This week, Georgia made its inaugural appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the largest technology expos globally, held in Las Vegas, USA. The country’s participation was led by Irakli Nadareishvili, the Deputy Minister of Economy, according to a statement from the Ministry of Economy on Friday.
Georgia’s involvement came through a “special invitation” from the event organizers, and is part of the StartUP in Georgia initiative, which seeks to position the country as an attractive hub for startup growth. The Ministry noted that a number of innovative Georgian startups, including Klipy, Elven Technologies, Widgera, Stori AI, and Baasi, showcased their groundbreaking technologies at the country’s stand.
During the event, Nadareishvili also took part in a panel discussion titled Unlocking Opportunities: State Strategies to Support Startups and Enhance Investments, where he highlighted the Georgian Government’s dedication to fostering an innovative startup ecosystem.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the development of such an ecosystem is a key focus of Georgia’s economic policy, aiming to build an economy centered on knowledge and innovation. He explained that the government offers substantial support to startups in areas such as infrastructure development, access to funding, and technical support.
A major goal of Georgia’s participation in CES is to present the country’s startup scene on a global stage. Engaging in international tech exhibitions and conferences, Nadareishvili noted, is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. This year’s CES marks the first time Georgia has joined the event.
The Deputy Minister also outlined various government-backed programs that promote innovation, along with tax incentives, funding opportunities, and research initiatives. He stressed that reforms enacted by the government have positioned Georgia as a regional startup hub, attracting interest from international investors and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Nadareishvili, Avtandil Kasradze, Chair of the Innovation and Technology Agency, and Levan Kulijanashvili, Georgia’s Consul General in San Francisco, met with Kinsey Fabrizio, President of the Consumer Technology Association, and John Kelley, Vice President of CES. The meeting resulted in an agreement to collaborate on future initiatives, the Ministry concluded.
