Hosted by Gateway85 CID, the event featured top metro Atlanta startup and tech leaders and highlighted Georgia’s leadership in innovation, defense tech and collaboration with Ukraine
Gateway85 CID successfully hosted the Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event on March 20, bringing together influential leaders and experts from Georgia Tech, Flock Safety, DroneUA, U.C. Berkeley, Partnership Gwinnett, Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab and renowned international institutions.
The event underscored metro Atlanta’s critical role as a dynamic hub for tech innovation — particularly in defense technology, safety, drone integration and international collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine.
The event featured in-depth discussions on drone technologies, AI advancements and the vital role innovative businesses like top Atlanta startup, Flock Safety, play in enhancing public safety nationwide.
Distinguished speakers and guests included:
- Keith Kauffman, director of DFR strategy, Flock Safety
- Valerii Iakovenko, founder of Futurology and DroneUA
- Daniel Duncan, chief operating officer, Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Juli Golemi, director, EI² Global, Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute
- Lamar Ellis, president, Drone Education Services and AUVSI-GEORGIA
- Lee Whitcher, senior research engineer, Georgia Tech Aerospace Engineering
- Gauthier Vasseur, co-founder of SRI Deep Tech Security Accelerator
- Vladimir Gaplik, co-founder of FarmFleet
- Oleksandra Afanasieva, co-founder and CEO of BEETLESS
- Michael Obod, co-Founder & CEO of SKIFTECH
- Andrew Hickey, director of economic development, Partnership Gwinnett
- Gary S. O’Neill, senior research engineer, Georgia Tech School of Aerospace Engineering
“Events like these highlight how essential innovative companies like Flock Safety and cutting-edge research institutions are … to the continued economic growth and technological leadership of the broader metro Atlanta region,” said Emory Morsberger, executive director of Gateway85 CID. “Our CID fully supports innovation, ensuring our businesses and communities continue to prosper and have the resources they need to succeed.”
Strategic collaboration
“The strategic collaboration between U.S. and Ukrainian technology leaders underscores our mutual commitment to innovation, resilience and global safety,” said Olga Gorman, community growth director at Gateway85 CID. “International partnerships like these are critical for advancing global tech solutions that benefit businesses here in Gateway 85 and abroad.”
“A thriving Ukrainian business is a symbol of resilience and as a strategic partner to impact global markets through innovation,” added Valerii Iakovenko, founder of Futurology and DroneUA. “The event showed the real potential for collaboration between Ukrainian tech companies and U.S. partners.”
“Georgia’s innovation ecosystem, Gwinnett County’s business-friendly environment and support from Gateway85 provide a strong launch pad for Ukrainian companies — creating partnerships, local jobs and global opportunities,” he continued. “Together, we’re building the future of business, one partnership at a time.”
Participants praised the gathering as a valuable forum for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships.
Innovation and technology leadership
The Launch Pad Tech Collaboration Event demonstrated Gateway85 CID’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and technology leadership in metro Atlanta, with a focus on robust international collaborations and strategic partnerships.
Metro Atlanta, particularly the Gateway85 CID area, continues to attract global tech companies, startups and service businesses due to its rich tech talent and supportive business environment.
Companies like Flock Safety, headquartered in Atlanta, contribute to the nation’s growth in investigative intelligence, public safety and drone integration. The company recently secured $275 million in new funding, which will help fuel further innovation.
About Gateway85 CID
Gateway85 Community Improvement District is one of the largest CIDs in the state of Georgia. The public-private partnership is funded by commercial property owners in the 14-square mile area, spanning the I-85 corridor in southwest Gwinnett County.
Formed in 2006, the formerly named Gwinnett Village CID represents more than 550 owners, accounting for $1.7 billion in commercial property value. Gateway85 succeeds by partnering with Georgia DOT, the Atlanta Regional Commission, Gwinnett County, Norcross and Peachtree Corners.
These partnerships have led to over $110 million in improvements since 2006 and are on track to produce another $179 million in progress by 2030.
For more about Gateway 85 CID, visit gateway85.com.
