This article was originally published by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).
Are you interested in transforming your innovative ideas into impactful realities? If so, the landscape of funding opportunities in Colorado is rich with potential, particularly through the efforts of the Center for Translational Research (CTR). This campus-wide resource serves as a beacon for both established and aspiring university-originated startups. It helps facilitate non-dilutive funding, allowing university inventions to take flight and establish themselves as competent businesses. The CTR supports university faculty, researchers, staff, and even non-university employees who are keen to leverage university technology.
But, the funding opportunities don’t stop there. The Global Business Development division of OEDIT recently announced its impressive list of grants awarded to Colorado’s vibrant startup ecosystem. A total of 22 companies and 13 researchers have been recognized under the Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention grants from the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. Among these ventures, seven hail from CU Denver and CU Boulder, showcasing the robust role of educational institutions in cultivating innovation.
The implications of these grants are far-reaching. They not only stimulate individual companies but also promote the growth and durability of advanced industries throughout Colorado. The overarching aim is to accelerate innovation and foster public-private partnerships that invigorate this crucial segment of Colorado’s economy. According to Michelle Hadwiger, Global Business Development Director, “These pioneering companies and researchers are not only advancing technology; they are creating jobs, attracting investment, and positioning Colorado at the forefront of global competitiveness.”
Diving deeper into the specifics, the Proof of Concept grant facilitates rapid applied research, enabling Colorado research institutions to collaborate with private enterprises for the commercialization of products and services. On the other hand, the Early-Stage Capital and Retention grant primarily focuses on supporting businesses that aim to commercialize innovative technologies, which are either created or manufactured within the state.
A great deal of interest surrounds these grants; the most recent application cycle saw a staggering 119 applications submitted. These were meticulously reviewed through a multi-stage process, involving a panel of experts with backgrounds in business, technology, and finance, ensuring a rigorous selection process centered on the seven advanced industries.
The next opportunity for innovators to apply for Proof-of-Concept and Early Stage Capital and Retention Grants is slated for July 1, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 28, 2025. This is an exciting timeline for those with innovative ideas ready for market, and for further information, you can access additional details [here](https://oedit.colorado.gov/advanced-industries-accelerator-programs).
Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grants
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Icarus Quantum Inc.
– Boulder, CO $250,000: Icarus Quantum is pioneering a breakthrough in photonic interconnect technology that promises to facilitate scalable and efficient connectivity between quantum processors. -
Kioga Inc.
– Erie, CO $250,000: Kioga’s innovation focuses on developing novel postbiotic ingredients aimed at alleviating chronic low-grade inflammation affecting both the brain and the body. -
PrecisionTerra Inc.
– Superior, CO $100,000: PrecisionTerra is making strides with its software-based navigation signal processor, which significantly enhances positioning accuracy in environments where satellite signals are typically unreliable. - Pricing Service Inc. – Boulder, CO $250,000: Pricing Service has innovated an AI-powered hotel pricing software that assists hotels in optimizing their room rates.
- SteriO3, LLC – Littleton, CO $250,000: SteriO3 has developed a portable low-temperature sterilization system specially designed for surgical instruments, ensuring safety and efficiency.
