Georgia Cyber Center

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Architect's rendering of the main entrance to the Georgia Cyber Center.

The Georgia Technology Authority is responsible for partner coordination at the Georgia Cyber Center (gacybercenter.org), a state-owned facility designed to promote modernization in cybersecurity technology for both the private and public sectors through unique education, training, research, and practical applications.

Comprised of two buildings with a total of 332,000 square feet and budgeted at more than $100 million, the center is the single largest investment in a cybersecurity facility by a state government to date. It is located on the Nathan Deal Campus for Innovation in the growing cybersecurity corridor of Augusta, Georgia, which is home to the U. S. Army Cyber Command and the Cyber School of Excellence at Fort Gordon.

The first of the two buildings, the Hull McKnight Building, opened July 10, 2018. It is named in honor of James M. Hull and William D. McKnight, prominent business and community leaders in Augusta. The second building, the Shaffer MacCartney Building, opened January 10, 2019. It is named in honor of Michael Shaffer, Augusta University's executive vice president of strategic partnerships and economic development, and Teresa MacCartney, former director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. Both played central roles in establishing the Cyber Center. GTA oversaw construction of both buildings.

The center is addressing the growing demand for highly trained cybersecurity professionals by connecting academic programs with innovative start-ups and established technology companies. The center also serves as an incubator/accelerator for start-up cybersecurity companies and focuses on research and development by tapping into the assets of Georgia's research institutions. It houses Augusta University's School of Computer and Cyber Sciences and Cyber Institute.