The Georgia National Innovation Ecosystem (GENIE) Project, launched in 2016 with support from the World Bank, has significantly advanced innovation, digital inclusion, and job creation across Georgia. By the time it concluded in 2023, the project had reached 52,000 beneficiaries—half of them women—financed 138 start-ups, and created more than 2,100 jobs, 50% of which were held by women. GENIE also helped attract over US$105 million in private investment and generated nearly US$39 million in revenue from beneficiary-led firms, far surpassing its original goals.
Despite Georgia’s steady economic growth and strong reforms, the country long faced challenges in innovation and competitiveness. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which represent 94% of all businesses, contributed less than 20% of GDP due to low productivity, limited financing, and low survival rates. Rural areas suffered from weak broadband access and digital skill gaps, while women continued to face barriers to participation. The GENIE Project was designed to tackle these obstacles head-on, positioning innovation and digital inclusion as key drivers of sustainable, inclusive growth.
The World Bank’s approach combined financing, digital skills training, and institutional support to foster an environment where entrepreneurs could thrive. GENIE established regional innovation centers, expanded broadband access in rural regions, and introduced targeted grant programs for start-ups, SMEs, and applied research initiatives. A strong partnership with the European Union through the Georgia Institutional Capacity for Innovation (GICI) program further strengthened institutional capacity and policy frameworks to sustain innovation-led growth.
Between 2016 and 2023, GENIE achieved transformative results. More than 3,100 people were trained in digital skills—half of them women and nearly half youth—with 1,408 participants earning international ICT certifications. The project also connected 1,380 rural households to broadband, financed 138 start-ups, and mobilized private capital amounting to 15 times its original target. By catalyzing entrepreneurship and promoting inclusion, GENIE created over 2,000 new jobs and strengthened Georgia’s private sector competitiveness.
“It is very important that women are not only to be involved in technology, but also become leaders in this field, and that the future is defined by women and not only men,” said Ana Robakidze, founder and CEO of Theneo, one of the start-ups supported under the project.
A key takeaway from GENIE’s success is the power of combining financial assistance with non-financial support such as mentoring, acceleration programs, and training. These elements helped start-ups scale effectively and attract sustained investment. The project also demonstrated the importance of intentional inclusivity—by expanding outreach beyond Tbilisi and setting gender participation goals, it ensured equal access for women and rural populations.
Building on GENIE’s success, the World Bank continues to support Georgia’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through the “Relief and Recovery for MSMEs” Project and the “Georgia SMEs and Innovation Ecosystem Support” ASA. These initiatives aim to expand financing for start-ups and SMEs, strengthen R&D capacity, and integrate advanced digital solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI). The Bank is also assisting with the development of Georgia’s National AI Strategy and promoting AI literacy, rural broadband access, and digital inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Through these ongoing efforts, the World Bank and Georgia are ensuring that innovation, digital transformation, and women’s empowerment remain at the heart of the country’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
