February 2025 Newsletter | |  |
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Growing Together – PIN’s Impact and Upcoming Opportunities | |
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First-mile/Last-mile Transit
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Much of the United States has been developed for people who own cars. Homes are away from businesses and services including hospitals, grocery stores, offices, houses of worship, retail shops, and more. People who don’t have access to automobiles often have to rely on biking or walking long distances to catch a bus or train to get where they need to go.
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The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership) and its collaborators recently wrapped up a pilot project in Savannah that aimed to address this problem by creating first mile/last mile on-demand microtransit to connect underserved people and communities to fixed bus routes. An event to present the findings and discuss on-demand transit marked the end of the pilot project. Learn More | |
"Bridging the Tech Divide: How rural and mid-sized towns are building sustainable tech ecosystems with the help of PIN." | |
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Bridging the Tech Divide:
Too often, smaller communities—especially rural areas—are left behind in conversations about tech innovation. However, the rise of remote work and shifting migration trends have created new opportunities for these communities to participate in the digital economy. To make the most of this shift, smaller towns need strong innovation infrastructure, workforce development, and strategic partnerships.
The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership) is at the forefront of these efforts, working to build sustainable tech ecosystems in small and mid-sized communities across the Southeast. Through its Leaders Program, PIN helps communities develop long-term strategies to foster innovation, connect entrepreneurs with critical resources, and drive economic growth.
Read the full article Bridging the Divide.
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Exploring AI in Manufacturing: PIN Fellowship Spotlight
Reagan Cook is bridging the gap between mechanical engineering and data analytics through the PIN Fellowship in AI and Manufacturing. Supported by Georgia AIM, this program offers hands-on experiences in both research and industry. Cook, currently at Carbice, is developing machine learning models to streamline CAD design searches—enhancing efficiency in manufacturing. The fellowship provides early-career professionals with critical skills and networking opportunities.
Learn more about the PIN Fellowship
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“Working in the private sector allows you to identify and reality-check the needs of actual workplaces,” Reagan Cook | |
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Robinson Alumni at Coffee & Conversation
Great to see PIN Fellow Sesen Meles share insights with Georgia State students. Last week’s Coffee & Conversation was filled with valuable career advice and real-world insights from our Robinson alumni. An inspiring session that left us motivated and ready for new challenges! PIN Fellowship
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A Week of Smart Mobility Innovation in Peachtree Corners
Hosted by Cities Today Institute and Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, this exciting week highlighted the future of transportation, mobility, and smart city solutions. From tech workshops to hands-on AV experiences, attendees explored cutting-edge innovations, key partnerships, and even rode Georgia’s first driverless AV on public roads Read more
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MS-HCI students Saba Alemayehu and Emily Layton | |
MS-HCI Students Showcase Cutting-Edge Solutions
Debra Lam, The founding executive director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership), joined industry leaders at Interactivity@GT, co-hosted by Georgia Tech’s MS-HCI program (Master’s Program in Human-Computer Interaction) and IPaT (Institute for People and Technology), to discuss innovation and entrepreneurship. The event showcased cutting-edge student projects, including an AI-powered maternal health app developed for the Gates Foundation and collaborations with UPS, Home Depot, and Sam’s Club. The event highlighted PIN’s role in fostering inclusive innovation and industry partnerships.2025 Interactivity@GT
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Driving the Future: AI, EVs, and Tech Innovations Shaping South Metro’s Tomorrow
The region is witnessing a transformative wave of technological advancement, and industry leaders are coming together to discuss how Electric Vehicles (EVs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other innovative technologies are shaping the future of South Metro. Debra Lam, the founding executive director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership), moderated this dynamic panel, diving into how these technologies are revolutionizing transportation, energy infrastructure, and local businesses. SMDO
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Inclusive Innovation Resources | |
Next Generation PINnovators
The Partnership is seeking recent college graduates for the Fellowship. These initiatives provide hands-on experience in addressing real-world challenges while expanding professional networks.
2025 Community Research Grant: Request for Proposals Now Open
The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation’s (Partnership) Community Research Grant Program is now accepting proposals for projects that harness AI to address real-world community challenges. Researchers and local governments are encouraged to team up and apply for funding to support innovative, impact-driven pilot projects.
The application window is open until May 15, 2025.
Learn More
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Copyright ©2024 The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation. All rights reserved. Launched in 2020, the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation is a public-private organization charged with leading coordinated, regional efforts to position Georgia as the leader for innovation, opportunity and shared economic prosperity. The Partnership's focus pillars of community research, workforce development, student engagement and economic opportunity are a powerful combination that provides technical and financial support to open innovation through collaboration across Georgia, and now the broader Southeast. Since 2020, the Partnership's work has deployed $5M+ in capital and resources throughout the state and catalyzed 130+ projects with local governments, universities, startups and nonprofits. The projects have created new businesses, increased access to financial and social capital and deployed more than 200 technologies. More information is available at pingeorgia.org. | | | | |
