Graduates at Georgia Tech received more than the usual words of encouragement at this year’s commencement ceremony. In a powerful and unexpected move, the commencement speaker pledged to remove one of the first financial barriers many young founders face. In a moment that quickly captured attention, the Georgia Tech Commencement Speaker Promises to Pay Startup Incorporation Fees for Graduates, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the next generation of innovators.
A Promise That Goes Beyond Money
Alumnus and entrepreneur Christopher Klaus, who delivered the commencement address, announced that he would personally cover incorporation fees for any Georgia Tech graduate who decides to start a company. According to Klaus, the gesture is about much more than finances.
“This isn’t just about paying fees,” he explained in a press release. “It’s about igniting belief. Every founder needs early encouragement, and this is our way of saying: we believe in you.” His message resonated deeply with graduates eager to turn ideas into real-world impact.
Georgia Tech’s Growing Startup Ecosystem
Klaus’s pledge aligns closely with Georgia Tech’s long-term commitment to entrepreneurship. Over the years, the university has invested heavily in building a startup-friendly environment. Through partnerships with real estate developers, Georgia Tech helped create Tech Square — a multi-phase development featuring offices, research labs, and residential spaces in the heart of Atlanta’s Midtown.
Along with a similar innovation-focused development on the opposite side of campus, these projects have strengthened ties between the university and major companies that collaborate on research and actively recruit Georgia Tech talent. This ecosystem has played a key role in boosting the school’s reputation and attracting a record number of applications this year.
A Speaker Who Practices What He Preaches
Christopher Klaus is no stranger to startup culture. He currently leads Fusen, a company he founded in 2022 that supports student entrepreneurs by connecting them with mentors and funding opportunities. He is also a co-founder of CREATE-X, Georgia Tech’s flagship entrepreneurship program launched in 2014, which has already helped more than 500 student-led startups get off the ground.
In recognition of his contributions, Georgia Tech awarded Klaus an honorary Ph.D. during the commencement ceremony — a moment that underscored his lasting impact on the institution.
University Leadership Applauds the Initiative
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera praised Klaus’s influence and generosity, noting that his actions reflect the core values of the university. He emphasized that Klaus represents the innovation-driven spirit that has defined Georgia Tech for more than a century.
Through his work, his message to graduates, and his commitment to supporting their ambitions, Klaus continues to inspire students to lead with creativity and purpose.
Atlanta’s Bigger Tech Ambitions
The announcement also comes at a time when Atlanta is pushing to strengthen its position as a national tech hub. Mayor Andre Dickens has publicly stated his goal of making Atlanta one of the top five tech cities in the United States. According to a recent report, achieving that vision would require launching roughly 2,000 new tech startups annually by 2027.
With initiatives like this — where the Georgia Tech Commencement Speaker Promises to Pay Startup Incorporation Fees for Graduates — the city and the university are taking meaningful steps toward turning that ambitious goal into reality.
