On February 3, 2010, The Consulate General of France in Atlanta and the Georgia Institute of Technology officially presented to the Atlanta community and potential sponsors a project centered on innovation and designed to foster partnerships between France and the Southeast.

The joint project, called “France-Atlanta: Together Towards Innovation” and projected to take place at the end of 2010, will include a specific focus on advances in scientific research as well as transatlantic business opportunities. Also planned are a variety of cultural performances, exhibitions and a humanitarian focus. November 29 – December 12, 2010 will be converted into all things Franco-Georgian, including a series of workshops on diverse topics such as “Rethinking Ground transportation” or “One World, One Health: Dealing With Pandemics”, as well as the modern exhibit “Futurotextiles”, merging science, technology and art with all sorts of textiles.

Presented under the high auspices of the French Ambassador to the United States, Pierre Vimont, the Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue and the Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed, this project already benefits from the support of both French and American authorities. Indeed, both France and Georgia share a common strong commitment to innovation.

The project follows the announcement by French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, that his country, in an effort to counter the effects of the global crisis, is launching a series of wide-scale investment projects. The total investment planned is $49 billion, with $27 billion earmarked for higher education and research.