The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), with Metro Atlanta Chamber and Venture Atlanta, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the 10th Annual TAG Business Launch Competition. The annual competition aims to support the creation and growth of new companies that will strengthen and expand Georgia's strategic high-tech clusters. The contest winner and finalists will receive over $400,000 in cash and services. Additionally, the winner of TAG Business Launch will receive a coveted spot on stage at the 2015 Venture Atlanta conference.

“Each year, the Business Launch Competition showcases some of Georgia’s best and brightest technology startups,” said Tino Mantella, TAG President and CEO. “I encourage anyone who is eligible to apply. We are proud that over the past 10 years more than $5 million in cash and suite of services has been awarded to startups.”

Last year, over 100 companies applied to compete in this prestigious competition and 18 were showcased on stage at program events. 

“We are pleased to partner again with TAG and Venture Atlanta to host the 10th Annual TAG Business Launch Competition,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, Senior Vice President of Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Supporting startups and the talent coming out of our universities is a critical part of our strategy to grow the region’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. We look forward to another great year of outstanding applicants.”

This program is designed to showcase Georgia’s startup community and to help launch a local startup technology-based company.

“Venture Atlanta is pleased to partner with TAG and the Metro Atlanta Chamber on the Business Launch Competition again this year,” said Allyson Eman, Executive Director of Venture Atlanta. “All startups who are looking to grow their business, access capital and learn from experts are highly encouraged to apply! And the winner of this competition secures a spot at Venture Atlanta 2015 on October 20 and 21st.”

Applications are now being accepted online at http://www.tagonline.org/events/businesslaunch for the 10th annual competition. Companies in the information technology business are invited to apply. This includes software and hardware companies that are developing products, online services, or backend technologies, which extend the reach, flexibility and ease of the internet. In 2014, Monsieur, an artificially intelligent robotic bartender that supplies businesses with real time analytics and cost management, took home the top prize.

Preliminary applications are due on February 13, 2015. All applicants will be invited to the Investor and Judge Meet and Greet Event on February 17th.

For more information, visit http://www.tagonline.org, or contact Amanda Hendley or Lowell Pratt at 404.817.3333.