As the artificial intelligence revolution sweeps through nearly every industry, Madison-based accelerator gener8tor is capitalizing on the uptick in AI startups and the need for AI instruction. Co-founder Joe Kirgues spoke with BizTimes reporter Sonia Spitz about emerging startup trends, gener8tor’s strategies for staying ahead in the ever-changing world of AI and its new micro-credentialing programs in partnership with local higher education institutions.
Kirgues and his business partner Troy Vosseller co-founded gener8tor in 2011 and initially worked with accelerator cohorts in Milwaukee and Madison. After years of establishing a presence in other midwestern metro areas like Detroit, Indianapolis and the Twin Cities, Kirgues and Vosseller decided to grow beyond the U.S. mainland. Gener8tor now operates 348 accelerators in 46 communities, including several Wisconsin cities, as well as in Anchorage, San Juan and Luxembourg. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.