I am sitting with 80 people at the TAG/ATDC Entrepreneurs Society listening to Sandeep Agate of REACH Call talk about his business and how winning the 2006 GRA/TAG Business Launch Competition helped propel his company forward.  Gregg Warren CEO of ATDC member company IVOX, the 2007 winner, is up next.  This is a kickoff for the 2008 contest.

As the name suggests the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) joined forces to support the creation and growth of new startups in Georgia via a competition.  The contest winner will receive a $100,000 cash award courtesy of the GRA and a diverse array of services valued at an additional $200,000. This comprehensive $300,000+ prize is one of the largest in the country.  In 2008, the competition is focused on Internet technologies, which includes companies
that are developing products, online services, or backend technologies that are using or extending the reach, flexibility, and ease of the Internet.

To support entrepreneurs that have an interest in applying to the competition, ATDC is hosting a luncheon and workshop on Thursday January 24th from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm.  As the resident ATDC Internet expert I am going to be leading this workshop.  At the workshop you will learn the logistics of the competition, get some coaching on how to best fill out the preliminary application materials (which are evaluated by ATDC staff), hear from a judge on why they picked past finalists, and enjoy lunch with other Internet entrepreneurs.

ATDC is providing boxed lunches to all registrants.  If you want to register you need to do so by January 21.  Please only register if you intend to attend.  Food is a precious resource.