Go Studio & Georgia Fintech Academy Launch Innovation Training Program for Future Fintech Leaders

The Georgia Fintech Academy has partnered with Go Studio, the innovation hub of InComm Payments, to introduce an eight-week innovation training program aimed at preparing students for careers in the dynamic financial technology (Fintech) industry. Held during the Fall 2024 semester, this program focuses on teaching students essential problem-solving frameworks and collaborative skills that Fintech employers actively seek.

Why It Matters
Innovation in Fintech is not just about spontaneous ideas—it’s about understanding challenges, researching user needs, and testing creative solutions in a structured way. This program equips students with methodologies such as problem framing and design thinking to help them develop consumer empathy and tackle real-world problems.

Billy Harbinson, Director of Innovation at Go Studio, explains:

“Many people believe innovation is a ‘light bulb moment,’ but the reality is successful innovators apply frameworks to explore challenges and find solutions. Fintech businesses need employees who can think collaboratively, and this program gives students a chance to practice those skills.”

Hands-On Learning for Career Readiness
Hosted at Go Studio’s innovation hub in InComm Payments’ downtown Atlanta headquarters, the program offers an immersive, real-world learning experience. Georgia Fintech Academy students work together to apply the innovation strategies they learn, preparing them for what they’ll encounter in professional Fintech environments after graduation.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, highlighted the program’s impact:

“Our mission is to prepare students across the University System of Georgia for Fintech careers. Programs like this, built in partnership with industry leaders like Go Studio, help students gain the critical soft skills needed to succeed as tomorrow’s innovators.”

Supporting Georgia’s Fintech Ecosystem
As one of the global hubs of Fintech, Georgia is home to over 200 Fintech companies and continues to drive growth in the payments industry. Since its launch in 2019, the Georgia Fintech Academy has been instrumental in providing diverse and inclusive opportunities for students across 23 universities in the University System of Georgia.

The collaboration with Go Studio further strengthens this mission, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving demands of Fintech employers.