GEAR (GTU Entrepreneurs Alumni Reunion) was established in 2016 as part of the Tempus EANET project to develop an organizational structure including an HR incubator, business incubator, and innovation center. The main aim of GEAR's structural units is to ensure sustainability of activities after the project ends. Currently GEAR has over 100 alumni members and 7 large partner organizations. Together they have provided 20 events with more planned like a new "Startup Academy" program. GEAR is selecting staff for its organizational units and each unit has separate action plans in line with GEAR's strategy. The EANET project provided important experience for setting up GEAR's structure and offerings to customers, fundraising, promoting start

1. GEAR key to success
GTU Entrepreneurs Alumni Reunion (GEAR) was established on 06.01.2016 (Decree
№18881) within TEMPUS program Tempus EANET project and was developed its
constitution and organizational structure including HR incubator, business incubator and
innovation center, strategic communications and development cebnter (mentoring center),
Event Management Center and sustainable development division.
The main aim of these structural units is to ensure the sustainability of the activities provided
by the GEAR after the project ends as well.
At the moment up to 100 alumni and 7 large advanced organizations are the members of the
GEAR. Together with its members and partner organizations, GEAR has provided up to 20
various events and such activities are set to continue as well. New program “Sturt Up
Academy” is being developed. The program will encourage the establishment of the center
for the development of Start-ups.
Now we are in the process of selection of appropriate staff for GEAR organizational structure
units. Herewith any centers and sub-structures of GEAR have separate action plans which
are in line with GEAR general strategy and related to each other as well.
We have not had experience of that kind before and such complex vision obtained from
EANET activities is of great importance for the universities. At the moment GEAR is
included in GTU structure and has its obligations and responsibilities defined by specific
administrative regulations in line with quality assurance issues. GEAR is provided with
appropriate office and relevant facilities as well.
It’s should be noted that EANET project provided important experience and knowledge
regarding the issues such as set up of organizational structure, provision of relevant offerings
and attractive suggestions to potential customers, fundraising, maintain sustainable
development of the organization, promoting start-ups, networking, encouraging alumni
involvement in university activities, etc.

2. Therefore we’d like to share our experience obtained from the EANET project, especially
related to the specific character of GEAR HR incubator activities and we’ll provide relevant
presentation about GEAR promising project - HR Incubator at Tbilisi Highlight Event to be
conducted at ISU in May and share best practices with the partners then.