, led by the GeoAsia Foundation. The group explored our latest technologies, met with leaders, and discussed new opportunities for business and collaboration. When it came time for a photo, the formal flag pose quickly gave way to a celebration of international friendship—and of Atlanta. We captured three memorable shots: the classic thumbs up, the universal peace sign, and finally “showing the A,” a nod to our city’s vibrant spirit.
Strengthening Global Ties: EI² Global Joins Korea-Georgia Innovation Exchange
EI² Global was honored to be invited by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) to join a special event welcoming a startup delegation from Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ). The gathering featured dynamic pitches and discussions focused on fostering collaboration between Georgia and Korea’s innovation ecosystems. Representing EI² Global’s Soft Landing Program, Annick Ducher shared insights on how international startups can thrive in Georgia, while Alex Rhodeen from the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) highlighted the state’s robust support for tech entrepreneurs. The event marked a meaningful step toward global partnership and shared growth.
Rabat Hosts Airport Tech Modernization Workshop
Aviation leaders from across Africa and Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO) convened in Morocco for a workshop titled “Harnessing Technology to Streamline Terminal Operations." The event, hosted by the Office National Des Aéroports (ONDA) of Morocco, was held in collaboration with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Airports and Civil Aviation Authorities around the world are increasingly embracing innovation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving aviation environment. EI² Global is proud to contribute to this global effort. The third regional workshop, brought together over 30 aviation professionals from 13 countries across Africa, Europe, and North America to explore cutting-edge technologies transforming airport operations.
Work on five continents in three months - very impressive.