Innovation Center
Launch boldly. Grow strategically
Coming Fall 2025
Launch CSU is an entrepreneurship accelerator from Clayton State University that helps
students, community founders, and operating small businesses move from idea to prototype—and from prototype to growth.
Launch CSU will roll out gradually this fall, starting with Innovation Week. Join
us for exciting events, meet fellow innovators, and sign up for our interest list to be among the first to know when applications open!
About the Program
The Innovation Center was created to foster creativity and business development—a place where students, entrepreneurs, and community partners work together to solve challenges and strengthen the South Metro Atlanta economy.
Launch CSU builds on this mission through a two-year initiative designed to engage 100 entrepreneurs. The program helps participants take actionable steps toward business success through:
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Interactive workshops
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One-on-one mentorship
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Hands-on consulting support from student teams
Participants gain the knowledge and connections to transform ideas into sustainable businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and boost the local economy.
Three Tracks of Support
Launch CSU offers a customizable pathway through three focused tracks:
1. Ideation
For individuals with a business idea but not yet launched.
Goal: Develop, refine, and test your concept while laying a solid foundation for your business.
2. Scaling
For early-stage and established businesses ready to grow.
Strengthen operations, explore growth strategies, and prepare for funding or procurement
opportunities.
3. Consulting Services
Hands-on support from CSU student teams to assist with market research, marketing materials, financial planning, and operational strategy.
Why Launch CSU Matters
By connecting participants to university resources, local business leaders, and professional networks, Launch CSU strengthens the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program directly contributes to:
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Job creation
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Economic development
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Sustainable, long-term business growth
Get Involved
Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or small business owner, Launch CSU is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Join our interest list today to be among the first to access program updates, events, and application details.
Join the Interest List
Innovation Week
Thank You for Celebrating Innovation Week with Us!
We are grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Innovation Week and the one-year anniversary of the Innovation Center’s opening. We’re incredibly proud of the milestones we’ve achieved, the partnerships we’ve
built, and the positive impact we've made on our students and community members. We
look forward to continuing our mission of service excellence, collaboration, and business innovation in the years to come.
October 22nd – 25th, 2024
Clayton State University College of Business is excited to present Innovation Week—four dynamic days filled with thought-provoking speakers, interactive workshops, and transformative opportunities to connect with forward-thinking leaders.
Jim Wood Speaker Series featuring Jay Bailey
October 22, 2024
We kicked off Innovation Week with an inspiring keynote from visionary entrepreneur and community leader Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the H.J. Russell Center for Innovation. Jay headlined the event and shared powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and driving meaningful change in today’s evolving business landscape. We sincerely thank Jay Bailey for joining us and inspiring our campus and community with his powerful message and vision for the future of entrepreneurship.
Trending to Triumph: Leveraging Social Media for Success
October 23, 2024
Participants learned how to maximize their brand’s impact online with valuable insights from social media influencer and personality Justin Brown, known as @therealfoodstalker across all platforms. With nearly one million followers, Justin shared how he leveraged the knowledge gained at Clayton State University to build a successful personal brand and thriving business.
Thank you, Justin, for leading an engaging and interactive session that highlighted proven strategies for using social media as a powerful tool for personal and business success in today’s digital landscape.
S.T.E.M. Social Innovation Challenge
October 24, 2024
Students and creative thinkers from institutions across Georgia came together to present groundbreaking solutions to today’s most pressing social challenges during the S.T.E.M. Social Innovation Challenge. Teams from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Mercer University, Savannah State University, and Clayton State University showcased their innovative ideas, applying science, technology, engineering, and math to drive positive change. This exciting competition highlighted the power of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
This year’s event also featured a special keynote from Kristen Dunning, Founder and CEO of Gently Soap and Shark Tank winner, who shared her inspiring journey and insights on entrepreneurship and social impact.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the participating teams, judges, mentors, and our keynote speaker, Kristen Dunning, for making this event a true celebration of innovation and community impact.
Innova8 GA Fall Conference
October 25, 2024
We wrapped up Innovation Week with the Innova8 GA Fall Conference, a statewide gathering that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, and industry leaders from across Georgia. The conference served as a platform for some of the state's brightest minds to discuss emerging trends, strategic collaborations, and new opportunities shaping the future of business and innovation.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in dynamic conversations, expanded their networks, and gained valuable insights to help them thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business landscape.
Thank you to all of our speakers, panelists, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this year’s conference and helped foster meaningful connections and innovative ideas.
Partners & Sponsors for Fall 2024 Innovation Week
The Innovation Center is a creative and innovative space for Clayton State students and the surrounding communities.
At the Innovation Center, we are dedicated to driving initiatives, hosting workshops, and organizing events that align with the College of Business's mission and vision. Our aim is to expose students and the broader community to cutting-edge ideas in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and more.
Our commitment extends beyond the physical space of the Innovation Center. We are focused on initiatives that not only reinforce the pillars of business education but also contribute to the growth and well-being of the local community.
By forming strategic partnerships with local businesses, we aim to leverage innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen the region's economic foundation. These collaborations offer students real-world experiences, internships, and projects, allowing them to apply their skills in dynamic, practical environments.
Our vision is to cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration that reaches beyond our campus, fostering a strong connection between Clayton State University, our students, and the businesses that fuel our community’s success.
Our Centers
CSISE - Educating, inspiring, and supporting social innovators and entrepreneurial leaders to respond to the social, economic, environmental, and governance challenges facing our local and global community.
CREST - Collaborating with local governments to conduct research on economic and development matters. Through this research, the goal is to achieve economic growth in the South Atlanta Metro Area and beyond.
CSCM - Providing individuals and organizations with knowledge and skills to drive superior business results through the understanding and application of supply chain management concepts, processes, and industry methodologies.
CWIL - Fostering meaningful partnerships between women in Higher Education and other industries. While committing to inspire women to be authentic leaders who positively impact their organizations.
The centers within the College of Business at Clayton State University are actively involved in and committed to the growth and development of the community. Our centers are: The Center for Supply Chain Management (CSCM), The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CSISE), The Center for Research on Economic Sustainability and Trends (CREST), as well as The Center for Women in Leadership (CWIL). The centers organize meaningful seminars, expert panels, competitions, and experiential learning opportunities for students and surrounding community members. The Innovation Center will provide a dedicated space that allow such events to come to life! As well serve as a creative and entrepreneurial space for all Clayton State students.
Innovation Center Happenings
What have we been up to? Since its soft opening in Fall of 2022, the Innovation Center has hosted over 45 events bringing over 800 guests into the space.
Our Signature Events over the last year were:
- Center for Women in Leadership Conference:
- Communications Seminar + Workshop
- Financial Literacy Workshop
- Women on Wednesday's Speaker Series
- Clayton County Legislative Delegation Town Hall
- College of Business Programs Fair - High School Visit
- College of STEM Symposium
- Jim Wood Speaker Series
- Dean's Distinguished Speaker Series
- Clayton County Legislative Delegation Town Hall
- COB Alumni Employer Recruiting Event
- Social Innovation Challenge
Showcase of the Innovation Center
Thank you for engaging with us! I hope we can collaborate or partner in some way! If you have questions about our upcoming events or would like to work with us, please reach out to the Innovation Center Manager.
Email: JalenTeal@clayton.edu
Phone: (678) 466-4517