External Peer Review Program
A site for data collection specifications, facility reports and reconsiderations
CHARLESTON, WV | FEBRUARY 2, 2026
The Marshall University Foundation has announced Quality Insights, a Charleston-based nonprofit, has gifted $1.2 million toward Marshall University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter).
The funding enables the continuation and expansion of gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter. Run by gener8tor, a national startup accelerator, gBETA is a seven-week, no-cost, no-equity program for early-stage startups with roots in West Virginia.
“I am sincerely grateful to Quality Insights for this gift,” said Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University. “With this support, the iCenter can deepen its impact as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and economic development, helping founders transform ideas into scalable businesses and ensuring Marshall plays a leading role in shaping the region’s economic future.”
The funding will allow for a full-time, Huntington-based gener8tor program manager, as well as operation of two gBETA cohorts per year for three years. Lastly, the funding will support the addition of one gALPHA cohort per year, focused on ideation and early-stage testing in startups.
“We are excited to continue this impactful relationship with Marshall University’s iCenter to drive support to more early-stage founders in West Virginia,” said Vanessa Huerta, gBETA vice president and partner at gener8tor. “We recognize the demand in the region for startup support is strong and believe gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter is the perfect resource for the ecosystem.”
The iCenter launched its gBETA accelerator in June 2025 with five startups from across West Virginia and represented industries in agriculture, digital infrastructure, medical technology, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.“I am deeply grateful to Quality Insights for their partnership and belief in this work,” said Tricia Ball, executive director of the iCenter. “This support ensures we can continue delivering a world-class accelerator experience right here at Marshall, and one that is already changing what’s possible for our startup community.”
Quality Insights participated in a design thinking workshop through the iCenter in 2025. This workshop led to more interactions, a deeper partnership with the iCenter as a gBETA mentor, and ultimately led to the creation of Quality Insights’ Thinkspace accelerator, which supports entrepreneurs in rural health care.
“For more than 50 years, Quality Insights has been committed to improving rural health, and innovation is essential to that mission,” said Sven Berg, CEO of Quality Insights. “This $1.2 million investment in gBETA@Marshall Powered by Quality Insights supports West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and aligns with the state’s vision to become a national leader in rural health innovation. Through partnerships like this and our Thinkspace accelerator, we’re helping entrepreneurs develop breakthrough health care solutions that will transform care delivery in West Virginia and rural communities nationwide.”
This gift enables the iCenter to advance key initiatives that elevate entrepreneurship as a defining area of distinction at Marshall University.
“We are thankful for our partnership with Quality Insights,” said Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “By investing in entrepreneurship, this gift supports a key pillar of Marshall’s advancement efforts, enabling the iCenter to drive innovation, business creation and long-term economic growth for the communities we serve.”
###
About Quality Insights
Quality Insights is dedicated to improving health and healthcare quality through dynamic partnerships, evidence-based practices, and a patient-first philosophy. With a track record of driving significant improvements in healthcare outcomes, Quality Insights remains at the forefront of quality innovation and healthcare transformation. Learn more at www.qualityinsights.org.