2016-09-01
The fact that your symbol is the famous flying device from the movie "Sherekilebi" is a clear indication that you shall not be afraid of any idea, - Prime Minister of Georgia addressed the 36 winners of innovative component of "Startup Georgia" that were awarded today.
Head of the Government is glad that the idea of fostering the entrepreneurial spirit in the country has been realized and 36 businessmen were funded, whereas Startup Georgia has 20 winners.
"As I see it, the project is the most important and the most significant undertaking of my life and I am proud to see that a person can start a business based solely on the idea, without any funds and resources. I am glad to see an established and functioning ecosystem, where new, innovative ideas are realized," - Prime Minister stated.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, fostering startups is one of the most important directions of the Government's four-point reform plan. Prime Minister thanked Partnership Fund, Ministry of Economy and every person, who took part in rapid implementation of this system. Head of the Government also thanked all winners and wished success to persons who did not manage to obtain funding this time.
"I would like to encourage everyone who did not manage to obtain funding this time and tell you to never stop. The fact that the symbol of your victory is the famous flying device from the movie "Sherekilebi" is the clear indication of the fact that you shall not be afraid of any idea. Never think of whether this idea has been implemented before - as soon as you have an innovative idea, please, take the first step and it will turn out to be successful - if not the first, the tenth idea will be a breakthrough. I am convinced that this program will transform Georgia and create qualitatively new direction of economy in Georgia. Support of this program will continue. At least a decade is needed to ensure that fostering of this direction leads to a qualitatively, functionally new changes in the economic structure of the country and we are motivated to reinforce this direction," - Prime Minister noted and indicated that enlarging the budget of the project is planned in the future.
Overall, Startup Georgia has 56 winners. The next stage of the contest for funding will be announced by September 20.
Prime Minister's Press Office