On Tuesday, April 16th, Georgia Tech Supply Chain and Logistics Institute (SCL) Managing Director Chris Gaffney joined SVP Stephanie Smith and Director Gonzalo Cordova from The Home Depot along with Emilie Schario, Founder and CEO of Turbine, and Georgia Tech Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) Supply Chain Catalyst Alex Rhodeen for a dynamic panel discussion on the state of Supply Chain, the role of AI, and where we're headed next. As part of the discussion, the panel addressed issues on globalization, geopolitical tensions, sustainability concerns, and the impact of natural disasters on supply chains. The panelists also provided examples of how AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotic process automation are being used to optimize various aspects of the supply chain, from demand forecasting to inventory management to logistics. The group stressed the role of AI and how it will be pivotal in shaping the future of supply chain management through fostering agility, sustainability, and competitive advantage. In addition to the panel, more than 20 ATDC companies participated in a showcase to present their solutions to the Georgia Tech startup ecosystem.

This event was part of ATDC's Supply Chain vertical, generously supported by The Home Depot. As a key component of this collaboration, Home Depot executives mentor program participants and offer guidance and expertise as they build, test, and bring new products and services to market. The initiative aims to drive innovation and nurture the growth of startups in the supply chain and logistics sector, leveraging the robust expertise and infrastructure available in Georgia. Given the evolving landscape of supply chain and logistics, partnerships with program participants are increasingly vital for early-stage companies, facilitating customer acquisition and business model development. The Supply Chain vertical is the sixth of its kind at ATDC, a globally recognized technology incubator, and follows other targeted programs in health, retail, and financial technologies. Through collaboration with SCL, ATDC fosters the innovation of Georgia-grown supply chain solutions.

ABOUT ATDC
The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), a program of the Georgia Institute of Technology, is the state of Georgia’s technology startup incubator. Founded in 1980 by the Georgia General Assembly which funds it each year, ATDC’s mission is to work with entrepreneurs in Georgia to help them learn, launch, scale, and succeed in the creation of viable, disruptive technology companies. Since its founding, ATDC has grown to become the longest running and one of the most successful university-affiliated incubators in the United States, with its graduate startup companies raising $3 billion in investment financing and generating more than $12 billion in revenue in the state of Georgia. ATDC brings a unique framework that combines its startup curriculum, coaching, connections, and community, as well as direct access to Georgia Tech resources, research expertise, and student talent, to help entrepreneurs learn, launch, scale, and succeed. In this effort, ATDC will offer programming, recruit and evaluate startups, and hire staff to manage the vertical. Learn more at atdc.org.