As the community celebrates 10 years of the Innevation Center, the University of Nevada, Reno is spotlighting the people and ideas that have shaped its vibrant community.

Below, Innevation Center resident Jessica Halsey, managing director of gener8tor-Reno, answers questions about innovation, entrepreneurship and the impact the Center has had on her.

gener8tor fosters innovation ecosystems through its accelerator programs, venture funds, and skills-based workforce initiatives. When we expanded to Nevada in 2022 with our startup accelerator programs, establishing our headquarters at the Innevation Center was a natural choice. We wanted our homebase to be in an entrepreneurship-focused environment where we could work alongside founders, early-stage companies and experienced mentors.

gener8tor has hosted four accelerator programs at the Innevation Center, supporting a total of 20 companies so far. It’s been the ideal space to host these programs and introduce founders to Reno’s strong community of mentors and industry experts.

The Innevation Center has been instrumental in expanding my network throughout Nevada's entrepreneurial ecosystem. I regularly connect with entrepreneurs from across the community, and I appreciate being able to introduce them to the Innevation Center as a resource. Whether it's directing them to upcoming events or suggesting they explore the coworking space, I've been able to make new connections that may not have existed otherwise.

The most impactful resource has been having dedicated spaces to connect with others. Whether it's an informal one-on-one coffee meeting or a larger organized event, knowing there's a consistent place where we can gather has made all the difference.

"What's been particularly valuable is meeting experienced entrepreneurs at the Innevation Center who have become mentors for companies in our accelerator programs."

The Innevation Center's community events have been a game-changer for networking. I've had the opportunity to meet an incredibly diverse range of professionals, from early-stage founders to seasoned executives and industry experts. This frequent community engagement has proven invaluable to my career and to the success of the companies I work with.

Over the next decade, I see Nevada's innovation ecosystem becoming even more accessible and impactful for aspiring entrepreneurs. I hope that students and community members will continue to have access to quality mentorship that can support their entrepreneurial journeys. In particular, I’d love to see the Innevation Center become the natural first destination for anyone seeking startup resources.

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of everything the Innevation Center has to offer. Participate in the educational and networking events. Take the time to get to know your neighbors in the co-working space. Some of your most valuable connections will come from casual conversations. Likewise, be generous with your knowledge and connections, and remember that success and progress are rarely solo journeys.