2024 has been a great year for science and tech startup founders. We've had the good fortune to meet and work with a number of rising stars. Here's a quick look at the events and trainings GIST worked on to support innovation around the world and at home.

Meet the innovators! We’re here in Portland, Oregon for the start of GIST’s ASEAN Business Incubation! For the next 5 weeks these top innovators will be networking, learning, and being mentored by U.S. entrepreneurship experts. Get to know this fabulous group of science and technology innovators!

The newest GIST Business Incubation cohort has arrived and is already getting to know their new home at Portland State University for the next 5 weeks. First impressions are always important. We're happy to see these founders are really feeling the innovative energy here 😁🔋

ICYMI ;-) We're headed to Portland State University to welcome our next cohort of Science and Technology Innovators, this time from the ASEAN region! Take a peek at the talent in this group of founders. You're going to be hearing a lot more about them in the coming days/weeks!

🌍 Empowering South Caucasus Innovators to Change the World! 🌍 APPLY NOW! The South Caucasus region is bursting with potential and pioneering minds, and GIST Innovates South Caucasus is here to accelerate the next wave of innovation in this dynamic region. This 8-week program is a unique opportunity tailored for entrepreneurs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia who are ready to bring science and technology-driven solutions to life. Program Benefits: 🔹 Intensive startup training based on the Lean Startup methodology 🔹 Customer-focused discovery to refine your product and add real value 🔹 Mentorship and guidance from industry insiders who understand the challenges and strengths of this region, as well as leading U.S. and global venture development experts 🔹 Exclusive in-person events in Tbilisi, Georgia, bringing together innovators, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders 📅 Apply today and join us on this journey to build the South Caucasus as a hub for innovation. Application Deadline: 7 February, 2025 APPLY NOW!

As we celebrate today one of the greatest changemakers in American history, it is easy to find inspiration and resonance in his words. Whatever journey you find yourself on, know that it may be difficult but the innovation that can come from it is worth that struggle.

🎉 🎉 🎉 It's 2025 and we've got a lot going on! ✌️ Two current open opportunities for innovators in South Caucasus and The Balkans and 👉 ... a BIG opportunity for APEC innovators as we 🛫 to South Korea later this year. More on that coming soon!!!! For now... make sure to visit to get the scoop on our open applications!

We're excited to be returning to The Balkans with more startup training, mentoring, and chances to win venture resources! Following our 2023/2024 programs, GIST Innovates will explore the Lean Startup Methodology, Product/Market Fit, Customer Discovery, and so much more! Reserve your seat in the 2025 cohort. Apply now!

👏 👏 👏 Congrats to GIST Business Incubation alum Yaroslav Tsyhanenko whose new product Pickpad is bringing an innovative new angle to the coffee house industry.

NEW OPPORTUNITY! 🎉 GIST is returning to The Balkans! Bringing the region's top startup founders together for *10 weeks of intensive training*, mentoring, and the chance to win resources to help you succeed! Applications for this program are now being accepted. Get your place in this year's cohort. Apply now!

Last call! Register for your spot at this webinar on how to utilize AI for your startup!

In 2024 GIST provided direct venture support of over $1.3 million. These resources help startups in the critical early phases of their formation and product development. We're excited to continue this support in 2025! Keep an eye on this account for some big upcoming news about more opportunities for your startup! 🎉

27. That's how many unique economies we supported last year as part of our ongoing commitment to reach the innovators who need us the most.

Last year we worked to directly support 249 science and technology innovators through workshops, mentoring, and access to investment resources. We're proud of those number. Even prouder of what the innovators have been able to do with that support. Learn more about GIST's work:

Are you beginning to use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Bard, but you need some help to craft really good, useful prompts? This GIST Masterclass, taught by AI expert Patrick Johanns, will help you understand the current AI tools and the best techniques for using them effectively in your startup. RSVP for your place in this cutting edge event.

We're excited to bring the GIST Innovates program back to the South Caucasus region this spring. It's going to be another important training for early-stage startup founders looking to get their new company headed in the right direction. Applications are now being accepted!

It's a new year and we're starting it with exciting events! Join us for the GIST Masterclass on Generative AI on 15 January! RSVP to save your spot.

📈 Gain critical startup skills with GIST Innovates South Caucasus! 📈 This program isn’t just about business basics—it’s about mastering the Lean Startup framework to evaluate, pivot, and drive your idea forward with real customer insights. What you’ll get: ✅ Agile customer discovery training ✅ Weekly 1:1 mentorship ✅ Peer support Apply Now!

Starting to feel like nothing is working? Have a problem that just seems too difficult to solve? You might need to just take a step back and give yourself the room to think again.

Here are 65 startup business goals that asked founders to consider for 2024. Give them a look and think about how many you used without having read this list. Miss any? Here's a secret: this list works just as well for 2025 😉