North Georgia’s premier entrepreneurial incubator IgniteHQ has officially signed a lease to take over the property at 57 Waddell Street, Marietta, GA 30060 for its permanent headquarters.
The warehouse facility is located in the heart of downtown Marietta steps from the historic Marietta Square.
The property will be officially leased by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on behalf of Kennesaw State University (KSU). The overall management and maintenance of the property will be the collaborative effort of KSU, Cobb County and IgniteHQ.
“We are excited to announce the location of the official new headquarters of IgniteHQ, north Georgia’s premier hub for inventive startups,” said IgniteHQ Executive Director Nancy Whatley. “This property on Waddell Street will provide collaborative space and resources for our growing community of entrepreneurs throughout the region while adding to the thriving landscape of downtown Marietta,” Whatley said.
IgniteHQ has contracted architectural firm Veenandal Cave (VCave) to design the new space. The entrepreneurial incubator is targeting late Fall for its official opening.
“Veenandal Cave is eager to put our creativity into motion to design a collaborative workspace that builds a community and inspires innovation!” said VCave Design Team Director Lauren Tenpenny. “With attention to both form and function, this unique space will provide a setting for new ventures to grow and inventions to flourish; we’re thrilled to partner with IgniteHQ on such a transformative project,” Tenpenny said.
A combination of modern day business incubator and coworking hub, IgniteHQ’s stimulating environment is tailored to meet the unique needs of inventors and problem solvers. Through physical workspace, trainings and access to mentors and advisors, the facility will provide inventive entrepreneurs with everything they need to fuel solutions and successful ventures on a global scale. IgniteHQ’s new facilities will offer members dedicated desks and offices as well as access to conference rooms and collaborative spaces such as a kitchen, gathering areas and free parking.
In partnership with Kennesaw State University and with the support of Cobb County, IgniteHQ aims to leverage its academic and business affiliations to become the entrepreneurial beacon for all north Georgia.
“As north Georgia’s premier entrepreneurial incubator, IgniteHQ affirms our vision of strengthening economic development and community in our region,” said Cobb Chamber President & CEO David Connell.
“Kennesaw State University ranked this year as the sixth most innovative school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report,” said Executive Board Member and KSU Outgoing President Daniel Papp. “In partnership with IgniteHQ, KSU will further fuel startup activity throughout Atlanta’s Northern Arc. IgniteHQ provides the resources KSU faculty, staff and students require to advance cutting edge technologies primed to change our world. I look forward to watching the great inventions and companies born from KSU in collaboration with IgniteHQ,” Papp said.
