GCSU hoping that locals will take advantage of its "Center for Innovation"

Georgia College this week announced the launch of its new Center for Innovation, with multiple programs that will "provide students and local residents with opportunities for originality, invention and creative thinking," according to a university press release.

The initiative is set to launch at some point in August.

The public and community organizations will have a chance to utilize the facility through GCSU's "Bobcat Business Builder Bootcamp" (B-Quad), which will take place once per semester and take place over the course of two days.

"Once a semester, the Center will host a two-day learning event, open to all students as well as community members who wish to participate, that will seek to educate participants on what it takes to launch and build a business," according to its web page.

The Center for Innovation will be located in Kilpatrick Hall and include "3D printers, a CNC router, a t-shirt press, a sewing machine, Oculus VR goggles, webcam with a green screen and more."

“The center will facilitate the growth and impact of community-based engaged learning,” Dr. Michael Stratton, dean of the business school, said in a press release. “With faculty mentorship, students will serve as consultants for local and regional organizations in a variety of areas, including marketing, business strategy, human resources and operations.”

Added there press release: "Talks have commenced with regional economic development authorities to create a business incubator facility at the center. It will provide new businesses an opportunity to grow in a low-cost environment with shared resources and more direct access to faculty experts. Grant-funded research will be administered at the center, as well. These opportunities give faculty additional avenues for multidisciplinary research and a chance to partner with existing university programs, such as the Minority Youth in Business (MYB)."