As the INSPYRE Innovation Hub prepares to open its doors in downtown Syracuse this fall, another innovative company has chosen the space as its home base. Arcovo AI, a fast-growing artificial intelligence firm, is the latest tenant to join INSPYRE, drawn by the region’s growing startup ecosystem and collaborative environment.
Arcovo AI builds custom digital employees—AI agents designed to work inside businesses just like a human team member. These agents automate repetitive tasks, streamline communication, and operate around the clock, enabling companies to scale efficiently without adding headcount.
But the company’s approach isn’t just about automation for automation’s sake. With a “human-in-the-loop” model, Arcovo ensures its AI tools enhance and support human teams rather than replace them. The result? Businesses save time and money, while real employees get to focus on more meaningful work.
“We’re building systems that empower people,” said Jeff Knauss, co-founder of Arcovo AI. “Our goal is to free up human energy for high-impact work while letting AI handle the mundane. INSPYRE is the perfect place to bring that mission to life.”
Choosing INSPYRE: More Than Just a Space
For Knauss, selecting INSPYRE as the company’s headquarters was about more than square footage—it was about community.
“There’s something really special happening in Central New York right now,” he said. “This region has grown startups into billion-dollar ventures, and INSPYRE is attracting the kind of builders and thinkers we want to be around. There’s an energy here that you just don’t get in a traditional office setting.”
As a founder who lives in Skaneateles, Knauss says returning to downtown Syracuse has been a welcome shift. “It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of what’s happening in our own backyard. INSPYRE makes it easy to be downtown, collaborate, and tap into the momentum.”
Building Culture in a Hybrid World
With a mostly virtual team, Arcovo AI was looking for a professional, flexible space that could serve as a hub for collaboration. INSPYRE checked all the boxes.
“One of the biggest challenges for any hybrid team is culture,” Knauss explained. “You can’t recreate the magic of a whiteboard session or a spontaneous brainstorm over Zoom. INSPYRE gives us a space to come together, work side by side, and build that real team connection.”
In addition to the community and amenities, the ability to share resources and scale operations without high overhead made the decision even easier. “Being a part of INSPYRE means we can stay nimble while having access to top-tier space, support, and—most importantly—people.”
Looking Ahead to INSPYRE’s Opening
As the INSPYRE Innovation Hub moves closer to its grand opening this fall, Arcovo AI is eager to take full advantage of the expanded space.
“We’re looking forward to more time downtown—grabbing lunch after a brainstorm, running into other founders in the elevator, or winding down with a beer after work,” Knauss said. “It’s those serendipitous moments that make a space like this so valuable.”
With more collaborative areas, modern meeting rooms, and event spaces, INSPYRE will help foster the kind of spontaneous connection that drives innovation—and that’s exactly what companies like Arcovo AI are seeking.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” said Knauss. “It happens when you’re surrounded by people who are building, solving, and thinking big. That’s what INSPYRE is all about.”
