Georgia Tech Daily Digest: Leadership Transitions, Patent Workshops, and Networking Opportunities (August 18, 2026)

Melkote Steps Into Interim Corporate Engagement Leadership

Georgia Tech has named Shreyes N. Melkote, the Morris M. Bryan Jr. Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, as the interim Associate Vice President of Corporate Engagement, effective September 1st. Melkote brings exceptional credentials to this role, serving as executive director of the Novelis Innovation Hub and having led the Institute’s strategic partnership with The Boeing Company since 2012. As an internationally recognized manufacturing researcher with over 300 publications and fellow status in ASME, SME, and CIRP, Melkote is well-positioned to strengthen Georgia Tech’s industry relationships during this transition. He succeeds J. Mark Nolan, whose work helped establish and grow Tech’s integrated approach to corporate engagement. A national search is underway for the permanent position. Learn more about Melkote’s appointment.

Real Estate Industry Networking Event Coming September 10th

Georgia Tech is hosting a premier Real Estate Kickoff Event on Thursday, September 10th from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Biltmore’s Imperial Ballroom in downtown Atlanta. This networking event will bring together approximately 150 students and alumni working across Atlanta’s thriving real estate sector. The formal attire event will feature food and drinks, providing an excellent opportunity for Yellow Jackets to connect with peers and mentors in the real estate industry. Whether you’re exploring a career in real estate or looking to expand your professional network, this is a must-attend event for the Georgia Tech community. Register for the Real Estate Kickoff Event.

Georgia Tech Library Offers Patent Searching Workshops

For researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs looking to leverage patent information, the Georgia Tech Library is offering a two-part Patent Searching workshop series in early September. Part I: Patent Searching Fundamentals takes place Wednesday, September 9th from 2 to 3 p.m. and covers the basics of intellectual property and patents, including demonstrations of publicly accessible patent search tools with hands-on learning activities. Part II: Advanced Patent Databases follows on Thursday, September 10th from 2 to 3 p.m., diving deeper into patent classification systems and exploration of specialized databases like Espacenet and PatSnap (exclusive to Georgia Tech). Both sessions are online and open to students, faculty, staff, postdocs, and guests. These workshops are invaluable resources for anyone seeking to understand the landscape of existing innovations and protect their own intellectual property. Register for Part I or register for Part II.

Stay Connected with Georgia Tech’s Innovation Ecosystem

From strategic corporate partnerships to intellectual property protection and career networking, Georgia Tech continues to foster an environment where research, innovation, and industry collaboration thrive. Whether you’re a current student, recent graduate, or longtime supporter of the Institute, these September events and leadership developments represent the vibrant ecosystem that makes Georgia Tech a powerhouse of academic excellence and practical impact. What aspect of Georgia Tech’s research and innovation efforts interests you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!