THE Crossroads – Digital Technologies for Business Development 

THE Crossroads is a platform for startups and investors that aims to connect, support, and foster the exchange of experience and knowledge among individuals from various industries while also creating innovative businesses and job opportunities. 

In recent years, both in Georgia and globally, the introduction and development of technologies in response to startups and innovations has reached a new level. Artificial intelligence has emerged as the fastest and most relevant solution in this process. 

THE Crossroads is actively involved in leveraging and implementing artificial intelligence. The company believes that modern businesses cannot thrive without the development of digital technologies, and they see state support as a crucial factor in advancing these technologies, including AI. 

Nikoloz Kobakhidze, the founder of THE Crossroads, discusses the role of artificial intelligence in Georgia’s private sector and its contribution to achieving sustainable development goals. 

What was the goal of creating THE Crossroads company and how do you see its role in terms of developing the Georgian startup ecosystem? 

THE Crossroads is a global initiative launched in Georgia in 2021, aimed at fostering the development of the startup ecosystem, innovation, and the implementation of new technologies. The platform is built on three main pillars: publicity, education, and foreign direct investment.   

Imagine you have an innovative business idea or startup, a team in place, and you’re looking for ways to grow. THE Crossroads is the place where you can find the right partners, financial resources, and expertise. The platform’s founders envision bringing startups and investors together in one space.   

In recent years, particularly during the pandemic, numerous technological innovations and startups have emerged in Georgia and around the world. Databases have been established, and businesses, services, and other sectors have been digitised. These developments have paved the way for the introduction and growth of new technologies, with artificial intelligence standing out as the fastest, most in-demand, and relevant solution today. 

Today, artificial intelligence is being used across nearly every field or industry, from medicine and education to banking, manufacturing, and beyond. As a result, various stakeholders have become actively involved, including accelerators, incubators, and investors who are interested in startups and new ideas and are willing to take risks to support them.   

We began with Georgia, but our vision extends to a broader scale. We have already established connections in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the United Arab Emirates, the Baltic States, Portugal, Israel, and other regions. 

What kind of support and innovation do THE Crossroads offer to local and international startups, and how does their connection with investors unfold? 

THE Crossroads offers businesses the opportunity to grow, providing a platform that connects ecosystems from different countries. We are not just a crossroads for cultural exchange, but also a country with immense potential to create and offer the world unique and innovative products. We aim to bridge European and Asian countries, facilitating business, sharing experiences, and finding mutually beneficial proposals for all parties. In this way, Georgia has the potential to become a hub for technology and innovation. 

We are active in several fields, including artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, robotics, IoT, renewable energy, electric transport (EV), SpaceTech, AgriTech, and more 

The Crossroads team is made up of experienced leaders of international stature, each overseeing a specific area of activity. Whether in artificial intelligence, blockchain, or other emerging technologies, our mission is to connect startups with relevant funding sources, venture investors, and international initiatives. 

Do you use artificial intelligence in your company’s operations and activities? What kind of projects are you implementing in this direction? 

Our company is actively integrating artificial intelligence across multiple domains, including projects of public significance such as information verification and analytical activities. However, we will temporarily withhold details about these projects until they are officially presented. 

What is your view on the role of artificial intelligence in the Georgian private sector, and how can it be used to achieve sustainable development goals? 

The private sector plays a crucial role in a country’s development, and modern business is inseparable from digital technology advancement. 

Equally important is the state’s role in supporting AI development. A national strategy, developed in collaboration with international and local experts, is essential. This strategy should then be translated into legislative initiatives. 

As a result, the country will foster industry growth, society will benefit from security guarantees, and businesses will operate under clear and appropriate regulations. 

What challenges exist for using artificial intelligence in Georgia, both in terms of private sector development and cooperation with investors? How can they be overcome? 

As I mentioned, the state and major businesses should take the lead in promoting artificial intelligence. 

Developing educational programs, establishing a legislative framework, supporting AI startups, securing funding, and facilitating their entry into international markets is crucial. 

Most importantly, there must be a genuine commitment to developing and adopting new technologies, backed by concrete action. Businesses should play an active role in this process, which, unfortunately, is not the case. 

The modern world is evolving rapidly, and we are falling behind, making it increasingly difficult to keep pace with international challenges. 

Major international companies and large investors are already integrating artificial intelligence into their operations, while our population remains unprepared for this shift. Bridging this gap is crucial to remaining competitive in the global arena. 

What is Georgia’s potential in the development of artificial intelligence? How can Georgia become a hub between the region and Europe to support innovative businesses and stimulate technological development in the region? 

In this regard, our country’s human resources are a key asset—particularly in the field of technology, where many of our citizens have already achieved global success. Our company helps to capitalise on this potential by providing a broad platform, connecting talent with international companies, and, most importantly, enabling start-ups to showcase their projects to major investors.   

Georgia has significant potential, both in terms of geography and intellectual capital. By fostering a business-friendly environment, the country can become an attractive destination for technology companies, encouraging them to stay longer. This, in turn, will stimulate investment, create jobs, and contribute to overall economic growth.