.webp)
Chicago, Il. – gener8tor, a global venture firm and startup accelerator, has been awarded $13.4 million from the Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to launch the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator. This initiative will support startups developing innovative water technologies that enhance economic opportunities and strengthen coastal infrastructure across the Great Lakes region. This award is part of a larger, $54.3 million opportunity through the Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerators program. More information can be found here.
The Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator will invest in 60 startups over four years, providing each with $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Participating companies will receive intensive mentorship, access to specialized testing facilities, and connections to major industry partners throughout the region.
The accelerator also brings together key regional partners, including the Great Lakes Observing System, the Northern Michigan Blue Tech Hub Consortium, Cleveland Water Alliance, Council of the Great Lakes Region, and the University of Illinois System, among dozens of other venture funds, corporations, non-profits and universities. Through these partnerships, startups will gain access to specialized testing facilities across the Great Lakes, direct connections to major industrial customers, technical validation from leading research institutions, and support from regional economic development organizations.
