CU Startup News

Modendo awarded a $3M SBIR Phase II Grant

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:31:41 +0000

Modendo awarded a $3M SBIR Phase II Grant Daniel Corbin … Tue, 07/28/2026 - 12:31

Secure Non-Dilutive Funding with the Center for Translational Research

As a resource for startups partnering with or originating from the university seeking non-dilutive funding—including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards—the center advises on best practices for securing non-dilutive capital, provides market research and industry analysis and offers proposal editing and critique.

Visit the CTR Website

Modendo, a CU �ֲ��ý spinout, has been awarded a $3 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a project to provide researchers with powerful new tools to study brain circuits at scale, enabling deep, minimally invasive multi-site neural imaging.

NIH RePORT Project Details

The University of Colorado Connection

Modendo is developing ultra-thin fiber endoscopes—narrower than a human hair—that enable cellular-resolution imaging (<1 µm) in regions of the body previously inaccessible with conventional tools. These advanced, digitally programmable probes, approximately 100 microns in diameter, contain no moving parts and cause minimal tissue disruption, offering a transformative approach to in-vivo imaging. By reaching deep tissue targets with unprecedented precision and minimal invasiveness, Modendo’s technology addresses critical needs in neuroscience, biomedical research, disease diagnosis and medical treatment.

The company’s foundational technology was pioneered through research led by Rafael Piestun (CU �ֲ��ý Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering) and is based on early innovations in multimode fiber micro-endoscopy and wavefront shaping. Licensed from CU �ֲ��ý, this platform enables real-time, high-resolution image transmission through optical fibers with a cross-sectional area nearly ten times smaller than the thinnest existing endoscopes. Modendo maintains strong ties with the university, including operating an in-vivo imaging lab on campus, and holds issued patents that support its vision of providing safer, more effective imaging alternatives that accelerate recovery and expand the frontiers of medical and scientific exploration.

View Full Profile

What could you do with a CU technology?

Venture Partners manages a portfolio of over 1,000 technologies from university investigators and partners with entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes—from startups to the Fortune 500—to bring these inventions to market.

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

Modendo, a CU �ֲ��ý spinout, has been awarded a $3 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a project to provide researchers with powerful new tools to study brain circuits at scale.

Off

Traditional

White

Infleqtion secures three Genesis Mission projects from U.S. Department of Energy

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:37:58 +0000

Infleqtion secures three Genesis Mission projects from U.S. Department of Energy Daniel Corbin … Wed, 07/22/2026 - 15:37

Infleqtion, a CU �ֲ��ý spinout, announced it has been awarded three projects by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate American scientific research and innovation for the Genesis Mission. The projects include collaboration with CU �ֲ��ý and span AI-optimized quantum circuit design for nuclear applications, deployable atomic quantum sensing with Agentic AI and nuclear fusion energy research.

The University of Colorado Connection

Infleqtion’s star continues to rise as Colorado’s quantum hub grows. The company spun out of CU �ֲ��ý as ColdQuanta and seems to be everywhere these days, including outer space, while commercializing pioneering research to address needs across several critical markets including positioning, navigating and timing, global communication security and efficiency, resilient energy distribution, and accelerated quantum computing.

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

Infleqtion, Quantum Insider, BizWest—Infleqtion, a CU �ֲ��ý spinout, announced it has been awarded three projects by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate American scientific research and innovation for the Genesis Mission. The projects include collaboration with CU �ֲ��ý and span AI-optimized quantum circuit design for nuclear applications, deployable atomic quantum sensing with Agentic AI and nuclear fusion energy research.

Off

Traditional

White

Activate welcomes two CU �ֲ��ý-connected startups to its Cohort 2026

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:36:36 +0000

Activate welcomes two CU �ֲ��ý-connected startups to its Cohort 2026 Daniel Corbin … Tue, 07/14/2026 - 14:36

Activate has announced that 50 scientist-innovators will join Cohort 2026. The 41 companies they're building span 22 cities and 11 states across the United States, and include two startups with ties to the �ֲ��ý: Mach Electric and Brint Tech

Mach Electric is a CU �ֲ��ý startup that converts CO₂ into carbon fiber using a novel electrochemical process, eliminating fossil feedstocks and reducing energy use. The technology enables lower-cost, lower-emissions production, unlocking broader adoption of lightweight materials across industries critical to decarbonization and advanced manufacturing, at the scale those industries actually demand.

Brint Tech develops next-generation optical gas-sensing technology that enables precise, real-time detection and quantification of hydrogen across industrial environments. By delivering reliable measurements at scale, Brint Tech helps energy producers, operators, and infrastructure developers reduce emissions, improve safety, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon systems. Originating from Colorado State University, Brint Tech participated in CU �ֲ��ý's NSF I-Corps^TM Hub West.

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

Activate—50 scientist-innovators will join Cohort 2026. The 41 companies they're building span 22 cities and 11 states across the United States, and include two startups with ties to CU �ֲ��ý: Mach Electric and Brint Tech.

Off

Traditional

White

Neurological drugs dominate the headlines, and therapeutics from snakes

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:11:21 +0000

Neurological drugs dominate the headlines, and therapeutics from snakes Daniel Corbin … Tue, 07/14/2026 - 13:11

Jack Guglel, co-founder and CEO of Arkana Therapeutics and CU �ֲ��ý PhD alum of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, is developing appetite-suppressing molecules discovered through python biology that could offer an alternative to GLP-1 drugs with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

The Biotech Voyager—Jack Guglel, co-founder and CEO of Arkana Therapeutics and CU �ֲ��ý PhD alum of molecular, cellular and developmental biology, is developing appetite-suppressing molecules discovered through python biology that could offer an alternative to GLP-1 drugs with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

Off

Traditional

White

WATCH: Google Maps for space—how a 20 Twenties winner built HoloAstro

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:01:48 +0000

WATCH: Google Maps for space—how a 20 Twenties winner built HoloAstro Daniel Corbin … Thu, 07/09/2026 - 13:01

David Dezell Turner, CU �ֲ��ý PhD candidate in astrodynamics and satellite navigation, shares how winning the 2024 20 Twenties award became the catalyst for founding HoloAstro—a revolutionary augmented reality tool that's transforming space mission design.

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

Aviation Week—David Dezell Turner, CU �ֲ��ý PhD candidate in astrodynamics and satellite navigation, shares how winning the 2024 20 Twenties award became the catalyst for founding HoloAstro—a revolutionary augmented reality tool that's transforming space mission design.

Off

Traditional

White

BizWest unveils inaugural ‘Startups to Watch’ and names three CU �ֲ��ý startups

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 20:04:25 +0000

BizWest unveils inaugural ‘Startups to Watch’ and names three CU �ֲ��ý startups Daniel Corbin … Wed, 07/08/2026 - 14:04

Startups to Watch spotlights promising young companies across �ֲ��ý, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties that are developing innovative technologies, creating jobs and strengthening one of the nation’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. BizWest has named three CU �ֲ��ý startups: Flari Tech, Kioga and Renovare Therapeutics, as well as the Colorado Quantum incubator established in partnership with CU �ֲ��ý.

The University of Colorado Connections

Flari Tech

Flari emerged through the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator, which awards funding and pairs experienced entrepreneurs with high-potential technologies from CU �ֲ��ý. Eva Yao (CEO) met Jun Ye (Physics, JILA) and Qizhong Liang (JILA) for a lab tour at JILA through the program. The company hopes to use Nobel Prize-winning frequency comb technology to detect diseases detectable in breath.

View the Flari Profile

Kioga

Kioga is discovering and commercializing new dietary ingredients to "vaccinate" consumers against stress and metabolic disorders by targeting brain and body inflammation. Kioga is based on work arising from the laboratories of Christopher A. Lowry (CU �ֲ��ý Integrative Physiology) and Noah Fierer (CU �ֲ��ý Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). Justin Whiteley, cofounder of eat meati™ (Meati Inc.), joined Kioga as CEO through the Venture Partners Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator in 2024.

View the Kioga Profile

Renovare Therapeutics

Renovare's portfolio of regenerative therapies was developed over 20 years of research by co-founders Stephanie J. Bryant, professor in CU �ֲ��ý's Chemical and Biological Engineering and Karin Payne, associate professor in CU Anschutz's Orthopedics, and scientific advisors Mike Zuscik, professor in CU Anschutz's Orthopedics, Laurie Goodrich, professor in Colorado State University (CSU)'s Clinical Sciences and Kelly Santangelo, professor in CSU's Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. Bryant, Payne, Zuscik and Goodrich were co-principal investigators and Kelly Santangleo was a senior investigator on the ARPA-H award that supported early research and development. Liz Scott joined the team in 2025 and serves as co-founder and CEO.

View the Renovare Profile

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

BizWest—Startups to Watch spotlights promising young companies across �ֲ��ý, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties that are developing innovative technologies, creating jobs and strengthening one of the nation’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. BizWest has named three CU �ֲ��ý startups: Flari Tech, Kioga and Renovare Therapeutics, as well as the Colorado Quantum incubator established in partnership with CU �ֲ��ý.

Off

Traditional

White

CU �ֲ��ý startup Page Technologies wins $400,000 EPA SBIR Phase II

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:45:07 +0000

CU �ֲ��ý startup Page Technologies wins $400,000 EPA SBIR Phase II Daniel Corbin … Wed, 07/08/2026 - 13:45

Secure Non-Dilutive Funding with the Center for Translational Research

Visit the CTR Website

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 million in funding to nine U.S. small businesses to further develop and commercialize environmental technologies through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. �ֲ��ý startup Page Technologies was awarded a $400,000 SBIR Phase II award.

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies participating in the SBIR program, a competitive, award-based initiative that helps small businesses explore technological solutions with the goal of bringing successful innovations to market.

Funding is awarded in phases: in Phase I, EPA provides $100,000 over six months to support "proof of concept" for the proposed technology. Small businesses that complete a Phase I award can then compete for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology—with the potential for up to $100,000 in additional matching funds if the recipient secures an equivalent third-party investment during the project period.

The University of Colorado Connection

PAGE Technologies was founded in 2023 by Elliot Strand (CU �ֲ��ý College of Engineering and Applied Science) and Payton Goodrich to commercialize their innovative low-cost environmental monitoring platform, developed during a collaborative research project as PhD students at CU �ֲ��ý and UC Berkeley, respectively. Supported by key research and innovation initiatives, PAGE Technologies is dedicated to transforming agricultural and environmental monitoring, enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, improving water resource management, and advancing climate resilience efforts.

View Full Profile

What could you do with a CU technology?

Explore Partnership Opportunities

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Venture Partners helps researchers, inventors and creators take their groundbreaking discoveries every step of the way, from intellectual property (IP) management to market launch.

More for University Innovators

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—The EPA announced $3.6 million in funding to nine U.S. small businesses to further develop and commercialize environmental technologies through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. CU �ֲ��ý startup Page Technologies was awarded a $400,000 SBIR Phase II award.

Off

Traditional

White

2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase highlights CU’s next breakthrough startups

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:32:08 +0000

2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase highlights CU’s next breakthrough startups Daniel Corbin … Mon, 06/29/2026 - 18:32

Interested in the Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator?

Deep tech startups, or new companies based on technological innovation in science or engineering, face unique challenges because of their disruptive nature, intensive research and development, and significant capital requirements. Ascent understands the needs and pathways for deep tech startups to find early success.

Visit the Ascent Website

Venture Partners at CU �ֲ��ý capped off its fifth Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator with the 2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase, where research-based startup teams pitched innovations originating from the University of Colorado to an audience of investors, entrepreneurs and fellow researchers. The showcase featured ventures developing breakthrough solutions in health, robotics, advanced materials and more.

Over five months, Ascent teams received mentorship from deep tech experts and Venture Partners staff as they worked toward company formation, refined their paths to market and built compelling fundraising strategies. The showcase marked a milestone for the teams as they emerged ready to engage with early investors, partners and national accelerators.

A Track Record of Impact

Since its launch in 2021, Ascent has supported 67 teams across CU’s �ֲ��ý, Denver and Colorado Springs campuses. Program alumni have raised over $20 million in non-dilutive funding and $47 million in venture capital investment, with many advancing to top-tier programs such as NREL West Gate, Creative Destruction Lab, Techstars and Activate. Ascent is now a cornerstone of CU �ֲ��ý’s deep tech pipeline, helping to turn university inventions and research into impactful startups that solve global challenges.

But what is "commercialization?"

The path to commercialization—also known as "research translation" or "tech transfer"—can be challenging, so Venture Partners unites industry partners, entrepreneurs and investors to help researchers, inventors and creators at the University of Colorado bring their groundbreaking discoveries into the marketplace.

Explore the Path to Commercialization

With 22 teams, 2026 was Ascent's largest cohort to date, including several teams from the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator, which matches motivated entrepreneurs with breakthrough innovations developed at CU �ֲ��ý.

Ascent addresses the unique challenges faced by deep tech startups (companies based on groundbreaking science or engineering) that often require substantial time, research and capital to reach the market. The five-month program builds upon prerequisite customer-discovery training through the NSF I-Corps^TM Hub West—also offered through Venture Partners—and provides tailored support in business formation, market strategy and fundraising.

“This showcase was such an exciting opportunity for us and for everyone to see what the next phase of impactful companies are doing,” said Emily Vogt, director of venture development at Venture Partners. “I truly believe these companies are going to be big names in Colorado and for investors everywhere.”

"Every company on the stage represents years of research, countless conversations with customers, and the courage to turn a scientific breakthrough into a startup," said Emily Vogt, director of venture development and Ascent at Venture Partners. "The showcase is our opportunity to celebrate those founders and the community that's committed to helping them build what's next."

Recordings of the showcase pitches will be available for viewing through the Venture Partners website in the coming weeks. Subscribe for Updates

The Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase was presented with financial support from Holland & Hart and Richtr Financial Studio.

Presenters: 2025 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase

Agami Zero

Agami Zero Inc. develops hydrogen-powered, off-grid EV fast charging and clean power systems for grid-constrained and remote locations. Leveraging CU-licensed electrolysis technology, Agami Zero enables reliable EV charging and energy access without requiring utility upgrades, using cost-effective green hydrogen. Visit the Agami Zero Website

Team Members: Jafar Makrani, Co-Founder, CEO, jafar.makrani@agamizero.com*; Lyle Antieau, Co-Founder, CTO

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech, Hardware and Instrumentation

Arkana Therapeutics

Arkana Therapeutics leverages animals with extreme physiology to discover novel therapeutic molecules and drug targets.

Team Members: Jack Gugel (Alum: CU �ֲ��ý Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology), Co-Founder, CEO, jack@arkanatx.com*; Thomas Martin, Co-Founder, CSO; Jonathan Long (Stanford Medicine), Co-Founder, Scientific Advisor; Leslie Leinwand (CU �ֲ��ý Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, BioFrontiers Institute), Scientific Advisor

Industry Applications: Biotech

BioStamp

BioStamp synthesizes DNA barcodes for engineered microorganisms, enabling biological intellectual property protection, compliance and high-fidelity identification. BioStamp's technology reduces detection false positives and collision probability through deterministic sequences, improving upon core limitations of random barcoding.

Team Members: John Docter (CU �ֲ��ý Environmental Engineering Program), Co-Founder, CEO, john.docter@colorado.edu*; Cresten Mansfeldt (CU �ֲ��ý Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering), Co-Founder, CSO

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Biotech, Genomics, Research and Exploration

BoBoRobo

BoBoRobo (�ֲ��ý-Born Robotics) automates the design, validation and deployment of industrial robotic workcells from a simple English prompt, cutting integration costs by 50% and time-to-live from six months to 10 days. Visit the BoBoRobo Website

Team Members: Alessandro Roncone (CU �ֲ��ý Computer Science), Co-Founder, CEO; Anuj Pasricha (Alum: CU �ֲ��ý Computer Science), Co-Founder, CTO, anuj.pasricha@colorado.edu*

Industry Applications: Robotics

Dualys Bio

Dualys Bio is developing a programmable bacterial enzymes platform—a CRISPR for proteins—to destroy undruggable fusion oncoproteins in childhood cancers. The mRNA-LNP platform delivers precision protein cleavage where no drug has gone before.

Team Members: Andrew Zorn, andrew@dualys.bio*, CEO; Scott McMenemy, CSO;

Industry Applications: Biotech, Therapeutics

Enlixa Bio

Enlixa Bio is building an in vitro platform that quantifies transcription kinetics to help biopharma identify and validate drug candidates against transcriptional targets.

Team Members: Nik Chopra (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Founder, CEO, nik@enlixabio.com*; Dylan Taatje (CU �ֲ��ý Biochemistry), Scientific Advisor, dylan.taatjes@colorado.edu

Industry Applications: Biotech, Genomics, Diagnostics

Flari Tech

Flari Tech Inc. is building a breath analysis platform powered by the 2005 Nobel Prize-winning optical frequency comb technology, based on cutting-edge innovations from Jun Ye's lab at JILA. Flari Tech aims to provide affordable, accessible disease detection solutions by revolutionizing breath diagnostics with quantum sensing. Visit the Flari Tech Website

Team Member: Eva Yao, Founder, CEO, info@flaritech.com*

Industry Applications: Medical Devices, Diagnostics

FlowPoint Bio

FlowPoint Bio is redefining cell engineering with its high-viability, continuous-flow microfluidic platform that enables delivery of gene-editing payloads directly into the nucleus, regardless of cell type or payload size. Visit the FlowPoint Bio Website

Team Members: Vineet Erasala, Co-Founder, CEO, vineet@flowpoint.bio*; Xiaoyun Ding (CU �ֲ��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering), Co-Founder, Scientific Advisor

Industry Applications: Biotech, Manufacturing

Games and Theory

Games and Theory LLC applies game theory and AI to model adversaries' thinking, competition and adaptation. Our simulation platform serves defense wargaming and commercial strategic foresight, exploring hundreds of scenarios with statistical analysis to inform high-stakes decisions. Visit the Games and Theory Website

Team Members: Marcus Holzinger (CU �ֲ��ý Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences), marcus@gamesandtheory.space*, Co-Founder, Principal Investigator (PI); Jay McMahon (CU �ֲ��ý Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences), Co-Founder, Principal (PI)

Industry Applications: Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Civic Engagement and Government, Software

iMembrane Therapeutics

iMembrane Therapeutics develops AI-designed miniproteins that overcome limitations of conventional biologics. The iMembrane Therapeutics platform enables stable, tunable and precisely dosed cytokine modulators for treating severe inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.

Team Members: Jingshi Shen, Co-Founder, CSO; Suzhao Li, sli@imembranetherapeutics.com*, Co-Founder, CEO; Charles Dinarello, Advisor

Industry Applications: Therapeutics

LeTau Robotics

LeTau Robotics develops AI foundation models to teach robots human-like dexterity with 100x less training data. LeTau Robotics enables rapid deployment (hours vs. months) for complex manipulation across manufacturing, logistics and labs—at a fraction of traditional costs.

Team Members: Zhengxiong Li (CU Denver Computer Science and Engineering), CEO, Co-Founder, zhengxiong.li@ucdenver.edu*; Lingfeng Tao, Co-Founder, Advisor; Xinmin Fang (Student: CU Denver Engineering, Design and Computing), Co-Founder, Advisor; Fenglong Ma, Co-Founder, CTO

Industry Applications: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Robotics

Nanosynth

Nanorobotic DNA synthesis using error detection and real-time correction to overcome fundamental limits of traditional DNA manufacturers. Visit the Nanosynth Website

Team Members: Joshua Johnson (The ATLAS Institute), joshua@nanosynthbio.com*, Co-Founder, CEO; Mirela Alistar, Co-Founder, CTO (The ATLAS Institute)

Industry Applications: Biotech

PEGI LLC

Peroxide Enhanced Germicidal Irradiation (PEGI) rapidly inactivates microbes, allergens and volatile organic compounds in HVAC systems, keeping coils clean between seasonal maintenance. PEGI boosts energy efficiency, extends system life, improves indoor air quality, and is easily retrofitted into existing commercial and residential systems.

Team Members: Emma Biesiada (CU �ֲ��ý Aerobiology and Disinfection Lab), Founder, CTO, emmalee.biesiada@gmail.com*; Mark Hernandez (CU �ֲ��ý Environmental Engineering Program), Advisor

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech, Medical Devices

Renovare Therapeutics Inc.

Renovare Therapeutics is developing regenerative therapeutics for osteoarthritis. Our portfolio of products can be customized to meet patients where they are, enabled through technologies including innovative biomaterials, gene therapies and controlled delivery of drugs and biologics that regenerate joint tissues.

Team Members: Stephanie Bryant (CU �ֲ��ý Chemical and Biological Engineering), Founder, CSO; Liz Scott, CEO, elizabeth.scott-2@colorado.edu*; Karin Payne, Co-Principal Investigator (PI); Laurie Goodrich, Co-PI; Kelly Santagelo, Senior Investigator; Mike Zuscik, Co-PI

Industry Applications: Advanced Materials, Biotech, Therapeutics

RipaLith

RipaLith is based on the research by Mija Hubler (CU �ֲ��ý Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering), an expert in concrete degradation and structural performance. RipaLith is developing a concrete preservation solution that can be applied to existing concrete infrastructure to repair cracks—extending lifespan without costly replacement.

Team Members: Mija Hubler (CU �ֲ��ý Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering), Co-Founder, Engineering Advisor; Elena Forchielli (Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, elena.forchielli@colorado.edu*; Paolo Forchielli, Co-Founder, COO;

Industry Applications: Advanced Materials, Construction, Biotech

SureFire

SureFire employs breakthrough LLM and quantum information techniques to more quickly and accurately detect wildfire ignitions from existing thermal camera images. SureFire is launching solutions for fire detection and risk management for customers such as fire agencies, power utilities, insurance companies, and sensor vendors.

Team Members: Gary Robert Dolsen (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, garydolsen@gmail.com*; Longji Cui (CU �ֲ��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering), Co-Founder, CSO, Principal Investigator (PI); Kyle Kuczun, Co-Founder, CTO, CPO;

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Sensors, Software

Synforce

Synforce develops a synergistic catalytic technology to enable efficient clean-fuel generation and water treatment.

Team Members: Sarang Gosavi, Co-Entrepreneurial Lead; Dishan Chooi, Co-Entrepreneurial Lead; Yunxuan Zhu, Co-Technical Lead; Longji Cui (CU �ֲ��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering), longji.cui@colorado.edu*, Advisor, Principal Investigator (PI); Anurag Chauhan, Co-Technical Lead

Industry Applications: Environment and Sustainability, Cleantech

Synteric Robotics

Synteric Robotics builds small, autonomous insect-inspired inspection robots designed to navigate tight, hazardous environments. Our technology combines novel micromechanics, sensing and autonomy to inspect infrastructure humans can’t easily reach.

Team Members: Rob Carpenter (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Founder, rob@frostrivercapital.com*

Industry Applications: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Robotics

VeriLocal

VeriLocal Inc. is an AI platform that filters out non-local social media noise during fast-moving events. Using machine learning to identify geographically authentic content, it delivers real-time, high-signal local insight for crisis response, utilities, insurance, media and other decision-makers. Visit the VeriLocal Website

Team Members: Todd McGuire (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, todd@verilocal.ai*; Lise St. Denis (Earth Lab), Co-Founder, CSO

Industry Applications: Information Technology, Software, Smart Cities

Fortifyd

Fortifyd develops software-designed, 3D-printed impact-absorbing metamaterials that outperform traditional foams. Our precisely tuned materials protect against repetitive low-energy hits and high-impact forces, enabling safer, customizable protection for helmets and other impact-critical applications.

Team Members: Teri Ham (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, hamteri@gmail.com*; Renee Sanchez (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, COO; Sloan Le, CTO

Industry Applications: Advanced Materials, Software, Additive Manufacturing

YarraBio

Yarrabio develops technologies for cancer research, drug discovery and clinical oncology.

Team Members: Savanh Chantha-Phavong (CU �ֲ��ý Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, CSO, savanh.c@yarrabio.com*; Corey Neu, Co-Founder, Scientific Advisor, Principal Investigator (PI)

Industry Applications: Biotech

What can we do together?

Disclose and protect your innovation

Engage in entrepreneurial training programs

Find a mentor to advance your innovation

Get funding for your innovation

Find partners and opportunities for your innovation

Explore investing in and partnering with CU researchers

Explore our startups portfolio

Explore our technology portfolio

Venture Partners capped off its fifth Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator with the 2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase, where research-based startup teams pitched innovations originating from CU to an audience of investors, entrepreneurs and fellow researchers. The showcase featured ventures developing breakthrough solutions in health, robotics, advanced materials and more.

Off

Traditional

White

Colorado BioScience Association announces eight CU �ֲ��ý companies will present at 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:21:58 +0000

Colorado BioScience Association announces eight CU �ֲ��ý companies will present at 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference Daniel Corbin … Mon, 06/29/2026 - 14:21

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA)—Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) has announced the presenting companies selected for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference Presented by BioMed Realty, bringing a powerful cross-section of high-growth life sciences opportunities to investors and strategic partners in Vail, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2026. The lineup features close to 50 companies from Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, including eight from CU �ֲ��ý.

The conference highlights investment-ready companies and creates opportunities to build relationships that help companies grow, scale and succeed.

Full Announcement and List of Companies

CU �ֲ��ý Companies

Illumen Therapeutics

Funding Sought: $3M Seed

Illumen Therapeutics, is pursuing a novel therapeutic strategy to treat aggressive cancers, such as colorectal and pancreatic cancers, by restoring functional p53 through inhibiting the enzyme PARN. This breakthrough in oncology drug development avoids the historical problems exhibited with MDM2 inhibitors. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

Renovare Therapeutics

Funding Sought: $4M Seed

Renovare Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing a pipeline of regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis (OA), a disease impacting 500 million patients globally with no disease-modifying treatments available. Their technology spans advanced particle drug delivery, regenerative biomaterials and engineered gene therapy, allowing us to address the full disease spectrum. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

Think Bioscience

Think Bioscience is a privately held small molecule drug discovery company based in �ֲ��ý, Colorado, focused on developing therapeutics against targets that have historically been considered “undruggable”. The company’s team combines expertise in synthetic biology, protein biophysics, applied enzymology, computational chemistry and medicinal chemistry to launch a first-in-class program for diseases with high unmet need. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

VitriVax

VitriVax is a �ֲ��ý, Colorado-based biotechnology company advancing the ALTA® (Atomic Layering Thermostable Antigen and Adjuvant) platform, a novel technology designed to overcome key challenges in vaccine delivery. ALTA® combines thermostabilization and controlled-release technologies to protect vaccine components from degradation and enable programmable antigen release over time. The platform has the potential to eliminate cold-chain requirements, reduce multi-dose vaccination schedules to a single administration and support the co-formulation of multiple vaccine components in a single product. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

Flari

Flari is building a breath analysis platform based on cutting-edge quantum sensing technologies that represent a new category of analytical methods for studying molecular biology and metabolomics. This platform can support research and development as well as test development and implementation. It promises to broaden testing options for a wide variety of diseases and monitoring needs. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

TissueForm

Funding Sought: $5M Seed

TissueForm has developed Allovia™, a flowable implant for repairing cartilage defects that provides immediate structural support. Made from natural materials derived from human cartilage tissue, Allovia is an off-the-shelf, resorbable implant designed to support the body’s natural healing response in the knee. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

Transformative Biotech

Funding Sought: $2.75M Seed

Transformative Biotech is transforming PCR testing for infectious diseases with patented direct-to-PCR platform technologies. Clinically validated on more than 590,000 patient samples, our platform enables rapid, accurate and affordable molecular testing. @ANYWHERE™, our smartphone-powered handheld PCR platform in development, is designed to expand access to testing, accelerate treatment and reduce the spread of infectious diseases worldwide, ultimately saving lives.

VitaWave

Funding Sought: $5M Seed

VitaWave Tech is developing eBP, a clinical-grade, in-ear blood pressure monitor that delivers FDA AAMI-compliant accuracy with the ease of an earbud. Targeting hypertension, preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease patients, eBP enables remote patient monitoring through a connected mobile app and provider portal with EHR integration. Read �ֲ��ý Their CU Connection

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA)—The presenting companies selected for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference feature close to 50 companies from Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, including eight from CU �ֲ��ý.

Off

Traditional

White

Eight CU �ֲ��ý researchers and four startups receive funding through Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:21:52 +0000

Eight CU �ֲ��ý researchers and four startups receive funding through Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator Daniel Corbin … Tue, 06/02/2026 - 17:21

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has announced that eight �ֲ��ý researchers and four university-connected startup companies received funding through the latest round of the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. The awards, granted through the Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention programs, represent one of the university's strongest performances to date.

The grants support a range of CU �ֲ��ý innovations, including gene therapies, augmented reality, aerospace, advanced materials, robotics, AI and regenerative medicine. Statewide, OEDIT awarded nearly $7.5 million to Colorado researchers and companies developing technologies to accelerate and expand Colorado’s advanced-industries economy. CU �ֲ��ý startups and researchers will receive a total of $2.2 million.

"CU �ֲ��ý’s research enterprise continues to produce discoveries with the potential to address major global challenges, and these awards demonstrate the importance of strategic public investment in helping research breakthroughs achieve their full potential,” said Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation at CU �ֲ��ý. "Programs like the Advanced Industries Accelerator play a critical role in helping transformative technologies move from the laboratory into practical application, delivering tangible benefits to communities in Colorado and beyond."

The Proof of Concept Grant program helps Colorado research institutions accelerate applied research and commercialization activities, while the Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant supports Colorado companies commercializing innovative technologies that will be manufactured or scaled in Colorado.

Historically, these grants have provided powerful returns to the state, in terms of follow-on investment and company growth, according to Bryn Rees, senior associate vice chancellor for innovation and partnerships at CU �ֲ��ý. “Colorado has built one of the strongest environments in the country for translating research into new businesses. OEDIT has been an essential partner in that effort. CU �ֲ��ý spinout companies like Forge Nano and OnKure Therapeutics have grown to become publicly traded companies, and for them, early support from the Advanced Industries program was critical. This new round of awards is a great signal of what is to come,” said Rees.

But what is "commercialization?"

Explore the Path to Commercialization

Today, Venture Partners at CU �ֲ��ý and the campus’ Center for Translational Research support researchers and startup teams pursuing translational funding—financial support that helps move discoveries and innovations from the research laboratory toward real-world application and commercialization—opportunities, including OEDIT grants, U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards and other translational research programs.

“These funding programs are often catalytic moments for research teams and startup companies,” said Sarah Hughes, director of the Center for Translational Research at CU �ֲ��ý. “The Center for Translational Research helps innovators identify opportunities, strengthen commercialization strategies and compete for funding that can accelerate the path from discovery to impact.”

The latest Advanced Industries awards come as CU �ֲ��ý continues to demonstrate national leadership in research commercialization and startup formation.

Fourteen of the awardees—including teams from the Colorado School of Mines and CU Denver—participated in the National Science Foundation I-Corps™ customer discovery and commercialization programs offered through CU �ֲ��ý. The university is part of NSF I-Corps Hub West, a partnership of 11 research institutions that includes Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, University of Southern California and others.

Most recently, Forge Nano announced plans to go public through a $1.6B SPAC deal, making it CU �ֲ��ý’s 11th “unicorn” company—a startup valued at $1 billion or more while still privately held. Forge Nano traces part of its early support to funding from OEDIT through a partnership with the CU �ֲ��ý that would later become the Lab Venture Challenge. The company commercializes atomic layer deposition nanocoating technology developed at CU �ֲ��ý and now produces advanced battery materials and semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

In fiscal year 2024, CU �ֲ��ý launched 35 new companies based on university intellectual property, more than any other U.S. campus that year. Commercialization activities through Venture Partners generated an economic impact of $8.7 billion nationally and $5.1 billion in Colorado over the last five years, according to a report from the Leeds School of Business.

The university also recently announced a strategic partnership with Techstars, the global startup accelerator and investor network founded in �ֲ��ý, to expand opportunities for founders and further strengthen Colorado’s innovation economy.

The Advanced Industries Accelerator Program received 144 applications during the latest funding cycle, which were reviewed by panels of business, technical and financial experts across Colorado’s advanced industries sectors. Final recommendations were approved by the Economic Development Commission on May 21, 2026. The next application cycle will open July 1, 2026.

CU Proof-of-Concept Grants

�ֲ��ý, PI Mirela Alistar - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a nanorobotic DNA synthesis platform that uses real-time error correction to produce the long genetic templates required for advanced gene therapies.

�ֲ��ý, PI Christopher Bowman - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a photopolymer-based optical materials platform to improve the performance and manufacturing of holographic elements for augmented reality displays.

�ֲ��ý, PI Xiaoyun Ding - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a microfluidic cell-modification platform to improve the manufacturing efficiency and payload capacity of cell and gene therapies.

�ֲ��ý, PI Timothy Hellickson - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a satellite-mounted, space-debris detection system to identify and characterize orbital debris that is too small for conventional radar tracking.

�ֲ��ý, PI Mija Hubler - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a regenerative, biobased tape for the durable repair of cracks in residential, commercial, and municipal concrete infrastructure.

�ֲ��ý, PI Laila Marzall - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing an innovative in-band full-duplex analog hardware architecture to enable spectrum-agile wireless communication systems.

�ֲ��ý, PI Jay McMahon - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing an artificial intelligence–powered strategic wargaming platform for evaluating complex conflict scenarios in the defense and aerospace sectors.

�ֲ��ý, PI Stephanie Bryant - �ֲ��ý, CO $150,000: Developing a customizable therapeutic platform to restore cartilage and bone in patients with osteoarthritis at any stage of disease progression.

University of Colorado Denver, PI Zhengxiong Li - Denver, CO $150,000: Developing a foundation model platform that enables robots equipped with high-degree-of-freedom anthropomorphic hands to master complex manufacturing and assembly tasks.

CU Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grants

Blue Cubed LLC - Lafayette, CO $250,000: Developing a laser communications terminal designed for seamless interoperability between satellite networks.

Codebreaker Tx Inc. - �ֲ��ý, CO $250,000: Developing a genomic data-as-a-service platform that generates high-resolution biological datasets for artificial intelligence-driven research and drug development.

Modendo Inc. - �ֲ��ý, CO $250,000: Developing an ultrathin, fiber-based optical probing platform designed for the failure analysis and security evaluation of advanced 3D semiconductor architectures.

Vesicle Therapeutics Inc. - �ֲ��ý, CO $250,000: Developing a targeted genetic therapy to treat head and neck cancer by distinguishing between different versions of the same protein.

What can we do together?

Disclose and protect your innovation

Engage in entrepreneurial training programs

Find a mentor to advance your innovation

Get funding for your innovation

Find partners and opportunities for your innovation

Explore investing in and partnering with CU researchers

Explore our startups portfolio

Explore our technology portfolio

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has announced that eight CU �ֲ��ý researchers and four startups received funding through the latest round of the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. The awards, granted through the Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention programs, represent one of the university's strongest performances to date.

Off

Traditional

White

CU Startup News

Modendo awarded a $3M SBIR Phase II Grant

The University of Colorado Connection

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

Infleqtion secures three Genesis Mission projects from U.S. Department of Energy

The University of Colorado Connection

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

Activate welcomes two CU �ֲ���ý-connected startups to its Cohort 2026

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

Neurological drugs dominate the headlines, and therapeutics from snakes

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

WATCH: Google Maps for space—how a 20 Twenties winner built HoloAstro

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

BizWest unveils inaugural ‘Startups to Watch’ and names three CU �ֲ���ý startups

The University of Colorado Connections

Flari Tech

Kioga

Renovare Therapeutics

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

CU �ֲ���ý startup Page Technologies wins $400,000 EPA SBIR Phase II

The University of Colorado Connection

What could you do with a CU technology?

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

Off

2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase highlights CU’s next breakthrough startups

A Track Record of Impact

But what is "commercialization?"

Presenters: 2025 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase

Agami Zero

Arkana Therapeutics

BioStamp

BoBoRobo

Dualys Bio

Enlixa Bio

Flari Tech

FlowPoint Bio

Games and Theory

iMembrane Therapeutics

LeTau Robotics

Nanosynth

PEGI LLC

Renovare Therapeutics Inc.

RipaLith

SureFire

Synforce

Synteric Robotics

VeriLocal

Fortifyd

YarraBio

What can we do together?

Off

Colorado BioScience Association announces eight CU �ֲ���ý companies will present at 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference

CU �ֲ���ý Companies

Off

Eight CU �ֲ���ý researchers and four startups receive funding through Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator

But what is "commercialization?"

CU Proof-of-Concept Grants

CU Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grants

What can we do together?

Off

Activate welcomes two CU �ֲ��ý-connected startups to its Cohort 2026

BizWest unveils inaugural ‘Startups to Watch’ and names three CU �ֲ��ý startups

CU �ֲ��ý startup Page Technologies wins $400,000 EPA SBIR Phase II

Colorado BioScience Association announces eight CU �ֲ��ý companies will present at 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference

CU �ֲ��ý Companies

Eight CU �ֲ��ý researchers and four startups receive funding through Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator