Target Industries

Growing Georgia’s Agriculture and Agtech Sector

Agribusiness is a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, generating $14 billion to the state’s GDP in 2025, with the Rowen Region playing a critical role in this success. The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, ranked among the top agricultural sciences programs in the U.S., drives innovation in precision agriculture as well as crop and animal production. Industry leaders like AGCO, headquartered in Duluth, develop smart farming technologies, while numerous food processing and manufacturing companies contribute to the region’s robust agricultural output. 

Rowen’s commitment to land stewardship, preservation of native species and all native planting approach fosters a natural environment for groundbreaking agricultural research while also restoring the natural ecosystem of the piedmont region and creating a more resilient community. Agriculture remains Georgia’s largest industry, with the state ranking first in the nation for both peanut and poultry production, underscoring the diversity that fuels Rowen’s own agricultural research. By combining cutting-edge research with a thriving agribusiness ecosystem, the Rowen Region sets a global standard for sustainable agriculture. 

Powering Medical and Biotech Solutions in the Rowen Region

Rowen is positioned at the center of one of the nation’s leading hubs for medical innovation, partnering with Georgia Tech and Emory University, home to nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering programs. Major healthcare systems throughout the Rowen Region like Northside Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Piedmont Healthcare provide advanced care and create opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, McKesson, one of the largest medical equipment distributors in the U.S., operates in Gwinnett County alongside numerous biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical manufacturers. In Athens, you will find Janssen, Ethicon, Boehringer Ingelheim, Meissner and other medical companies seeking to leverage a deep connection with the workers and researchers at the University of Georgia. 

Whether focused on research and development, product piloting and testing, or commercialization, Rowen is building an ecosystem designed to support medical innovators. With access to top-tier talent, cutting-edge resources and a thriving network of healthcare and life sciences companies, Rowen is a hub for advancing breakthroughs that will transform the industry. 

Advancing Environmental Technology and Sustainability

An ideal ecosystem for businesses, Rowen is dedicated to environmental betterment, with 2,000 acres of thoughtfully stewarded land and 100% native plantings supporting its green energy and sustainability goals. As a hub for innovation, Rowen advances Georgia’s leadership in environmental sciences and clean energy, serving as an example on critical climate and social challenges through green architecture and engineering, ecological resilience, energy solutions and sustainable economic practices. This commitment creates opportunities for collaboration and innovation across industries aiming to build a more sustainable future. 

The Rowen Region is advancing e-mobility and smart cities infrastructure through strategic partnerships and innovative projects. Collaborating with Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a 5G-enabled living lab, Rowen fosters the development of cutting-edge e-mobility solutions in a smart city environment. Rowen also recently signed a living lab agreement with the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia, creating opportunities for research and collaboration. Three projects already underway include: 

• A collaborative academic program with UGA, Georgia Gwinnett College and Gwinnett Technical College to support electric mobility, energy and infrastructure industries. 
• A research initiative with UGA’s Odum School of Ecology, Georgia Gwinnett College and Spelman College to study the site’s forest streams, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems feeding into the Apalachee River. 
• A climate resilience initiative with UGA and Weatherstem, led by Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd of UGA’s Atmospheric Sciences and Geography department, studying urban heat islands and stormwater runoff across the region. 

The knowledge community also benefits from a thriving network of major energy companies in the U.S., including: 

• Solar providers 
• Smart grid developers 
• Battery manufacturers 
• Biomass suppliers 

Together, Rowen and its partners create an ecosystem where environmental innovation flourishes, enabling national and international companies to pioneer transformative solutions to global challenges. 

Building Advanced Manufacturing and Enabling Technologies

The Rowen Region boasts a dynamic business environment anchored by Georgia’s major industries such as advanced manufacturing, health sciences and services, supply chain management, IT, professional services and corporate headquarters. Many businesses in these sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, bring decades of expertise in precision mechanics, robotics, medtech and other technical operations, providing invaluable pathways to commercializing research and ideas developed at Rowen. 

The broader 11-county Rowen Region is a hub for clean tech and life sciences, with extensive experience in these transformative industries. This robust network of companies and professionals creates a thriving ecosystem for collaboration, enabling businesses and research initiatives to flourish and drive meaningful advancements across sectors.