More support for Georgian IT businesses

Making and sustaining information technology (IT) businesses in Georgia will soon become easier thanks to the creation of a state agency aiming to support the industry.

The Government has established the Technology and Innovation Agency, which will create an innovative ecosystem, promote the use of innovation and technologies and commercialize innovative research and development in the country.

The Agency will be designed to support start-up businesses in the field of IT, and will employ IT specialists to achieve this.

It will implement specific projects and programs in order to support the innovation and technology adoption in the country, the Economy Ministry said.

The Agency will be oriented to promote distance employment and creation and implementation of Georgian program software. Efforts will also be made to develop technological infrastructure.

As part of the Agency’s role, special attention will be paid to the formation of the export oriented IT industry.

"Both financial and non-financial institutions are being created in order to achieve the Agency’s goals,” the Ministry announced.

"The Technology and Innovation Agency of Georgia will form the infrastructure for the innovation and technology commercialization, including technology parks, innovation centres, accelerators and innovation laboratories.”

The decision to create the Agency was made at yesterday’s Governmental meeting. The Agency is expected to begin operating on March 5, 2014.