The Advanced Technology Development Center is now accepting entrepreneur applicants from the metro Augusta region for its ATDC @ Augusta Fall Startup Bootcamp 2017.  The Bootcamp, which runs from Sept. 26 through Nov. 16, is an intensive eightweek experience for technology entrepreneurs who want to launch their own startups. Classes will be held in downtown Augusta at theClubhou.se, 540 Telfair St. There is no cost to apply, but those who are accepted into the Bootcamp must commit to the eight-week schedule and have a technology-enabled startup or idea. (Apply to the Bootcamp here.)

Bootcamp participants will meet weekly for two-hour sessions where they will receive the foundational tools and education on startup viability and discuss a range of topics ranging from customer discovery and product development to funding and sales, said Scott Hardigree, ATDC’s startup catalyst in Augusta.

A program of the Georgia Institute of Technology, ATDC is Georgia’s technology incubator and works with entrepreneurs statewide to help them learn, launch, scale, and succeed in the creation of viable companies. ATDC’s Augusta initiative is one of several core cities across the state where the incubator offers its ATDC @ startup programming.

“Augusta has a growing community of entrepreneurial talent and we want to tap into that and help it thrive and flourish,” Hardigree said, adding there was great success with the inaugural Spring Startup Bootcamp 2017. One of the graduates from that cohort, Skyraider Aeronautics, joined the ATDC Accelerate portfolio.

"Participating in ATDC's Startup Bootcamp this past spring was a game changer for Skyraider. We were just two guys fresh from the military with an idea, but didn't know how to take our idea and form a business,” said Daniel Scheiner, Skyraider Aeronautics’ CEO. “The essential skills taught during the Bootcamp are the foundational elements that has enabled our business to thrive."

The Fall Startup Bootcamp launches Sept. 26 with ATDC General Manager Jen Bonnett presenting the kickoff session on customer discovery. Throughout the eight-week period, participants will hear from and interact with various presenters and mentors, including Peter Buckley of CSR Angels, Tony Lever of Invest Augusta, and Wes Childers of Wier / Stewart.

It will culminate with a Bootcamp Demo Day on Nov. 16 with participants pitching their startups to the Augusta community and a panel of investors.

“This is a community of innovators and tech entrepreneurs who have solutions for the market,” Hardigree said. “They have big ideas and we’re looking forward to seeing the caliber of those concepts, and through the Bootcamp, help them create some strong startups.”