News & Research
Introducing Studio B.
Following Georgia Tech's announcement of the new Biltmore Innovation Center initiative, Tech Square is set to welcome another exciting addition to its ecosystem. TSQ ATL is thrilled to introduce "Studio B.," a short-term office and coworking space located on the top floor of the historic Biltmore in the heart of Tech Square.
Prioritizing Play Over Profits: How Fan-Made Worlds Are Resisting Corporate Control
What happens when fans build better stories than the studios that own them? From viral memes to collaborative tabletop role-playing games, emergent transmedia is rewriting who gets to shape a narrative, and why that power should stay with the people.
Why Game Developers Are Betting on Atlanta
Atlanta’s video game industry has quietly built one of the Southeast's most dynamic tech sectors. With over 200 studios operating across Georgia, many clustered in and around Atlanta, the region is gaining national attention as a serious destination for game developers.
Understanding the Eliza Effect and Building AI Literacy
Chengzhi Zhang, a PhD student at Georgia Tech, is leading efforts to improve AI literacy by exploring the dangers of overestimating generative AI's capabilities, a phenomenon known as the ‘Eliza Effect.’ Her work and recent paper aim to equip users with the knowledge to use AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly and effectively.
Data Driven Enrichment for Georgia Aquarium’s Sea Otters
Charles Ramey, a TSRB Georgia Tech researcher, collaborates with the Georgia Aquarium to develop instrumented enrichment tools for sea otters. His research uses innovative, data-driven methods to improve animal welfare by tailoring enrichment to the specific needs of species, with a focus on cognitive engagement and behavioral well-being.
Parkent: The Smart Lock Startup Charging Atlanta’s E-Bike Revolution
Thad Oviatt, Founder and CEO of Parkent, in Atlanta, Georgia, created a smart bike locking company after witnessing a friend fall victim to bike thieves twice in the same week. One of the thieves even left a mocking “thanks” note in his wake. That pivotal instance sparked a lifelong mission for Oviatt to fix bike theft.
ATDC's Feedback Friday: A Strategic Asset for Atlanta’s Startup Ecosystem
ATDC’s Feedback Friday is an invaluable resource for tech founders, offering actionable insights from top mentors, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs. Held every Friday at ATDC’s headquarters in Tech Square, this event is a cornerstone of Atlanta’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
Why Some UX Designers Aren’t Using AI — and Why That Matters
Artificial intelligence is a prevalent topic in current design conversations. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Figma plugins promise to streamline workflows and unlock creativity. However, for some UX designers, those promises fall flat or create new problems. Georgia Tech researcher Inha Cha wants to know why.
Turning Down the Noise: CalmWave and Catalyst by Wellstar Aim to Cure ICU Alarm Fatigue
CalmWave is tackling one of healthcare’s most overlooked problems: alarm fatigue. By using AI to unify and analyze ICU monitor data, the Seattle-based startup helps hospitals reduce unnecessary noise, improve patient rest, and support clinical decision-making. Backed by Catalyst by Wellstar in Tech Square, Calmwave is bringing its “Quiet ICU” vision to life.
The Buttons That Talk Back
TSRB researcher Allie Teixeira Riggs is using buttons as a medium to explore how marginalized communities, particularly queer individuals, create and share their histories. Their latest project blends queer theory, HCI, and tangible design, inviting participants to craft buttons with embedded NFC tags that store personal audio recordings, offering a private yet public way to archive and express queer identities.
Exploring Interactive Tech for Affordable and Inclusive Music Education
At Georgia Tech’s Institute for People and Technology (IPaT), researchers Moeiini Reilly and Nicole Brancato are reimagining the future of music education. Their goal is to make music education more affordable and equitable by using low-cost interactive technology.
Research Showcases Unmanned, Solar-Powered UAVs
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have the potential to benefit a variety of industries, from agriculture to military operations. However, their reliance on batteries makes flights shorter and more expensive, while also being detrimental to the planet. Research from Georgia Tech's Schools of Interactive Computing and Computer Science highlights how solar power can make UAVS more sustainable and widespread.
A New Route to Electrification: How Metzev Is Centralizing EV Battery Recycling
Metzev’s software, Amptrail, provides EV recyclers and OEMS with information on delivery schedules, live maps of shipment locations, and a central place to manage and communicate directly with suppliers. Metzev streamlines the process of recovering, processing, and tracing batteries, providing a crucial tool to the EV industry.
Between Borders and Classes
Shamim Shoomali is a PhD student in Georgia Tech’s Digital Media program. She works out of the TSRB building in Tech Square, blending art, design, and technology—and lately, documenting everyday campus life through her illustrated book, Between Classes. Her path to this interdisciplinary calling began thousands of miles away in Iran.
CREATE-X’s Big Move to the Biltmore
The next chapter in Georgia Tech’s entrepreneurship journey is taking shape at the iconic Biltmore. CREATE-X, the Institute’s flagship entrepreneurship and venture-building program, has officially established its headquarters in the heart of Midtown’s innovation corridor.