Hoya Celebration of Innovation and Community

The Celebration of Gap Fund Impact and the Launch of Georgetown Technology Ventures

Georgetown University’s Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) celebrated a milestone event on November 20th, 2024, marking the success of the Gap Fund and the launch of Georgetown Technology Ventures (GTV). The reception, co-hosted by the Georgetown Office of Advancement, brought together faculty innovators, entrepreneurs, alumni, students, ecosystem leaders, and investors in a vibrant showcase of Georgetown’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The evening was highlighted by inspiring speeches from:

• John F. Crowley, JD, President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
• Dr. Norman Beauchamp Jr., M.D., MHS, Executive VP for Health Sciences at Georgetown University and Executive Dean of the School of Medicine
• Tatiana Litvin-Vechnyak, PhD, Vice President of Georgetown Office of Technology Commercialization

Gap Fund Impact

The Georgetown University Gap Fund has been instrumental in investing in promising innovative projects with significant societal benefits. This initiative enhances Georgetown’s capacity to drive impactful change across various disciplines, including life sciences, computer sciences, and physical sciences. The fund supports projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications, addressing important scientific challenges and paving the way for significant advancements.

Georgetown Technology Ventures (GTV)

The launch of Georgetown Tech Ventures (GTV) marks a significant step in Georgetown University’s dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. Funded by the Economic Development Administration’s B2S program, GTV aims to implement a research translation program that empowers technology-based startups in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.

GTV focuses on engaging local innovators and entrepreneurs while building connections with industry partners, investors, incubators, and accelerators. This collaborative approach facilitates the pathway for emerging technologies to thrive.The initiative offers essential support for startups, including training programs that emphasize customer discovery and personalized mentorship for founders. Additionally, GTV provides comprehensive services to foster an entrepreneurial culture within the university, positioning Georgetown as a leader in regional technological advancement.

Both the Gap Fund and GTV align with OTC’s mission to advance Georgetown’s innovations through strategic alliances and new venture creation, facilitating the translation of research breakthroughs into tangible solutions for the benefit of society.

The success of this event was made possible through the generous support of Andrew Ray, Partner & Washington DC Corporate Practice Group Leader at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, along with other Hoya Alumni at the firm.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mark Antonucci and the Office of Advancement and the entire Hoya Alumni community for their unwavering support in advancing Georgetown’s technological and entrepreneurial initiatives. Their willingness to contribute to efforts that bring societal benefits is truly commendable.

Looking ahead, we encourage the Georgetown community to stay tuned for the upcoming round of Gap Fund awards, as we continue to support and celebrate the innovative spirit that defines Georgetown University.