Tbilisi, Georgia – July 2025 - The Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) proudly hosted the GIPA Startup GTM (Go-To-Market) Strategy Hackathon, a cutting-edge competition designed to bridge academic learning with real-world entrepreneurial execution.
Held online, the event gathered hundreds of students to solve one of the most critical challenges in modern entrepreneurship: crafting actionable go-to-market strategies for high-growth startups. Participants were tasked with delivering a full-funnel marketing strategy, including target audience analysis, multi-channel acquisition planning, messaging frameworks, and a 90-day tactical launch roadmap.
“Our mission at GIPA is to prepare future leaders who don’t just learn theory, but are actively involved in creating and implementing the innovations that shape tomorrow,” said Merab Gotsiridze, serial entrepreneur and lecturer at GIPA. “This Hackathon is a perfect embodiment of that vision.”
A Judging Panel of International-Caliber Experts
One of the defining features of the event was its prestigious jury, comprising accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and startup mentors with global track records:
- Merab Gotsiridze– Serial entrepreneur and GIPA faculty member
- David Kharitonashvili– Renowned startup mentor and tech entrepreneur
- Erekle Gvelesiani– Angel investor and an honorary member of the American Chamber of Commerce
- Lasha Mirzelashvili– Tech founder and an early-stage investor
These thought leaders not only evaluated the submitted strategies but also provided invaluable feedback, contributing to the professional development of all participants. Their involvement also reflects the growing role of GIPA as a key node in Georgia’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Bridging Education with Real Market Execution
Unlike theoretical case studies, the Hackathon revolved around an actual startup challenge, giving students the opportunity to produce a strategy that could be implemented and tested on the market. The winning team received a cash prize, a guaranteed internship, and the chance to see their strategy brought to life by a real startup — providing an unparalleled opportunity for practical impact.
“This initiative gave students exposure to a real startup environment and required them to think as operators, not just analysts,” noted David Kharitonashvili, a jury member and one of the initiative’s curators. “They learned how to launch products, communicate value, and execute in high-stakes environments — all core skills for the next generation of global founders.”
Long-Term Vision for Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Hackathon marks another step in GIPA’s long-term commitment to entrepreneurial education, combining academic excellence with direct industry engagement. It also strengthens GIPA’s role as a launchpad for young business minds who aim to lead in international innovation and technology markets.
As Georgia’s startup ecosystem accelerates, initiatives like the GTM Strategy Hackathon ensure that GIPA graduates are not only prepared for the future - they’re actively building it.
