Curiosity Lab’s Next Chapter: Emily Heintz on Building a Curated Innovation Ecosystem cover art

Curiosity Lab’s Next Chapter: Emily Heintz on Building a Curated Innovation Ecosystem

Curiosity Lab’s Next Chapter: Emily Heintz on Building a Curated Innovation Ecosystem

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 Curiosity Lab has become one of Peachtree Corners’ most visible innovation engines—and in this UrbanEbb episode, host Rico Figliolini sits down on-site with its new Executive Director, Emily Heintz, just weeks into her role. Emily shares the story behind her move from Michigan to Georgia and the unconventional career arc that took her from a master’s in accounting to the world of startups, venture capital, economic development, and emerging tech.

Along the way, the conversation digs into what makes Curiosity Lab different: a rare, highly engaged government–tech partnership, a “curated” ecosystem built for real-world deployments, and a growing reputation as a landing pad for international companies entering the U.S. market. Emily also outlines what’s ahead—most notably a new building coming online, expanded corporate innovation teams, and an intentional push to create long-term “stickiness” that benefits residents, startups, and the region’s tech economy.Key takeaways
  • Emily Heintz’s unconventional path from accounting to venture capital and economic development
  • How Curiosity Lab supports startups, global companies, and emerging technologies
  • Why ecosystem curation is critical to sustainable innovation growth
  • How international companies use Curiosity Lab as an entry point into the U.S. market
  • The role of autonomous technology, drones, and smart-city infrastructure in Peachtree Corners
  • How city leadership actively supports innovation and reduces red tape
  • What’s ahead with the new Curiosity Lab building and upcoming partnerships
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