Georgia made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 10, 2025, led by Deputy Economy Minister Irakli Nadareishvili. This participation was part of the StartUP in Georgia initiative aimed at promoting the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem. Innovative startups such as Klipy, Elven Technologies, Widgera, Stori AI, and Baasi showcased their cutting-edge technologies, demonstrating the potential of Georgia's tech landscape. Nadareishvili also participated in a panel discussion focused on state strategies for supporting startups, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven economy through infrastructure, financing, and technical assistance. [63cfdb62]
This event marks Georgia's first participation in CES, highlighting the country's aspirations to position itself as a hub for innovation. Meetings between Georgian officials and industry leaders Kinsey Fabrizio and John Kelley resulted in plans for future cooperation, further solidifying Georgia's role in the global tech community. [63cfdb62]
In conjunction with CES, previous events such as the Startup Investment Forum in Zugdidi and the Startup Summit in Batumi have laid the groundwork for this initiative. Acting Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a significant investment of $548 million over four years to support business development in the region. Since 2018, Georgian startups have generated over $183.15 million and created approximately 4,000 high-tech jobs, showcasing the rapid growth and potential of the local tech industry. [63cfdb62]
As CES 2024 continues to highlight advancements in AI and economic developments, Georgia's participation underscores the diverse narratives emerging from the event, particularly the emphasis on innovation and investment in technology sectors. [cd9a92bf]