SUSTAIN-X supports participants interested in and passionate about creating start ups with environmental and social impact.
(Formerly Sustainable-X) The program is hosted by Georgia Tech but serves the state of Georgia and is open to Students, Staff, Faculty, Alum and Community members. Sustain-X is a partnership between the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business and CREATE-X, and is a Sustainability Next Institute Strategic Plan project.
94%
Students on campus know the definition of sustainable development
73%
Academic departments have at least one researcher/faculty doing full-time sustainability research
>20%
GT Researchers and Faculty directly engaged in sustainability research (750+ researchers and faculty)
25+
Sustainability-related patents in the last few years (conservative estimate)
Upcoming events
SUSTAIN-X Hangout
Our hangouts are a time to learn a little more about creating a sustainability related startup and meeting with our leadership team. If you are interested in partnering with the program to put on a speaker session, please reach out to the program manager Kjersti (klukens3@gatech.edu)
That’s all for this year! join us in the Fall for our next hangout sessions!
Join Us at New York Climate Week!
Super South: The Next Stage of Clean Tech Innovation | Rivian Space
Join Super South, Georgia Institute of Technology, Tech Square Ventures, Engage, Drawdown Georgia Business Compact, Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber (MAC), Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub and Georgia Climate Project on September 23 for a showcase of sustainable technologies and solutions at the flagship Rivian showroom in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District during New York City Climate Week 2025.
The event will highlight the surge of sustainable innovation and capital investment opportunity emerging across Southeast — the Super South — and bring together early-stage clean tech companies, established enterprises pioneering sustainable innovation and global visionaries driving transformative and resilient solutions.
Upcoming Event! Pathways: An Engine Workshop Venture
SUSTAIN-X is sponsoring a one-day workshop for “deep tech” GT founders and prospective founders, taught by partners from MIT’s The Engine. The workshop explores the commercial potential of transformative, or “Tough Tech” technologies, with the intent to leave the day with a basic framework to assess whether and when to translate out research from academia. The event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and take the first steps toward turning transformative ideas into real-world solutions.
This workshop is open to principal investigators, postdocs, PhD students and MBA’s across the academic ecosystem.
SUSTAIN-X Scale Lab Fellows Program
Join our next cohort of founders ready to scale their impact. This program is designed for early-stage environmental and social startups looking to sharpen their business models, accelerate operational goals, and strengthen their leadership. Through a mix of hands-on tools and peer support, founders will build the hard skills needed to grow, while also cultivating personal resilience for the entrepreneurial journey. Participants will leave with four skill-based canvases to advance their business model, along with a Founder’s Diary to capture reflections on leadership growth and development. Read about past cohorts here.
Applications for the SUSTAIN-X Scale Lab will open in the fall, come back for more details!
FAQ
Who can participate in the SUSTAIN-X?
All are welcome! Undergraduate, Graduate, Staff, Faculty, Community Members can participate. We are creating connections with other colleges across the state of Georgia.
Our formal programming includes monthly hangout sessions, a scale lab for early stage startups, and funding for ideas. You can reach out to Kjersti Lukens (klukens3@gatech.edu)
How do I find people to form a team for a sustainability-related venture?
We will host hangout sessions throughout the semester and will have opportunities for participants to connect to other potential teammates. Check out our website and opt into our newsletter (LINK) to stay in the know!
What kind of resources does SUSTAIN-X offer?
SUSTAIN-X provides resources and community for those that want to create a startup with an environmental or social impact. Our resources include access to connections in the startup ecosystem across Atlanta, faculty mentorship, and small grants based on need. If you would like to learn more, please contact Kjersti Lukens (klukens3@gatech.edu)
I am an instructor for a Georgia Tech course. Are my students able to submit projects even if they are not complete prototypes?
We encourage this! Our team is happy to work with you to figure out the best path forward.
Can I submit my project to other competitions?
Yes, we strongly encourage you to get as much exposure for your work as you can.
What if I have questions that aren’t covered on this list?
Please send us questions via email to klukens3@gatech.edu
