TCSG selected for National Science Foundation grants

May 22, 2023 | The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) is proud to announce its selection as the workforce partner for three U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engine grants in Georgia. These grants represent significant milestones in advancing cutting-edge research and innovation in key sectors, and TCSG is honored to be at the forefront of these transformative initiatives.

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) logo

“These NSF Regional Innovation Engine grants underscore the Technical College System of Georgia’s commitment to driving innovation and economic growth within the state,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “As the chosen workforce partner for these transformative projects, we are excited to play a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture, healthcare, and cybersecurity. TCSG’s extensive network of colleges is uniquely positioned to deliver industry-relevant training and prepare a skilled workforce that will contribute to the success of these initiatives.”

The first grant, awarded to support the  Next Generation Agriculture project , marks a groundbreaking collaboration under the academic leadership of the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University. This joint effort aims to propel Georgia farmers towards the “Ag 4.0” revolution. By leveraging the latest advancements in technology and data analytics, the project seeks to revolutionize agricultural practices and equip farmers with the tools they need to thrive in the modern era. By leveraging its extensive network of technical colleges and industry connections, TCSG will provide targeted workforce training and support services tailored to the specific needs of farmers in the region. Through this collaboration, TCSG will contribute to the overall success of NextGA by equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the evolving landscape of agriculture.

The second grant, titled  Advancing Health Equity and Diagnostic Technologies (GA) Development,  will focus on creating an innovative ecosystem to advance health equity throughout the southeast. This project, which includes Georgia Tech, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Georgia, and the Center for Global Health Innovation, aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. TCSG’s role as the workforce partner will be instrumental in training a skilled healthcare workforce equipped to leverage these innovative technologies for the betterment of the region’s population.

The third grant, titled  Advancing Cybersecurity Technologies in the Central Savannah River Area,  solidifies Augusta Technical College’s position as the workforce partner. This initiative, being led by Augusta University, recognizes the critical need to bolster cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digitized world. Augusta Technical College will spearhead efforts to develop and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. The college’s expertise and dedication to producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals will be pivotal in fortifying the region’s defenses against cyber threats.

Through its involvement as the workforce partner, TCSG will leverage its vast resources and expertise to support these initiatives, ensuring the availability of a highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of each sector. By aligning education with industry needs, TCSG will help drive economic development, innovation, and job creation across Georgia.

To learn more about the NSF Engines Development Awards, visit their  website here.

For more information about the Technical College System of Georgia, please visit  www.TCSG.edu

Investing in America’s Biopharmaceutical Infrastructure Strengthens the Economy and Supports Union Workers

By Maria Thacker Goethe • December 20, 2025
The biopharmaceutical industry is growing America’s manufacturing and R&D capabilities to develop the next generation of treatments. A recent study from PILMA quantified the impact of the industry’s investment in American infrastructure on the economy and union workforce across 18 states from 2019-2024. The study found that across the 18 states included, the biopharmaceutical industry: Supported the American economy by investing $86.5B in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure and developing 1000+ construction projects at over 700 distinct facilities. Strengthened the American workforce by generating $2.6B in skilled union wages and providing $19M in support for union apprenticeships. The impact of the biopharmaceutical industry’s investment in American manufacturing and union jobs extends beyond direct benefits, spurring additional economic activity in the communities where workers live. This is known as the multiplier effect . On average, every $1 of new investment in a U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities generates an additional $1.59 in further economic activity (2.59x times the initial investment value). The industry’s $86.5B investment in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure has a total economic impact of $224B. Check out this resource to learn more about how biopharmaceutical investment in American infrastructure supports America’s workers and communities. For more on how biopharmaceutical companies are investing in America’s future, visit innovation.org/america-investment .

Georgia Life Sciences Joins National Coalition Urging Congressional Action on Key Innovation Policies

December 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences has joined 43 state and regional life sciences organizations in signing a national Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) letter calling on Congress to take immediate action on three bipartisan policy priorities that are essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and supporting patients nationwide. With Congress back in session and several critical programs at risk of expiring, the letter urges congressional leaders to advance the following provisions without delay: 1. Reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PPRV) Program The PPRV program has been instrumental in incentivizing the development of therapies for children with rare and life-threatening conditions. Its lapse threatens to slow or halt research that families across the country are counting on. 2. Extend the SBIR/STTR Programs The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide crucial early-stage capital for emerging biotech and medtech companies—many of them in Georgia. Without reauthorization, hundreds of innovative small businesses face uncertainty, jeopardizing new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies in the pipeline, 3. Advance PBM Transparency Reforms Greater transparency and accountability within pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices are needed to ensure that savings reach patients and employers. Reforming PBM operations is essential to strengthening access and affordability across the healthcare system. A Unified Message from the Life Sciences Community The sign-on letter reflects broad, bipartisan alignment across the national life sciences ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, patient advocates, and state associations all share a common message— these programs underpin America’s global competitiveness and are vital to patients who rely on continued scientific progress. Georgia Life Sciences has shared the letter with members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and will continue engaging with policymakers to emphasize the importance of swift action.

GLS Joins Georgia Partners in Calling for Federal PBM Reform

December 7, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences is proud to stand with patient advocates, providers, and employers across the state in urging Congress to take meaningful action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. We recently signed on to a joint letter to Georgia’s Congressional Delegation stressing the urgent need for transparency, fair practices, and policies that ensure savings flow directly to patients.
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