ATLANTA, Ga. (Associated Press) – Georgia Tech’s commencement speaker, alumnus Christopher Klaus, delivered more than inspiring words to graduates on Friday. He pledged to cover the incorporation costs for any graduate launching a startup, amounting to around $100 in Georgia. “This is about more than just covering fees — it’s about lighting a spark,” Klaus said in a press release. “Every founder needs someone to believe in them early. Through this gift, we’re offering that belief and giving graduates the chance to start building with purpose and confidence.”
Georgia Tech has been fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem for years, partnering with real estate developers to build Tech Square, a complex of offices, labs, and residences in Atlanta’s Midtown district. This development, along with another on the other side of campus, has strengthened the university’s ties with companies that partner for research and hire its graduates. The school attracted record applications this year, reflecting its growing reputation.
Klaus, who currently leads Fusen, a startup he founded in 2022 to connect students with mentors and funding, also co-founded the school’s entrepreneurship program CREATE-X in 2014. This program has helped launch over 500 student startups. During the ceremony, Klaus received an honorary Ph.D., recognizing his contributions to entrepreneurship and education.
“We invited Chris Klaus to speak at Commencement because he embodies the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Georgia Tech for 140 years,” President Ángel Cabrera said in a statement. “Through his groundbreaking work, his message, and now his generous gift to this semester’s graduates, Chris continues to inspire a new generation to lead with imagination and creativity.”
Klaus’s initiative aligns with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ vision to make Atlanta one of the top five tech hubs in the country. A report released last year suggested that achieving this goal would require launching 2,000 tech startups annually in the city by 2027. By supporting new graduates in their entrepreneurial endeavors, Klaus is contributing to this objective and reinforcing Georgia Tech’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
