About this programme
ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center) is Georgia's statewide innovation hub and startup incubator, established in 1980 and backed by Georgia Tech. It operates from six locations across the state plus a flagship hub in Tech Square, Atlanta, and describes itself as state-funded, which it says lets it give unbiased, founder-focused support without taking equity.
ATDC organizes its support into three stage-based programs, Educate, Accelerate, and Signature, plus industry-specific tracks in Defense Tech, FinTech, HealthTech, Robotics, Supply Chain Technology, and Sustainability Tech. It currently supports more than 150 active portfolio companies.
How it works
Educate is for founders at the ideation phase, helping them build skills, make connections, and validate whether entrepreneurship is the right path.
Accelerate targets growth-focused founders who already have an MVP and early customers and are working toward product-market fit. Support is organized around six pillars: coaching, capacity, capital, corporate connections, community, and curriculum. Membership costs $300 per quarter, ATDC takes zero equity, and companies stay in Accelerate (on a rolling basis, no fixed application deadline) until they show the metrics and readiness to move up; average participation runs 1 to 3 years.
Signature is for the highest-potential, already-scaling startups. Members are paired with an Entrepreneur in Residence (a veteran founder with prior exits) and join a weekly CEO Roundtable, plus get preferred investor and talent connections through ATDC's Connect Programs and tailored corporate pilot opportunities. Membership costs $500 per quarter, also with zero equity taken, on a rolling application basis with no participation time limit.
Across both Accelerate and Signature, ATDC does not provide direct funding itself; it supports fundraising preparation and investor introductions instead. It also offers affordable, subsidized office space in Tech Square, Atlanta (optional, not required), and marketplace credits from partners such as Amazon and Google.
Who can apply
For Accelerate: at least 1 full-time and 1 part-time employee, a functional MVP that is in beta or already in market, initial revenue or proven traction, a scalable business model in a sizable market, a technology-related business, and Georgia business registration.
For Signature: a seasoned founder team already in place, a fully commercial product currently in market, and either at least $1 million in annual revenue or at least $5 million in equity funding raised, plus Georgia business registration.
For both Accelerate and Signature, the company must register in Georgia with at least one founder committed to building a presence in the state; incorporation elsewhere is acceptable. In-person attendance in Atlanta is not mandatory, since many resources are available virtually.
How to apply
- Use ATDC's interactive assessment tool on its site to identify which program (Educate, Accelerate, or Signature) fits your company's stage.
- Apply on a rolling basis; there is no fixed application deadline for Accelerate or Signature.
- Expect a due-diligence step, including a founder meeting, to assess fit and readiness before acceptance.
Frequently asked
Does ATDC give startups money directly?
No. ATDC does not provide direct funding, but it supports fundraising preparation, resources, guidance, and investor introductions.
Does ATDC take equity?
No, ATDC takes zero equity in member companies across both Accelerate and Signature.
Do I have to be based in Atlanta?
No. Companies must register in Georgia with at least one founder committed to the state, but many resources are available virtually and in-person attendance is not mandatory.
What's the difference between Accelerate and Signature?
Accelerate is for companies with an MVP and early traction working toward product-market fit, at $300 per quarter. Signature is for already-scaling companies with a seasoned team and either $1 million-plus in annual revenue or $5 million-plus raised, at $500 per quarter.
How long can a company stay in the program?
There's no fixed time limit. Accelerate companies typically stay 1 to 3 years until they show readiness to progress, and Signature has no set participation limit.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.