Companies associated with Georgia Tech's science and technology incubator have raised more than $1 billion in venture capital since 1999 — and in 2006 accounted for 10 of the top 25 venture deals in Georgia, including the two largest.

The incubator, the Advanced Technology Development Center, has turned out 112 science and technology companies since 1986 — including 31 that have been represented on the public markets through IPOs or acquisitions.

In May, ATDC "graduated" six early-stage firms — three Internet companies, two semiconductor firms and a developer of homeland security technology. Together these six companies raised more than $50 million while in the incubator.

"ATDC is an invaluable resource to Georgia as the leading organization for advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship," said Susan O'Dwyer, national director of venture capital research for PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Over its 26-year history, ATDC's staff has provided hundreds of entrepreneurs at early-stage companies with the right experience, business planning advice and networking resources needed to grow their companies — while contributing to Georgia's reputation for innovation."

ATDC companies accounted for one of every five venture capital deals done in Georgia over the last eight years and 15 percent of the total dollars raised in the state. In 2005, ATDC companies — including both graduates and current members — generated $1.7 billion in revenues and provided 4,326 jobs.

The incubator is an example of how universities are making an increasingly important contribution to local and state economies, said Wayne Hodges, vice provost for Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute, ATDC's parent organization.

"Through ATDC, Georgia Tech is helping build a strong community of experienced entrepreneurs," Hodges said. "The billion dollar celebration demonstrates that the strategy of supporting the development and growth of startup companies has paid off for the state."