The official opening ceremony of Georgia’s Innovation Hub – BRID.GE has taken place in San Francisco, California.

Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, addressed the assembled guests at the event.

Botchorishvili spoke about the significance of establishing a Georgian innovation hub in San Francisco, a city that stands as a global symbol of ingenuity and creative endeavour.

“We are building a new bridge that will connect ideas with opportunity, and make Georgia a place where dreams are not confined by geography. This bridge, which opens officially today, must become a powerful instrument for bringing together not only our countries and their potential, but the people within them,” said Maka Botchorishvili.

The Foreign Minister also noted that Georgia has emerged as a symbol of economic growth, resilience and new possibility within the region despite facing no shortage of challenges.

“Today, Georgia is regarded as one of the most favourable countries in which to start a business, with streamlined regulations and digitally advanced public services. This creates real opportunities for both local and international investors,” she added.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Saeed Amidi, founder and Chief Executive of the global start-up accelerator Plug and Play.

Also addressing the ceremony were Georgia’s Consul General in San Francisco, Levan Kulijanishvili; the Chairman of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency, Avtandil Kasradze; and Amit Patel, co-founder and Managing Partner of Owl Ventures.

Georgian singer Nutsa Buzaladze performed the national anthems of Georgia and the United States at the ceremony. The occasion was further enriched by a selection of Georgian polyphonic singing, performed by the Georgian children’s folk ensemble Chakrulo.

According to Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BRID.GE marks Georgia’s first innovation hub established beyond its own borders, opening new pathways for Georgian start-ups and technology companies to access international markets, forge partnerships with global players, and connect directly with international investors.