Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership launched to drive evolution of innovation ecosystem in the harbor region
The Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership (SHIP) — a new organization dedicated to fostering innovation and attracting investment in the Savannah, Georgia, region — has launched, marking a significant milestone in the expanded evolution of the area’s innovation ecosystem.
SHIP builds on the foundation of the Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC), which was created by organizations such as Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) and the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), to name a few.
“Georgia Southern is thrilled to be a part of this transformative initiative at the outset,” said Dominique Halaby, DPA, associate vice president for innovation at Georgia Southern University. “SHIP will not only enhance our ability but the abilities of our entire network of regional academic institutions to support local entrepreneurs, as well as position Savannah and the harbor region at large as a leading hub for innovation and logistics solutions.”
SHIP’s enhanced approach to building a wider, scalable, sustainable ecosystem will further some of the broader region’s collective goals in attracting unique, marquee companies and growing opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Following its recent strategic plan, SHIP will incorporate the mission of SLIC, including its focus on logistics and supply chain innovation, while fostering expansion into other key industry pillars.
The organization will coordinate efforts among regional entities that each contribute unique expertise to an innovation ecosystem to drive strategic alignment, establish best practices and encourage interconnectivity while maintaining an eye on measurable outcomes. SHIP is finalizing representatives for its board of directors, which will include leaders from research institutions, technology and entrepreneurship experts and investors from key businesses and organizations in and around the Savannah Harbor region. Maintaining a nimble, efficient, multidisciplinary and market-driven board is critical to SHIP’s mission of defining, building and continuously evolving the innovation ecosystem for the Savannah Harbor.
SHIPs broader scope and strategy leverage a newly formed relationship with venture capital firm VentureSouth, which has committed to providing investment education in the region, and with SHIP leadership’s support, will actively recruit investors for startup companies and venture funds.
“I am excited about the potential this partnership holds for the Savannah region,” said Bart Gobeil, SHIP chairman. “By building on past successes and leveraging our collective strengths, we are making an evolutionary step in our mission to foster the thriving innovation ecosystem to attract investment and drive economic growth.”
About Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership (SHIP)
The Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership (SHIP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering innovation and attracting investment in the Savannah, Georgia region. By leveraging the strengths of key local institutions and industry leaders, SHIP aims to create a thriving innovation ecosystem that addresses major business challenges and drives economic growth.
About Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC)
The Savannah Logistics Innovation Center (SLIC) has been focused on advancing logistics innovation through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. By working closely with corporate and research partners, SLIC has aimed to solve major logistics challenges and support economic growth in the Savannah region.
About Business Innovation Group (BIG) of Georgia Southern University
The Business Innovation Group (BIG) at Georgia Southern University is committed to fostering an entrepreneurial culture in the region. BIG supports startups and business development through mentoring, resources and access to a network of industry experts and investors.
About Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA)
The Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA)’s mission is to create job opportunities and investment in the Savannah region through business expansion, attraction and new investments through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
About Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for local businesses and works to create a vibrant economic environment in the Savannah region. The Chamber provides resources, networking opportunities and support for businesses of all sizes.
About VentureSouth
VentureSouth is a leading early-stage venture firm that supports and invests in startups across the Southeastern United States. Through its extensive network of angel investors and venture funds, including the newly formed 912 Angels in Savannah, VentureSouth provides critical capital and resources to emerging companies.
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