ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 Georgia Tech\u2019s commencement speaker left graduates with more than inspiring words Friday \u2014 he promised to cover incorporation costs for any graduate launching a startup.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about more than just covering fees \u2014 it\u2019s about lighting a spark,\u201d alumnus and speaker Christopher Klaus said in a press release. \u201cEvery founder needs someone to believe in them early. Through this gift, we\u2019re offering that belief and giving graduates the chance to start building with purpose and confidence.\u201d <\/p>\n
It costs around $100 to file for incorporation in Georgia.<\/p>\n
Georgia Tech has spent years trying to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem, partnering with real estate developers to build multiple phases of Tech Square, a development of offices, labs and residences that anchors part of Atlanta\u2019s booming office-filled Midtown district. That and a similar development on the other side of the campus has helped cement Tech\u2019s relationship with companies that partner with the university for research and hire Tech graduates.<\/p>\n
The school attracted record applications this year.<\/p>\n
Klaus currently leads Fusen, a startup he founded in 2022 to help students build startups by connecting them with mentors and funding. He also co-founded the school\u2019s entrepreneurship program CREATE-X in 2014, which has helped launch over 500 student startups. He received an honorary Ph.D. during the ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe invited Chris Klaus to speak at Commencement because he embodies the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Georgia Tech for 140 years,\u201d President \u00c1ngel Cabrera said in a statement. \u201cThrough his groundbreaking work, his message, and now his generous gift to this semester\u2019s graduates, Chris continues to inspire a new generation to lead with imagination and creativity.\u201d <\/p>\n