WCTC Partners with gener8tor to Launch gALPHA and gBETA Applied AI Lab Accelerator
PEWAUKEE, WI. - In partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) announced the launch of its new gALPHA and gBETA Applied AI Lab accelerator focused on early stage tech-enabled startups, with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence.
“This could not be a more exciting time for WCTC,” said WCTC President Richard Barnhouse. “Coupled with opening our new Applied AI Lab, this partnership with gener8tor further exemplifies WCTC’s investment in artificial intelligence. This is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurs to partner with a premiere, results-driven organization such as gener8tor and have the support of WCTC faculty and staff.”
The gALPHA Applied AI Lab is a four-week venture-creation workshop designed to help entrepreneurially-minded individuals create high-growth startups that utilize data and artificial intelligence. The program will take place at WCTC’s new Applied AI Lab where the participants will build the foundations of their business with individualized coaching from the gener8tor team to take them from ideation to implementation with the assistance of mentors, thought-leaders and strategic partners.
The newly-launched gBETA Applied AI Lab accelerator is powered by gener8tor’s gBETA program – a free, seven-week, zero-equity accelerator that provides startup founders with concierge coaching and access to gener8tor’s network of mentors, customers and investors across the United States. Together, gener8tor and WCTC aim to bring economic diversity and job growth to the Waukesha County region. The program is designed to set a path for startups that graduate via the accelerator program to gain potential local partnerships and be prepared to raise capital.
“Our partnership with gener8tor fits perfectly with the Applied AI Lab’s goals at WCTC,” said Dan Lindberg Director of the Applied AI Lab at WCTC. “By helping Waukesha County entrepreneurs, craft data-driven, AI-enabled businesses, we’re ensuring the benefits of AI are enjoyed by businesses of all sizes and types. This accelerator program will further spur innovation in Southeastern Wisconsin and increase the demand for AI-related jobs.”
The gALPHA and gBETA Applied AI Lab accelerators will recruit startups from the Waukesha County region in an effort to support startups based in or interested in relocating to the region.
“We’re thrilled to partner with WCTC to bring these programs to life and continue to support the technology enabled industries in Waukesha County,” said Vanessa Huerta, Vice President of gBETA at gener8tor. “We’re looking forward to this partnership and the incredible economic impact that WCTC and gener8tor will bring to the Waukesha County region.”
The gALPHA and gBETA Applied AI Lab accelerators will be the first of its kind in Pewaukee. It is made possible through the partnership with WCTC.
The gBETA Applied AI Lab Program Manager will lead recruitment of startups and guide founders through the programming. gener8tor and WCTC are currently hiring for this lead role. Interested candidates can learn more about the role and apply here.
Applications for the gALPHA Applied AI Lab are open now, and the program kicks off Sept. 18. Visit gener8tor.com/galpha/applied-ai-lab for more information. Startup companies and founders interested in learning more about gBETA’s programming and resources or applying to a future program are encouraged to visit the gener8tor website.
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About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
About gBETA
gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised more than $775M in capital and created more than 4,600 jobs across the U.S. and Canada.
About Waukesha County Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College, the leader in workforce development, prepares learners for success within the region and global economy. The College offers more than 170 areas of study including associate degree, technical diploma, apprenticeship and short-term certificate programs. Customized training for employers is also available. To learn more, visit www.wctc.edu.
