innovateUNG 2020 competition

[music plays]

Dr. Ruben Boling: Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

We're extremely excited and fortunate to be able to put on the innovateUNG one

more time. What I want students and others to understand is that this is such a

great opportunity for them. So those interested in entering need to consider

their ideas and understand whether they, first of all, solve a problem, second of

all, that they have a product that solves that problem, and third that they have a

customer that's willing to buy that solution to that problem. We put you

through a training that we call the pitch base camp where we show you how to

pitch, the things you need to do to answer questions, to be comfortable on

stage. The statewide competition last year our winner of innovateUNG, Opus

Affinity, went on to be in the top five finalists of the competition. Every time

I bring in a judge they talk about how great our entrepreneurship program is

and I believe it is.

Our Commitment To Our Students, Faculty, And Staff

At the University of North Georgia, we deeply value and uphold the cherished right of every American to freely express themselves. It is a hallmark of our history, our tradition, and permeates our culture. As a distinguished Senior Military College, with a legacy spanning over 150 years, we take great pride in our role of cultivating leaders who tirelessly defend these fundamental freedoms for all citizens. The legacy of our graduates in this regard is second to none.

As campus leaders, our primary responsibility is to cultivate an academic environment that ensures this exchange of ideas and the safety of our community. Across all five campuses, we are committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to freely express themselves and engage in exploration and learning. However, it is essential that these rights are exercised in a manner that upholds our academic mission, preserves the safety of all, and is in accordance with our institutional policies, without unlawful behavior. This means breaking the law, harassment, intimidation, trespassing, violence, and other criminal acts will not be tolerated at the University of North Georgia.

Together, let's uphold the principles of respect, understanding, and civility as we equip our students to walk toward their purpose.

Bold Forward!