Tech Square Game Day Kicks Off in 2026
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, around 90 founders, operators, builders, students, community builders, and neighbors gathered at Tech Square Game Day. The goal? To connect with colleagues, meet new people, and have fun!
With its kick-off event in February, Tech Square Game Day is a new monthly lunch gathering for 2026 that meets in the Biltmore Innovation Center lobby. The March Tech Square Game Day further propelled the launch of this new event series, built around strengthening connections in the innovation ecosystem through playing games.
Julie Pierre, Innovation Ecosystem Relationship Manager of the Biltmore Innovation Center, coordinates Tech Square Game Day and curates a variety of easy-to-play, engaging games that aim to inspire introductions and a curiosity about what others are working on in the dynamic Tech Square innovation ecosystem.
The Game Plan?
Good news, it’s easy to learn! There are no complicated rules or heavy programming... just good food, shared activities, and the chance to meet and connect with others working in and around Tech Square. “The events are designed to bring the Tech Square community into the same space at the same time,” said Julie Pierre.
In February 2026, nearly 70 community members joined the kick-off event for a lunch featuring classic and Super Bowl-themed games. In March, attendees built on that momentum by participating in gamified icebreakers, such as sharing music interests and bucket list ideas for an opportunity to meet others over lunch. Attendees then played a few rounds of the card game Spoons. To encourage a bit of friendly competition, Spoons winners from each table then played a final playoff round, with teams cheering them on.
How Social Games Bring People TOgether
Researchers, innovators, and founders in Tech Square already work in close proximity to each other. After attending the next Tech Square Game Day, you may recognize someone new as you travel around the neighborhood and stop to say “hi!” or share a smile.
And gathering around games goes beyond the table. Attending social events where you have meaningful interactions boosts your brain power, which Dr. Angela Ashley-Caporale shared in the November Lunch & Learn at the TSQATL Clubhouse.
Tech Square Game Day’s goal is to help attendees meet new people, learn more about what others are doing, and recognize they are part of a shared innovation ecosystem. For example, to foster moving from sharing a space to gaining an awareness about what others are working on, Tech Square Game Day sets aside some time for a few attendees to briefly introduce themselves to everyone at the event and what they are working on. At the March Tech Square Game Day, several Georgia Tech employees from commercialization and information technology introduced themselves and their areas of work to attendees.
Tech Square Game Day attendees have joined from locations across Tech Square, including the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), the Tech Square Research Building, George and Scheller Towers, and various Georgia Tech offices, including information technology, Human Resources, Corporate Engagement, and Development. After the events, attendees shared that they meet new people and enjoyed the fun activity during the workday.
Inspirations for Tech Square Game Day
Tech Square Game Day is inspired by Julie Pierre’s question as an Innovation Ecosystem Relationship Manager, “How can we build community by having fun and playing games together?” We’re constantly looking for new ideas for activities and games, so let Julie Pierre (JPierre@collabRE.co) know if you have any in mind that we should bring to the table at a future event.
Looking to join the next Tech Square Game Day? Check the TSQ calendar for more info on upcoming Tech Square events or sign up to receive our weekly newsletter where we share event updates every Sunday.
