The gener8tor Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator is designed for founders developing innovative water technology to build enduring companies that foster economic growth and technological progress in the Great Lakes region. This intensive three-month program provides a concentrated focus on startup growth, offering one-on-one introductions to a network of experts, mentors, corporate partners, and investors. The accelerator is supported by the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to bolster American small business innovation. As a nationally ranked accelerator, gener8tor invests in high-growth startups, leveraging its extensive network to facilitate their expansion and success.
Program Benefits and Structure
- Strategic Network: Participants gain access to impactful connections with corporate partners, investors, and experienced mentors to help scale their ventures. They also build relationships within their cohort and the broader gener8tor alumni community.
- Focused Support: The program maintains small cohort sizes, investing in only five companies per session to provide dedicated time, energy, and network resources to each startup.
- Mentorship and Coaching: The accelerator includes a twelve-week period of individualized coaching and mentorship from the gener8tor team, featuring bi-weekly one-on-one meetings.
- One-on-One Meetings: Founders participate in one-on-one meetings with over 100 connections, including serial entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors.
- Deals and Perks: Startups receive access to over $1 million in deals and perks from vendors such as IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, PayPal, Zendesk, Hubspot, and Microsoft.
- Showcase Event: The program culminates in an exclusive reception where participating companies can pitch to an audience of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and community members.
Investment Details
- Funding: Selected teams will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to support their growth.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Industry Focus: The program is for entrepreneurs building cutting-edge water technology that can drive economic growth and technological advancement in the Great Lakes region.
- Founder Expertise: Ideal candidates possess deep domain expertise and a commitment to advancing water solutions that support coastal communities, industries, and economic development.
- Business Goals: The accelerator seeks founders focused on building a scalable and sustainable business that will contribute to the long-term prosperity of the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Program Leadership
- Soham Dalal, Managing Director: An electrical engineer and investor with an MBA from Northwestern Kellogg, Soham leverages his engineering and business background to accelerate early-stage startups focused on solving the climate crisis.
- Daisy Munoz, Program Manager: A city planner with expertise in community development and economic growth, Daisy specializes in building and managing entrepreneurship programs, connecting founders with necessary resources.
- Ryan Jeffery, Senior Managing Director: An experienced entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, Ryan focuses on supporting early-stage companies addressing climate and environmental challenges. He is a three-time founder and serves as a board member and advisor to numerous startups.
- Dexter Artienda, Director: Dexter is dedicated to fostering the growth of companies solving the climate crisis, with over a decade of experience in venture capital, higher education, and state government. He supports all of gener8tor's sustainability accelerator programs.
Application and Schedule
- Application Status: Applications are not currently being accepted for this program. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor for future announcements.
- Program Schedule: Further information regarding the 2026 program schedule is available for those seeking details on future opportunities.
For those interested in learning more about the accelerator's mission, meeting program alumni, or exploring mentorship opportunities, additional information is available. Prospective applicants or partners can also schedule a 15-minute office hours visit to ask questions, discuss the program, or present a pitch. A comprehensive overview of all gener8tor program offerings can help founders find the right fit for their venture.