Venture Partners News

��ֱ�� researchers to compete for share of $1.25M in grant funding to bring bio- and physical-sciences innovations to market

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:13:05 +0000

��ֱ�� researchers to compete for share of $1.25M in grant funding to bring bio- and physical-sciences innovations to market Daniel Corbin … Wed, 10/02/2024 - 10:13

Fourteen teams of University of ��ֱ�� entrepreneurs, faculty researchers and graduate student innovators will compete for a combined $1.25 million in startup funding grants in this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Showcases. Judges from Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder’s entrepreneurial network will hear Shark Tank-style pitches across two nights, one for innovations in biosciences and another for physical sciences and engineering.

2024 LVC Showcases

Physical Sciences Showcase: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 5:30-8 p.m.

Biosciences Showcase: Thursday, Oct. 24, 5:30-8 p.m.

Founder Central by Sweater, 2000 Central Ave #100, Boulder

Learn More and Register

Through LVC, top innovators from ��ֱ�� Boulder, Denver and ��ֱ�� Springs compete for grants of up to $125,000. LVC supports projects that address a commercial need, have a clear path to a compelling market and have strong scientific support. The LVC grants are funded by the ��ֱ�� Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program, as well as Venture Partners and the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund.

LVC is run by Venture Partners, one of the university’s commercialization arms and a central resource for researchers who wish to translate their work into impactful business and social ventures. LVC finalists are working and collaborating with Venture Partners on their path to commercialization.

“At this early stage, funding is essential, but can be a challenge to obtain,“ said Joshua Bennett, director of LVC and senior licensing manager at Venture Partners. “All of these teams have promising innovations ready to launch new businesses. LVC is a unique opportunity for those innovators to receive that vital funding, and we’re proud to work with the State of ��ֱ�� to make it happen..”

To date, LVC has funded 107 projects through 54 new deep-tech startup companies, which collectively have raised over $349 million in follow-on financing.

Members of the entrepreneurial and university communities are invited to attend the LVC Showcases to enjoy good food, network and see which teams will walk away with $125,000 of funding.

This year’s LVC was additionally made possible by Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti LLP, Wilson Sonsini, Cooley and Cozen O'Connor.

2024 Physical Sciences Finalists

Colexible

Colexible's liquid metal printed circuit board technology offers deformable, stretchable and affordable electronic assemblies that address the challenges that current rigid PCBs face with emerging technologies, such as wearable electronics, virtual/augmented reality and collaborative robots.

Jianliang Xiao (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering): PI
C.J. Whelan (��ֱ�� Boulder Embark EIR): CEO
Kris Obernyer: Chief Product Officer

EcoValeric Innovations

EcoValeric's invention is an electrochemical process that converts biomass-based levulinic acid into 4-hydroxyvaleric acid (HVA), a versatile intermediate for producing biodegradable plastics, biofuels and green solvents. This scalable, renewable process reduces reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing sustainability. Visit EcoValeric's website

Roberta Leão (��ֱ�� Boulder Embark EIR): CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Adam Holewinski (��ֱ�� Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering): PI
Will Lucas: CTO

InfraInform

I2M-B is an end-to-end AI-based software tool that integrates cutting-edge temporal deep learning techniques with novel operations research methodologies to address the lack of an optimized, predictive and proactive approach for cost-efficient bridge and culvert maintenance planning.

Farnoush Banaei-Kashani (��ֱ�� Denver Computer Science and Engineering): Co-PI, LVC Pitch Presenter
Moatassem Abdalla (��ֱ�� Denver Civil Engineering): Co-PI, LVC Pitch Presenter
Kevin Rens: Co-Investigator, Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Mode-Locked Laser Technology

This groundbreaking mode-locked laser technology overcomes the limitations of existing systems and is suitable for harsh environments. These systems excel in applications that require the best phase noise performance in a small and efficient device. Applications include PNT and RF instrumentation.

Thomas R. Schibli (��ֱ�� Boulder Physics): PI, LVC Pitch Presenter
Chris Singer (Alum: ��ֱ�� Boulder Business): Business Development
Christopher B. Oei: Product Design, Advanced Manufacturing

OsmoPure Technologies

OsmoPure is introducing a membrane for ultrapure water production tailored to the stringent demands of electronics, aerospace and green hydrogen sectors. The technology uses distillation driven by pressure, rather than heat, to produce high-purity product water with ten times higher energy efficiency. Visit the OsmoPure website

Kian Lopez (PhD student, ��ֱ�� Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering): CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Anthony Straub (��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering): Principal Investigator (PI)
Nadia Jorgenson (PhD candidate, ��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering): Director of R&D

WHISPER Energy

WHISPER Energy is a wireless, battery-free sensor platform for smart buildings. It uses machine learning to cut energy consumption by 30%+, providing real-time data to optimize energy use and reduce emissions. Developed with a $2 million ARPA-E grant, it advances zero emissions economically and efficiently. Visit the WHISPER website

Galen Williams (��ֱ�� Boulder 2023 Embark EIR): Co-Founder and CEO
Gregor P. Henze (��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, RASEI): PI and Co-Founder
Gerry Conroy: Technical Lead and Advisor

Tierra Metrics

Tierra Metrics' novel high-spatial density sensor innovation will enable real-time characterization of the soil nitrogen cycle which will help growers, land managers and others to improve efficiency and profitability, as well as improve soil health and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Visit the Tierra Metrics website

Gregory Whiting (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering): PI, LVC Pitch Presenter
Taylor Sharpe (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering) Chief Engineer
Whendee Silver: Co-Founder
Ana Claudia Arias: Co-Founder

2024 Biosciences Finalists

Aatxe Therapeutics

Aatxe Therapeutics enhances the structural adaptability of cyclic peptides, improving their ability to bind, inhibit and access challenging intracellular targets. This unique platform unlocks new opportunities for treating complex diseases and improving patient outcomes.

Makenna Morck (��ֱ�� Boulder Embark EIR): CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Alec Santiago (��ֱ�� Boulder Embark EIR): COO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Michael Stowell (��ֱ�� Boulder Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology): PI

Codebreaker

Codebreaker is building a platform for generating variant genomes at scale in an AI framework that drives variant genome design and machine learning to generate significance maps broadly across human disease and drug response.

Ryan Layer (BioFrontiers Institute: PI, LVC Pitch Presenter
Ryan T. GIll: CEO
Tanya Warnecke: CTO
Jordan Abbott: KOL-Collaborator

Entangl3d

Entangl3d is transforming spine surgery with a groundbreaking 3D printing platform that produces strong, bioadhesive hydrogels. Easily deployable without tissue damage, our hydrogels will reinforce intervertebral discs to prevent reherniation and degeneration.

Matt Davidson (��ֱ�� Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering, BioFrontiers Institute): PI, Co-Founder, CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Jason Burdick (��ֱ�� Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering, BioFrontiers Institute): Co-Founder

Flari Tech

Flari Tech is building a laser-based breathalyzer to detect lung cancer noninvasively and rapidly with high sensitivity. Powered by ��ֱ��'s Nobel Prize-winning optical frequency comb, it would empower healthcare providers, patients and researchers in lung cancer prevention, treatment and monitoring. Read more about Flari

Eva Yao (��ֱ�� Boulder 2023 Embark EIR): CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Jun Ye (��ֱ�� Boulder Physics, JILA): PI
Qizhong Liang (PhD candidate, ��ֱ�� Boulder Physics, JILA): Technical Lead
Apoorva Bisht (PhD student, ��ֱ�� Boulder Physics, JILA): Research Assistant

IntraLumenus

Let’s never cut open a patient again. IntraLumenus is a treaded robotic capsule endoscope that travels through the colon under its own power, provides localization and mapping, and dual channel tool access, enabling colorectal procedures to be performed intraluminally, or from within the colon.

Jesse M. Sheppard (��ֱ�� Boulder Embark EIR): CEO, LVC Pitch Presenter
Mark Rentschler (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering): PI

SteriO3

Peroxide Enhanced Germicidal Irradiation (PEGI) provides rapid, low-resource sterilization of microbial contaminants. With adaptable configuration capabilities, PEGI will be engineered into compact, portable units for low-temperature sterilization of surgical equipment, including 3D-printed implants. Visit the SteriO3 website

Emmalee Biesiada (��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering): Principal Investigator (PI), LVC Pitch Presenter
Steve Hughes: CEO
Mark Hernandez (��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering): Chief Scientific and Project Advisor

Fourteen teams of University of ��ֱ�� entrepreneurs, faculty researchers and graduate student innovators will compete for a combined $1.25 million in startup funding grants in this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Showcases. Judges from Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder’s entrepreneurial network will hear Shark Tank-style pitches across two nights, one for innovations in biosciences and another for physical sciences and engineering.

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New records set as momentum continues for ��ֱ�� Boulder research funding, initiatives

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 19:11:37 +0000

New records set as momentum continues for ��ֱ�� Boulder research funding, initiatives Daniel Corbin … Thu, 09/26/2024 - 13:11

��ֱ�� Boulder Today—��ֱ�� Boulder researchers attracted a record $742.2 million in fiscal year 2023–24 for studies and initiatives that, among other things, could lead to an end of osteoarthritis, better space weather predictions and a more climate-resilient American West.

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Job Posting: Licensing Manager, Biosciences

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 20:57:12 +0000

Job Posting: Licensing Manager, Biosciences Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/13/2024 - 14:57

The Licensing Manager manages innovations and their intellectual property (IP) from world-leading scientists and engineers and is a central figure in the ��ֱ�� Boulder entrepreneurial ecosystem. The contributions of the Licensing Manager are integral to Venture Partners’ mission to translate research innovation into positive social and economic impact

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2024 cohort of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator launches new startups

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:00:40 +0000

2024 cohort of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator launches new startups Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/13/2024 - 13:00

Daniel Leonard

The Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator pairs seasoned entrepreneurs with university technologies to bring those breakthroughs to market in response to urgent societal needs. Embark has launched its second Entrepreneurs in Residence cohort and will provide Intellectual Property rights, salary support, grant funds and investor introductions to launch startups with real-world impact.

Every year, dozens of breakthrough inventions emerge from ��ֱ�� Boulder’s research labs. While some are spun out by creators themselves, others are poised to partner with entrepreneurs beyond university walls looking to launch the latest and greatest technologies. Enter Embark, the newest program offered by Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder.

Ready to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey?

Embark is ��ֱ�� Boulder's deep tech startup creator for matching entrepreneurs with breakthrough innovations. With myriad ��ֱ�� Boulder technologies ready to make a real-world impact, Embark seeks motivated entrepreneurs ready to launch new companies.

Visit Embark Webpage

Embark bridges this gap by recruiting and matching entrepreneurs with promising university innovations. “Just because the university inventors didn’t create a startup company doesn’t mean the technology is not a really exciting startup opportunity,” said Bryn Rees, associate vice chancellor for research and innovation and managing director of Venture Partners.

“The first cohort of entrepreneurs have been in high gear since they were selected by the Venture Partners team last year and have risen to each challenge,” said Marta Zgagacz, senior director at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark. “They do not rest; they take advantage of everything we suggest to them,” she said. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach, how we support our startups,” added Zgagacz.

Last year’s Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) cohort saw notable success with their new startups in their first year. For example, PrecisionTerra, founded by EIR Maithreyi Gopalakrishnan, is a software solution that improves the signal strength of GNSS receivers in urban environments. The company has raised over $130,000 and was accepted to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) NSIN Vector accelerator. Green Steel Environmental, founded by EIRs Jonathan Teaford and Jon Jonis, is developing sustainable additives to revolutionize the wastewater recovery industry. The company has raised over $350,000 and will exhibit at the Biogas Americas trade show in Savannah, GA, in October.

Now in its second year, over 114 entrepreneurs applied to Embark and explored a curated portfolio of more than 50 technologies from various scientific and engineering fields, including biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials and aerospace. The Venture Partners team then worked closely with the entrepreneurs and inventors to find the right matches and the greatest opportunities for impact.

Selected applicants went through a rigorous 8-week program where they learned about the technologies for the first time, collaborated with the researchers, began customer discovery and pitched their business ideas in the final EIR selection process. “We were impressed with all of these entrepreneurs and how much progress they made to get to this point,” said Amy Dodenhoff, director of venture development at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark. “We are excited to see what the new EIRs can do over the next six months with their new companies.”

The selected entrepreneurs—founding ten new startups on university-owned technologies—will launch their companies with an option agreement from the university and receive funding for technology development plus a six-month part-time salary to jumpstart their ventures.

With funding from ��ֱ�� Boulder, the program aims to increase diversity in the startup community by supporting individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue entrepreneurship without salary support.

Embark’s emphasis on matching entrepreneurs with groundbreaking innovations holds the potential to unleash the full impact of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s research into the world.

Information about the 2025 Embark Showcase for investors and the business community is expected in January 2025. Sign Up for Updates

2024 Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence

Aatxe Therapeutics

Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR): Makenna Morck (Alum: ��ֱ�� Boulder Biochemistry) and Alec Santiago
Principal Investigator (PI): Michael Stowell (��ֱ�� Boulder Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology)

Aatxe Therapeutics is a cyclic peptide platform that maximizes structural adaptability to improve cell penetrance, accessing and targeting challenging proteins. With this unique value, Aatxe can target proteins previously thought undruggable, improving patient outcomes in complex diseases.

Industry Applications: Health and Wellness

Carbon-Storing Hempcrete

EIR: Nick Manuzak (Alum: ��ֱ�� Boulder Business)
PI: Wil Srubar (��ֱ�� Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering College of Engineering and Applied Science)

Carbon-Storing Hempcrete is a carbon-negative biocomposite building material that sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) at an increased and accelerated rate. It also offers insulative properties, resulting in energy savings and a reduced building carbon footprint.

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech, Construction, Advanced Materials

Colexible Technologies

EIR: C.J. Whelan
PI: Jianliang Xiao (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)

Colexible Technologies specializes in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge flexible electronics. Our components and devices offer unparalleled stretching, bending and durability in wearable devices, automotive components and industrial electronics.

Industry Applications: Manufacturing, Hardware and Instrumentation, Medical Devices, Advanced Materials

EcoValeric Innovations

EIR: Roberta Leão
PI: Adam Holewinski (��ֱ�� Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering)

EcoValeric Innovations converts levulinic acid (LA) into 4-Hydroxyvaleric acid (HVA) and HVA-based derivatives, including biopolymers, bioplastics, green chemicals and biofuels, using a breakthrough electrochemical process. Our solutions have applications across diverse industries, delivering scalable, eco-friendly alternatives. Visit the EcoValeric Website

Industry Applications: Manufacturing, Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech, Food and Agriculture, Fashion and Design, Health and Wellness, Therapeutics, Hardware and Instrumentation, Medical Devices, Advanced Materials

Endios Bio

EIR: Wendy Overton
PI: Alexandra Whiteley (��ֱ�� Boulder Biochemistry)

Endios Bio is developing breakthrough therapeutics for rare neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the newly discovered impacts of the gene peg10, which was recently linked to ALS and Angelmans and has druggable potential.

Industry Applications: Biotech, Health & Wellness, Therapeutics, Diagnostics

Endoculus

EIR: Jesse M. Sheppard (Alum: ��ֱ�� Denver Business, ��ֱ�� Boulder Business)
PI: Mark Rentschler (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)

Endoculus' mission is to revolutionize how lower gastrointestinal endoscopies are performed by significantly improving access to the colon for gastroenterologists, eliminating mechanical constraints, reducing the number of procedures and reducing the time it takes to complete interventional endoscopies and screenings.

Industry Applications: Biotech, Health and Wellness, Robotics, Medical Devices, Hardware and Instrumentation

FOWTech

EIR: George Douaire
PI: Lucy Pao (��ֱ�� Boulder Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering)

FOWTech specializes in advanced control systems for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs), enhancing stability and power generation in deep-water environments. Our innovative technology manages seven degrees of freedom (DOFs) of floating platforms, improving power output and reducing maintenance costs.

Industry Applications: Manufacturing, Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech, Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Information Technology, Software, Civic Engagement and Government, Hardware and Instrumentatio

Longevity Escape Velocity Labs

EIR: Kylen McClintock
PI: Tom LaRocca (��ֱ�� Boulder Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Laboratory)

LEVL targets the biology of aging to create novel therapeutics and personalized protocols that help people live longer and healthier. LEVL's first formulation is a fasting mimetic shown to restore older mice to youthful biomarkers by inducing levels of autophagy comparable to rapamycin. Visit the LEVL Website

Industry Applications: Biotech, Artificial Intelligence, Health and Wellness, Therapeutics

Serenity PSG

EIR: Bart Emery
PI: Jianliang Xiao (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)

Serenity PSG is reinventing the sleep diagnostic experience for patients and physicians using earbud flexible biosensors that move full sleep lab capabilities to the home. Serenity PSG is led by Bart Emery, a two-time ��ֱ�� alum and experienced venture capitalist passionate about improving healthcare for all.

Industry Applications: Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Health and Wellness, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

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Venture Partners Update: Startups Surge

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:55:02 +0000

Venture Partners Update: Startups Surge Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:55

Bryn Rees

The University of ��ֱ�� is a star in the constellation of the U.S. innovation ecosystem. At Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder, we are proud to contribute to a tightly bonded community of entrepreneurs, companies, investors and government partners that make ��ֱ�� an innovation leader. By translating breakthrough research into new businesses, ��ֱ�� creates economic opportunities while addressing many of the world’s greatest challenges. In the past year, ��ֱ�� Boulder has burned especially bright through Venture Partners’ record-setting performance.

First Look at Fiscal Year 2023-24:

$ 426 M

CAPITAL RAISED BY PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

LICENSE AND OPTION AGREEMENTS

105

NSF I-CORPS^TM TEAMS TRAINED

��ֱ�� STARTUPS LAUNCHED THROUGH VENTURE PARTNERS

In fiscal year 2024, Venture Partners helped to launch 35 new startup companies out of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s research labs. This is a great leap above ��ֱ�� Boulder’s previous record of 20, set in 2021, and places it among the very best university campuses globally. One of the 35 startups is Mana Battery. Built around the research of Chunmei Ban (��ֱ�� Boulder Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering), Mana is producing sodium-based batteries as an alternative to the scarcity, performance and safety drawbacks of lithium batteries that enable clean energy solutions. Mana joins several battery companies to spin out from ��ֱ�� Boulder in the past 10 years, which have collectively created hundreds of jobs and attracted over $1 billion in investment to the state.

Our dramatic rise in startup production is no accident. It is the fruition of a multi-year strategy to make ��ֱ�� Boulder the premier university campus in which to launch a new company. The team at Venture Partners has built a suite of resources to inspire, mentor, train and fund aspiring founders among faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. The surging startup numbers are built on the record productivity of these founder support programs, including lean startup training through the NSF I-Corps^TM Hub: West Region (105 teams trained this year), proof of concept grants through the Lab Venture Challenge (12 awardees totaling $1.5 million), Ascent Deep Tech Startup Creator (15 graduating companies) and the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator, our newest program, which paired community entrepreneurs with ��ֱ�� Boulder innovations to form 10 new companies.

We look forward to sharing our full upcoming annual report, which will include further details of how Venture Partners lights up the innovation constellation.

Bryn Rees

Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation; Managing Director of Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder

By translating breakthrough research into new businesses, ��ֱ�� creates economic opportunities while addressing many of the world’s greatest challenges. In the past year, ��ֱ�� Boulder has burned especially bright through Venture Partners’ record-setting performance.

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Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:32:01 +0000

Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/06/2024 - 16:32

��ֱ�� Boulder Today—��ֱ�� Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced that Massimo Ruzzene, vice chancellor for research and innovation, will begin reporting directly to him, effective Aug. 30. Ruzzene currently reports to Provost Russell Moore, the chief academic officer of the campus.

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��ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine announces use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate climate innovation

Anonymous — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:02:22 +0000

��ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine announces use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate climate innovation Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/22/2024 - 14:02

This announcement was originally published at innosphereventures.org

The University of ��ֱ�� is a proud partner of the ��ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine), one of ten inaugural awardees under the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines initiative. The CO-WY Engine announced the launch of its use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of innovations into tangible products, services or solutions that address climate resiliency.

The Translation Grant Program seeks to accelerate the commercialization of innovations addressing climate resiliency. Proposals should demonstrate a solid product-market fit, collaboration with industry partners, and a roadmap for securing additional funding.

The Use-Inspired Research and Development Grant Program aims to foster the research and development of innovative data, technology or practice solutions for advancing climate technologies and community resiliency. This program is intended for projects not yet licensed or optioned.

Priority areas for this cycle include complex Earth sensing, soil carbon capture data and analytics, methane emissions analysis, extreme weather modeling, wildfire risk and prediction, and water availability prediction.

Grant Program Goals

Enhance the Pathway for Climate Resilience Solutions:
Bridge the Funding/Resource Gap
Support Growth of the Climate Innovation Ecosystem:
Foster Inclusivity

General Program Information

The Engine anticipates the possibility of two program cycles in the 2024 award year:

First Application Cycle: Opens Monday, July 22, 2024; due Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, 5 p.m. MT
Second Application Cycle (if budget allows): Expected to open Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025; due Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, 5 p.m. MT

Selected projects will receive funding from $250,000 to $750,000 for the Translation Grant Program and up to $300,000 for the Use-Inspired Research and Development Grant Program. Each program cycle will have a project period of one year, with the possibility of a formal no-cost extension for up to six months, subject to approval.

Translation grant proposals must be led and submitted by startup ventures or one of the following ��ֱ�� and Wyoming higher education institutions.

Use-Inspired Research and Development Grant proposals must be led and submitted by one of the following ��ֱ�� and Wyoming higher education institutions.

Collaborations funded or unfunded with other non-lead cross-sector partners in the region are allowed and highly encouraged.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. MT on the submission deadline date and must be submitted electronically via the CO-WY Engine website. No late submissions will be accepted.

Visit the CO-WY Engine website for more information and its programs

Eligible institutions include

��ֱ�� School of Mines
��ֱ�� State University
Metro State University
University of ��ֱ�� Boulder
University of ��ֱ�� Denver
University of Northern ��ֱ��
University of Wyoming

“We are thrilled to launch this combined grant program, which represents a huge milestone for the CO-WY Engine and an incredible opportunity for our region. By supporting both early-stage research and the translation of these innovations into practical solutions, we aim to build a robust ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and addresses the urgent challenges faced by our communities. This initiative is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of our partners across ��ֱ�� and Wyoming,” said Mike Freeman, CO-WY Engine CEO.

Virtual Information Events

Information Events Hosted by ��ֱ�� Boulder

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024

Crafting a Proposal Workshop, 2-3 p.m. MT, Register Now

Information Events Hosted by the CO-WY Engine

Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024

Use-Inspired RFP Virtual Event, 11-11:45 a.m. MT, Register Now
Translation Grant RFP Event, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT, Register Now

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024

Use-Inspired RFP Virtual Event, 11-11:45 a.m. MT, Register Now
Translation Grant RFP Event, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT, Register Now

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

Partnering Opportunity R&D Virtual Event, 11-11:45 a.m. MT, Register Now
Translation Grant RFP Event, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MT, Register Now

The University of ��ֱ�� is a proud partner of the ��ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine), one of ten inaugural awardees under the National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines initiative. The CO-WY Engine announced the launch of its use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of innovations into tangible products, services or solutions that address climate resiliency. Selected projects will receive funding from $250,000 to $750,000.

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��ֱ�� Boulder, Elevate Quantum partners ready for $127M regional quantum boost

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:02:39 +0000

��ֱ�� Boulder, Elevate Quantum partners ready for $127M regional quantum boost Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:02

��ֱ�� Boulder Today—Elevate Quantum, of which ��ֱ�� Boulder is a key partner, announced today that it has received a Tech Hub Phase 2 implementation award from the Department of Commerce, unlocking more than $127 million in new federal and state funding.

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Elevating the innovation journey: innovation portal launch

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 19:04:58 +0000

Elevating the innovation journey: innovation portal launch Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:04

Venture Partners at ��ֱ�� Boulder is proud to unveil Sophia, the university's new portal for university innovators—a sophisticated tool designed to streamline and enhance the innovation disclosure process for inventions and copyrighted materials. This new tool offers innovators unprecedented ease of access and robust capabilities to manage their intellectual property (IP) effectively. Learn more about IP management with Venture Partners here

What does the Sophia Portal offer?

Effortless Submission: The Sophia Portal provides easy access to disclosure submission forms, allowing innovators to submit their inventions and copyrighted materials electronically with just a few clicks or taps.
Flexible Workflow: In the Portal, innovators can save submission forms at any point before submitting them. Whether they need to pause and return later or revise information, the portal seamlessly accommodates user needs.
Track Your Progress: Are you wondering about submission status? Sophia enables real-time progress tracking of submissions. Additionally, users can monitor all their IPs and agreements seamlessly, providing unparalleled transparency and control.

Get started today with IP management and the new Sophia Portal

IP is critical in bringing university innovation out of the lab and into the market, also known as a commercialization strategy. Venture Partners creates and implements an IP strategy for research and creative works and helps innovators understand their IP rights and obligations as they work with various collaborators, research sponsors and industry partners. Venture Partners manages and funds IP for hundreds of university inventions each year, and the University of ��ֱ�� System is among the top 20 universities in the world for issued patents.

Get Started with IP Management

Set in the heart of our university’s bold, innovative community of scholars and learners, Venture Partners brings the university's world-class researchers together with the business, startup and entrepreneurial communities to translate groundbreaking solutions into economic and social impact. As the commercialization arm of the University of ��ֱ�� Boulder, ��ֱ�� Springs and Denver(except ��ֱ�� Denver biosciences investigators, who should work with ��ֱ�� Innovations) campuses, Venture Partners prepares campus innovators to bring technologies and ideas to market through:

Intellectual Property (IP) Management
Entrepreneurial Training
Mentorship and Advising
Funding Opportunities and Support
Licensing and Industry Partnerships

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Gov. Jared Polis signs quantum industry bill on ��ֱ�� Boulder campus

Anonymous — Thu, 30 May 2024 20:25:07 +0000

Gov. Jared Polis signs quantum industry bill on ��ֱ�� Boulder campus Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:25

��ֱ�� Boulder Today—��ֱ�� Gov. Jared Polis ushered in a new bill to support the state’s rapidly growing quantum industry. Polis signed the bill from the top floor of the JILA Tower, one of the epicenters of quantum research on campus, with a view of the Flatirons in the background.

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Venture Partners News

����ֱ�� researchers to compete for share of $1.25M in grant funding to bring bio- and physical-sciences innovations to market

2024 LVC Showcases

2024 Physical Sciences Finalists

Colexible

EcoValeric Innovations

InfraInform

Mode-Locked Laser Technology

OsmoPure Technologies

WHISPER Energy

Tierra Metrics

2024 Biosciences Finalists

Aatxe Therapeutics

Codebreaker

Entangl3d

Flari Tech

IntraLumenus

SteriO3

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New records set as momentum continues for ����ֱ�� Boulder research funding, initiatives

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Job Posting: Licensing Manager, Biosciences

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2024 cohort of ����ֱ�� Boulder’s Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator launches new startups

2024 Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence

Aatxe Therapeutics

Carbon-Storing Hempcrete

Colexible Technologies

EcoValeric Innovations

Endios Bio

Endoculus

FOWTech

Longevity Escape Velocity Labs

Serenity PSG

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Venture Partners Update: Startups Surge

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Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation

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����ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine announces use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate climate innovation

Grant Program Goals

General Program Information

Eligible institutions include

Virtual Information Events

Information Events Hosted by ����ֱ�� Boulder

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024

Information Events Hosted by the CO-WY Engine

Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024

Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

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����ֱ�� Boulder, Elevate Quantum partners ready for $127M regional quantum boost

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Elevating the innovation journey: innovation portal launch

What does the Sophia Portal offer?

Get started today with IP management and the new Sophia Portal

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Gov. Jared Polis signs quantum industry bill on ����ֱ�� Boulder campus

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��ֱ�� researchers to compete for share of $1.25M in grant funding to bring bio- and physical-sciences innovations to market

New records set as momentum continues for ��ֱ�� Boulder research funding, initiatives

2024 cohort of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator launches new startups

��ֱ��-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine announces use-inspired and translation grant opportunities to accelerate climate innovation

Information Events Hosted by ��ֱ�� Boulder

��ֱ�� Boulder, Elevate Quantum partners ready for $127M regional quantum boost

Gov. Jared Polis signs quantum industry bill on ��ֱ�� Boulder campus