Microsoft to sponsor free startup program

Microsoft Corp. and others will sponsor a free accelerator program from Milwaukee-based gener8tor to fuel the growth of 10 northeastern Wisconsin startups each year, gener8tor announced in a news release Wednesday.

Microsoft is sponsoring gBETA, a free version of gener8tor’s nationally ranked accelerator program that provides mentorship and coaching to startups.

“Emerging companies need more than just a great idea to take off. They need great coaching, a strong network of partners, and financial investors,” Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, said in the release. “gBETA’s accelerator program gives startups the boost they need to be successful, ultimately creating more jobs in northeast Wisconsin.”

Microsoft unveiled plans in October to partner with the Green

Bay Packers on TitletownTech, a new initiative with an accelerator, capital fund and a technology development program.

The goal of the new gBETA is to “spark technology, drive local economic growth, and spur innovation,” according to the release. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Business Success Center, the Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College, WiSys, the University of WisconsinGreen Bay Cofrin School of Business and the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation are also part of the sponsorship. The northeast Wisconsin program will focus on traditional sectors such as paper, agriculture and manufacturing.

For information, visit www.gbetaaccelerator.com.

Gener8tor runs other gBETA programs in Beloit, Madison, Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

The Milwaukee gBETA announced last week that Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Rockwell Automation Inc., Kohl’s Corp., Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. and the Milwaukee Institute will sponsor its 2018 and 2019 programs.

Sarah Hauer: shauer@ journalsentinel.com, twitter.com/SarahHauer or instagram.com/hauersarah.