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Photo: Elliot Strand, co-founder of PAGE Technologies

Get a front-row seat to the University of Colorado's next big ideas competing for more than $1M in awards

Daniel Leonard — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:28:30 +0000

Get a front-row seat to the University of Colorado's next big ideas competing for more than $1M in awards Daniel Leonard Tue, 09/15/2026 - 10:28

Twelve teams of University of Colorado faculty researchers, graduate student innovators and entrepreneurs will compete for more than $1 million in early-stage commercialization grants in this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Showcases at the Dairy Arts Center. Judges from Venture Partners at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� entrepreneurial network will hear Shark Tank-style pitches across two nights, one for innovations in physical sciences and another for biosciences.

Physical Sciences: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
Biosciences: Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-8:30 p.m.

Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
All Are Welcome — CU Affiliation is Not Required
Tickets Are Free

Get Free Tickets

Add to Calendar: Google Apple Outlook Office 365 ICS File

Through LVC, top innovators from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Denver and Colorado 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 Colorado 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 assistant director of licensing 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 Colorado to make it happen."

To date, LVC has funded 117 projects through 70 new deep-tech startup companies, which collectively have raised over $691 million in follow-on financing, including Arkana Therapeutics, Mesa Quantum and Forge Nano — ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s 11th unicorn spinout.

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 funding for their groundbreaking work.

2026 LVC Finalists

Showcase Pitch Presenters | Contact for Project Inquiries

Physical Sciences Finalists

AI-Accelerated Advanced Battery Materials

Developing a new class of high-energy, beyond-lithium battery active materials made entirely from earth-abundant, domestically sourced elements. By integrating ML/AI with proprietary advanced crystal-structure engineering, their materials enable energy parity with conventional lithium systems at a fraction of the cost. The team has formed a startup, Orva Energy, to bring their innovation to market.

Evan Flitz, PhD Candidate of Chemical and Biological Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Co-Founder and Principal Materials Engineer of Orva Energy, evan@orvaenergy.com
Chunmei Ban, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor of Orva Energy
Cooper Tezak, PhD Alum of Chemical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Scientific Advisor at Orva Energy

In the News

From Tony Stark to Obi-Wan Kenobi: Meet 4 (of 7) West Gate Fellows and Their Technologies (2026, National Laboratory of the Rockies)

An Autonomous Optical Clock

Ptarmigan is developing the autonomous optical clock, the first clock to eliminate the environmental and calibration constraints that have kept optical clocks bespoke devices. For the first time, optical precision can be manufactured at scale and deployed as network infrastructure for distributed sensing, quantum systems and national security. The team has formed a startup, Ptarmigan Clockworks Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Benjamin Hunt, Graduate Research Assistant at NIST and Graduate Student of Physics at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder and CEO of Ptarmigan Clockworks, benjamin.hunt@ptarmigan-clockworks.com
Phillip Klein, Commercialization for Ptarmigan Clockworks
Andrew Ludlow, Neutral Atom Optical Clock Group Leader at NIST, Scientific Advisor
Jun Ye, Professor Adjoint of Physics at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and Fellow at JILA, Scientific Advisor

Intelligent Electronic Skin Transforming Prosthetic Diagnostics

Intelligent liquid-metal electronic skin embedded in prosthetic sockets for real-time pressure mapping. AI-driven analytics learn each patient’s pressure patterns to predict socket issues before they cause pain. This affordable, scalable system gives prosthetists data-driven insights to improve socket fit and daily comfort. The team has formed a startup, RheoSynapse Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Jianliang Xiao, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder of RheoSynapse, jianliang.xiao@colorado.edu
Dhileep Kumar Jayashankar, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Lead Researcher
Ruili Zhang, Graduate Student of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Optical Timekeeping Made Portable: The Single-Chip Acoustic-Optoelectronic Oscillator

A chip-scale microwave oscillator that generates exceptionally pure signal tones by circulating energy between sound and light on a single chip. By amplifying the sound waves directly on-chip — with no electronics in the loop — the device targets the signal purity of room-sized precision oscillators in a package small enough for portable radar, navigation and communications.

Daniel Lesko, Research Scientist in Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Engineer
Matt Eichenfield, PI, Endowed Chair in Quantum Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, matt.eichenfield@colorado.edu
Scott Diddams, Professor of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Scientific Advisor
Kiyan Hocek, PhD Student of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Engineer

Practical Post-Quantum Cryptography for Resource-Constrained Networks and Devices

New quantum-resistant algorithms have been developed that prevent quantum computers from breaking the public-key algorithms that secure almost all internet communications. This technology works where these new public-key algorithms do not: low-power IoT devices and limited-bandwidth networks. The team has formed a startup, Choyu Networks Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Elliot Eichen, Research Associate of Computer Science at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder and CTO of Choyu Networks, elliot.eichen@colorado.edu
Matt Collier, Co-Founder and CBO of Choyu Networks
Marco Rubin, Co-Founder and Investment Advisor of Choyu Networks
Sylvia Llosa, PhD Candidate in Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Cryptography SME
Richard Dixon, Marketing for Choyu Networks
Yueqi Chen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Advisor
Sangtae Ha, Associate Professor of Computer Science at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Advisor

Tunable 3D-Printed Helmet Liners for Multi-Impact Protection

Reimagined helmet protection with a 3D-printed liner computationally tuned by sport, helmet region and impact type. Its plate-lattice structure is designed to manage repeated hits and severe impacts alike. Peer-reviewed research showed up to 6x greater energy absorption than conventional foams at equal density—performance being translated into next-generation helmet protection. The team has formed a startup, Fortifyd LLC, to bring their innovation to market.

Teri Ham, Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator and BS Alum of Business at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Co-Founder and CEO of Fortifyd, hamteri@gmail.com
Robert MacCurdy, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI and Technical Advisor
Charles Wade, Master of Science Alum and PhD Student of Computer Science at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Lead Software Engineer at Fortifyd
Daphne Felt, Graduate Student of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Lead Product Engineer at Fortifyd
Elisse Lockhart, Product Strategy and Commercialization Leader at Fortifyd

Biosciences Finalists

AI-Designed Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine

Cell therapies are grown in Matrigel, an undefined mouse tumor extract that varies lot to lot; every alternative is one formulation sold for every use. Regelife uses machine learning to design the matrix around the cell, turning 18 months of trial and error into one kit. In ALS, the matrix decides whether transplanted neurons survive. Built on Anseth Lab hydrogel chemistry at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. The team has formed a startup, Regelife Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Kristi S. Anseth, Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, PI, Co-Founder and CSO of Regelife
Mark Ma, Co-Founder and CEO of Regelife, mark@regelife.bio
Hideyuki Okano, Scientific Co-Founder of Regelife

A Real-Time Screening Platform for Drugs Targeting Transcription Regulators

RIFT (Real-time In vitro Fluorescent Transcription), developed in the Taatjes Lab at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, enables direct visualization of individual drug-target interactions in real time, distinguishing on-target from off-target activity to improve drug screening ahead of clinical trials. The team has formed a startup, Enlixa Bio Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Nik Chopra, Embark Startup Founder, Co-Founder and CEO of Enlixa Bio, nik@enlixabio.com
Dylan Taatjes, Professor of Biochemistry at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Founding Scientist of Enlixa Bio

EYA Degraders: Releasing the Immune Brake in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer resists immunotherapy because tumor-associated macrophages are reprogrammed to shield it. The team discovered that eliminating a single protein, EYA3, from those macrophages shrinks tumors in mice and draws cancer-killing T cells inward. They are now building bifunctional molecules that destroy EYA3 outright, making immunologically cold tumors treatable. The team has formed a startup, Sieyax Inc., to bring their innovation to market.

Xiang Wang, Associate Professor of Chemistry at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder and Co-CSO of Sieyax, xiang.wang@colorado.edu
Heide Ford, Endowed Chair and Professor of Pharmacology at CU Anschutz, Co-Founder and Co-CSO of Sieyax
Rui Zhao, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at CU Anschutz, Co-Founder and Co-CSO of Sieyax
Ginny Orndorff, Co-Founder and CEO of Sieyax

Long-Acting, Non-Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain

A long-acting non-opioid analgesic that selectively targets CaV3.2 to provide sustained relief from chronic pain without abuse liability. The team has formed a startup, AnesaBio, to bring their innovation to market.

Michael Stowell, Professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder and CSO of AnesaBio, michael.stowell@colorado.edu
Slobodan Todorovic, Professor of Anesthesiology at CU Anschutz, Co-Founder and CMO of AnesaBio
Sam Kintz, Advisor
Joe Lyssikatos, Advisor

Microgravity Manufacturing of Next-Generation Stem Cell Therapies

A microgravity biomanufacturing platform designed to expand umbilical cord blood stem cells for treating blood cancers. By keeping cells naturally suspended without mechanical agitation, the technology aims to preserve their therapeutic advantages while producing enough cells to treat adult patients, unlocking the potential of cord blood transplantation. The team has formed a startup, Opera Space LLC, to bring their innovation to market.

Stuart Tozer, Associate Director of BioServe Space Technologies at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Co-Founder of Opera Space LLC, stuart.tozer@colorado.edu
Tobias Niederwieser, Assistant Research Professor of Bioastronautics, PI, Co-Founder of Opera Space LLC

Novel Electromechanics Biomarkers for Cartilage Health Diagnostics

A noninvasive MRI technique that reveals cartilage's hidden electrical and mechanical signatures under joint loading, detecting early degeneration years before it appears on standard scans. This new biomarker could help diagnose osteoarthritis risk sooner and track whether emerging joint-preserving therapies are actually working. The team has formed a startup, Potentis Imaging, to bring their innovation to market.

Corey Neu, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, PI, Co-Founder of Potentis Imaging, cpneu@colorado.edu
Yassmeen Youssef, Co-Founder of Potentis Imaging

The Lab Venture Challenge at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has announced the 2026 finalists of bio- and physical sciences innovators to pitch their ideas to a live audience at the Dairy Arts Center for more than $1 million in awards.

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Protect your discoveries before you publish them

Daniel Leonard — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:06:22 +0000

Protect your discoveries before you publish them Daniel Leonard Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:06

As a researcher, creator or inventor at the University of Colorado, your work has the potential to change the world. Whether you’re advancing renewable energy solutions, developing breakthrough medical devices or creating innovative software, your discoveries could have far-reaching impacts beyond the lab, studio or classroom. Protecting these innovations may be necessary to ensure that they reach their full potential benefit to society while securing recognition and opportunities for you.

What is Intellectual Property?

Ready to go further?

Find the market for your innovation: I-Corps is a practical, accessible first step for anyone looking to translate their discoveries into real-world solutions.

Fund your research or creative work through commercialization: transform your ideas into real-world solutions—while securing funding to advance your work.

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, including inventions, designs, original works of authorship, trade secrets and trademarks. IP encompasses both tangible creations, like a prototype or software and intangible assets, like ideas and processes. IP protections such as patents and copyrights are key tools for ensuring that your innovations have a lasting impact.

Why IP matters

When you publish your research, share your invention, or showcase your creation publicly, it becomes accessible to everyone around the world. While public disclosure can advance knowledge-sharing and inspire innovation, publishing without the proper IP protection could prevent the technology from being further developed into a product and made more widely available.

Venture Partners at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is here to help secure IP rights and safeguard the discoveries researchers, inventors and creators at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, UCCS and CU Denver (except CU Denver biosciences investigators, who should work with CU Anschutz Innovations) make while at the university, ensuring you receive proper recognition and enabling opportunities for broader impact.

Securing IP rights can open doors to funding and partnerships. Protected innovations are more attractive to investors, collaborators and companies looking to license new technologies and, in many cases, are necessary for a company to partner with your lab or to invest in further research or development of a product. By protecting your work, you’re not only ensuring its impact but also creating opportunities for further growth and development.

How Venture Partners can help

Venture Partners is here to support you at every step of the IP process. We provide the expertise and resources you need to protect your innovations and bring them to the world.

Confidential consultations: Have an idea or discovery? Share it with our team of experts, who can help you evaluate its potential and guide you on the next steps.
IP protection: From patents to copyrights, our team specializes in identifying and securing the appropriate protections for your work.
Supporting broader impact: We connect university innovators with funding, mentors and industry partners to turn ideas into impactful products and services.

CU’s IP policy requires university-employed researchers, creators and inventors to disclose innovations to ensure protection and access to commercialization resources. Early disclosure—before public presentation or publication—preserves the university’s ability to secure IP protection, especially for patents. Learn more about CU’s IP policies here.

Unsure if your work should be disclosed? Venture Partners is happy to meet with you to discuss your work and opportunities before you commit to submitting a disclosure. Learn more and contact our team.

Opportunity begins with disclosure

One of the biggest misconceptions about commercialization is that researchers, inventors or creators must give up control of their intellectual property. Venture Partners empowers CU innovators to take the lead in translating their discoveries into real-world applications. Whether you want to launch a startup, collaborate with industry or license your technology to an existing company in exchange for royalties, Venture Partners provides guidance and funding opportunities to support your journey.

Venture Partners can also help connect you with experienced industry partners or entrepreneurs who will drive commercialization forward on your behalf—ensuring that your discoveries make an impact without requiring you to leave academia.

A record of success

In fiscal year 2025, Venture Partners secured 55 patents for university innovations, more than half of which are already partnered with new ventures and companies. In the same year, Venture Partners launched 23 new companies based on CU innovations—many founded by the innovators themselves and others formed in partnership with entrepreneurs from outside the university.

Protecting new intellectual property was the first step in creating a competitive strategy for new CU startups like LongPath Technologies, which was developed out of research by founder Greg Reiker, professor of mechanical engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and research associate at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to create a long-range methane detection system.

Similarly, SomaLogic emerged from the groundbreaking work by Larry Gold, professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, revolutionizing proteomics methods to provide deeper insights into disease detection, treatment and personalized medicine.

Beyond startups, CU innovations are being licensed all over the world.

Riverware is a software tool for modeling river systems with over 200 licenses to water management groups around the world. It is one of the most used ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� innovations.
PhET provides interactive learning simulations for science and math. Available in over 120 languages, and through partnerships with hundreds of education companies, PhET has transformed STEM learning across the globe.
New materials invented at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and licensed by 3M provide more durable dental fillings, dentures and implants for more effective care and fewer trips to the dentist's chair.

How to get started

Protecting your innovation begins with a simple step: submitting a disclosure to Venture Partners. Our online disclosure form is quick and easy to complete, and our team is available to answer any questions you have along the way. Learn more and get started here.

Your work deserves protection

CU is committed to fostering innovation and supporting the incredible work of its researchers, creators and inventors. By protecting your discoveries, you’re taking the first step toward transforming your ideas into real-world solutions. Let Venture Partners help you navigate this journey and ensure your innovations make a lasting impact.

What can we do together?

Find partners and opportunities for your innovation

Explore investing in and partnering with CU researchers

As a researcher, creator or inventor at the University of Colorado, your work has the potential to change the world. Protecting these innovations may be necessary to ensure that they reach their full potential, benefiting society while securing recognition and opportunities for you.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� announces new intellectual property policy

Daniel Leonard — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:24:18 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� announces new intellectual property policy Daniel Leonard Mon, 08/31/2026 - 15:24

Effective Aug. 25, 2026, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has implemented a new campus-wide intellectual property policy, as required under CU Regents Policy 5.I and CU System’s Administrative Policy Statement (APS) 1013, to better support intellectual property (IP) management and commercialization. Venture Partners at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has prepared this questions-and-answers article as guidance for the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus and encourages faculty, staff and students to review the full policies.

Protect Before You Publish!

Researchers, inventors and creators should submit a disclosure of any invention or copyrighted material before publishing it to ensure its protection.

Early announcements or publications, whether written or spoken, can jeopardize the protection and commercialization of your invention or copyrighted material. Establishing personal contact and submitting a Disclosure Form quickly is a crucial first step.

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to the legal rights that protect an innovation, creative work or discovery, including patents, copyright and trademarks. IP is critical to bringing innovations from the University of Colorado to market.

Who will be impacted by these policy changes?

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� IP policy applies to a range of situations, affiliations and personnel on campus. Anyone generating intellectual property while affiliated with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� or using ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� resources to do so should review the policy.

If you're interested in commercializing inventions or have made a new discovery, a great place to start is disclosing it to Venture Partners. Disclosing an invention provides you with expert guidance on relevant resources and interpretation of CU’s IP policies, but disclosure does not affect ownership.

Employees in CU Denver’s physical sciences and at UCCS should check back later, as their campus policies are still in development. Employees in CU Denver’s biosciences and at CU Anschutz should refer to CU Anschutz Innovations.

What does the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� IP policy do?

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� IP policy and procedure aim to help the campus translate research and resulting inventions into real-world impact. Many processes and structures support that goal, including compliance with federal regulations and standardizing how the university mobilizes promising inventions.

Specifically, the IP policy:

Establishes the parameters of the university’s ownership of IP
Guides how the university manages IP and its commercialization
Sets practices for associated activities, like creating startup companies
Provides guidance to inventors and creators about their responsibilities
Describes how the campus’s revenue from IP is shared

The ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� IP policy went into effect on Aug. 25, 2026.

Importantly, the policy is not a step-by-step guide to how inventors should seek to commercialize their research, or a description of the many resources the university offers in support. For that, explore opportunities and support from Venture Partners.

Why did ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� create this new policy?

In 2015, the University of Colorado moved IP commercialization and the associated IP management from a system-level technology transfer office to the campus level, which led to Venture Partners. Now, Regent Policy 5.I and the paired APS 1013 have been amended to better support this structure, and, in accordance, CU’s campuses have implemented their own IP policies with campus-specific direction.

The field of university innovation and entrepreneurship has evolved significantly since the policies were last revised in 2006, and the new campus policy reflects the university’s commitment to exercising the best and most current practices and opportunities for our faculty and students in IP management and commercialization

What was changed or updated from the previous policy?

The new policy and procedure includes multiple clarifying changes; those interested are encouraged to review the policies in full.

Revenue Distribution

The ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� IP policy sets the distribution formula for IP licensing revenue received by the university (known as “Net Receipts” in the policy), as follows:

35% to discoverer(s) of the invention(s) generating the revenue
25% to the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of the Chancellor
25% to Venture Partners
15% to the College(s) and/or Institute(s) in which the invention(s) generating the revenue were created

These changes—relative to the prior system-level policy—increase the inventor share from 25% to 35%, and create a new 15% share for colleges and institutes. The Chancellor and Venture Partners retain their 25% shares. The policy removed the 25% share previously allocated to campus research accounts.

Software

Today, software and related IP operate in a very different environment than under the prior IP policy. To modernize how software is handled, the new policy and procedure clarify that software created for academic or other non-commercial purposes may be released under open-source licensing at the creator's discretion, without disclosing the software to or obtaining permission from the university, unless otherwise stipulated by a contract or grant sponsor.

Undergraduate Student IP

The campus policy and procedure now address undergraduate student IP, providing clarity for students and their campus collaborators. In almost all cases, the university does not own IP created by undergraduates.

Why was the IP revenue distribution changed?

The changes reflect the adoption of national best practices among U.S. universities to pursue IP commercialization opportunities and support faculty and students.

At 25%, the inventor share at CU historically fell below the 33% average among universities; therefore, it was increased to 35%.
CU lacked a revenue share to the home academic unit, which significantly supports faculty; therefore, a new 15% share to the college and/or institute was created.
A research account share is not common practice among peer universities, and benefits some inventors but not others; therefore, it was replaced with an increased share to all inventors and the share to the entire academic unit.

For inventors looking for other ways that IP commercialization can increase funding to their research lab, there are many options. The following grant programs are specifically directed to IP commercialization:

U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards
sponsored research from a startup or corporate partner
Commercialization-specific grants such as
- CU’s Lab Venture Challenge
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Proof of Concept (POC) grants
- U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Translation to Practice program and Engines
- Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) and Advanced Research Projects Agency - Health(ARPA-H) grants.

Historically, such funding sources represent several orders of magnitude more research performed by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� than the previously used research account share of IP revenue. To support faculty pursuing these commercialization-oriented funding sources, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Center for Translational Research, part of Venture Partners, provides funding identification and proposal guidance.

Beyond the new campus policy and procedure on IP, how can inventors get guidance and support for their innovations?

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has a wealth of resources and programs to support faculty, staff and student inventors. Examples include commercialization grant opportunities, mentorship and startup competitions, accelerators, and investment funding. For more, visit the Venture Partners website to learn more about what we do for university innovators. Undergraduate student inventors should visit the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative website.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has implemented a new campus-wide intellectual property policy to better support intellectual property (IP) management and commercialization.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers develop tiny surface vibrations that could cut aircraft drag and fuel use

Daniel Leonard — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:48:39 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers develop tiny surface vibrations that could cut aircraft drag and fuel use Daniel Leonard Thu, 08/27/2026 - 13:48

At cruising speed, a commercial jet can burn more than 10,000 gallons of fuel on a single cross-country flight, much of it lost to turbulence in the boundary layer of air moving across its wings. University of Colorado Boulder researchers are pursuing a way to reduce that drag without reshaping the aircraft itself, using engineered microscopic vibrations generated by synthetic materials placed beneath the surface.

Two recent papers from the team describe complementary advances—dubbed “super resonance” and “scatterless interference”—that allow these subsurface vibrations to work across a wider range of frequencies and larger areas than earlier designs allowed.

More: SciTechDaily

Aircrafts of the Future

The research is led by Mahmoud I. Hussein, professor of aerospace engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, with Adam R. Harris, graduate research assistant and PhD alum of materials science and engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, as a coauthor on both papers. The work builds on a $7.5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI), awarded to Hussein in 2025 to develop phononic subsurface technology for next-generation aircraft.

“The prevailing paradigm since the beginning of aviation is to control drag by only shaping the vehicle,” Hussein said. “These two new milestones provide complementary solutions toward the puzzle that is the effectiveness of PSubs,” added Harris.

What could CU research do for you?

Venture Partners connects entrepreneurs and companies—from early-stage startups to the Fortune 500—with more than 1,500 CU technologies ready to license and bring to market.

Turn your discovery into real-world impact

If you're a CU researcher or inventor, Venture Partners guides you from idea to market—IP protection, funding, mentorship and licensing.

SciTechDaily—Mahmoud Hussein's team demonstrated two advances in phononic subsurface technology that work across a wider range of frequencies and larger areas than earlier designs allowed. The approach could reduce drag-related fuel loss in commercial flight without changing an aircraft's external shape.

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

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

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

Infleqtion, a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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?

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.

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.

Infleqtion, Quantum Insider, BizWest—Infleqtion, a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and span AI-optimized quantum circuit design for nuclear applications, deployable atomic quantum sensing with Agentic AI and nuclear fusion energy research.

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Bold ideas from the arts, humanities and social sciences backed by Creative Futures Fellowship

Daniel Leonard — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:02:05 +0000

Bold ideas from the arts, humanities and social sciences backed by Creative Futures Fellowship Daniel Leonard Thu, 07/16/2026 - 14:02

Daniel Leonard

Creative Futures Fellowship

Funding, support and community for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� teams in the arts, humanities and social sciences to transform their ideas and creative works into real-world impact.

Learn More

Subscribe for updates about future Creative Futures Fellowship applications.

Venture Partners at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has announced the inaugural cohort of Creative Futures Fellows, supporting arts, humanities and social science projects that address challenges facing communities in Colorado and beyond.

Selected through a competitive review process, the 2026 fellows represent disciplines from across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, from design, music and media studies to education, history and wellness research. Their projects explore topics including neurodiversity, educator wellbeing, artificial intelligence, human rights, public health, cultural preservation and civic understanding.

The Creative Futures Fellowship supports scholarship and creative practice that have historically had fewer pathways to “translational” funding—support that moves promising ideas into real-world applications. The fellowship also provides mentorship, professional development and a community of support.

"��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has long been recognized for translating scientific discoveries into startups and products that improve lives," said Bryn Rees, senior associate vice chancellor for innovation and partnerships at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. "The Creative Futures Fellowship reflects a broader understanding of innovation by recognizing the power of artists, scholars and social scientists to create new approaches to community wellbeing, cultural understanding and social progress."

Six of the projects participated in a customer discovery program offered by the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps^TM Hub West and Venture Partners. Through interviews and community engagement, participants tested assumptions, worked to better understand their audiences and strengthened their projects' real-world relevance.

Venture Partners' track record of translating university innovations into impact includes a record number of startups launched from CU discoveries, 11 unicorn companies and $8.7 billion in national economic impact.

The Creative Futures Fellowship is Venture Partners’s first program specifically designed to help arts, humanities and social science innovators move beyond the university and into communities. "These fellows are demonstrating how creative and human-centered work can generate meaningful impact far beyond campus," Rees said.

The fellowship builds on ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s broader approach to innovation, supporting big ideas beyond deep tech. Examples range from educational and wellness tools such as PhET Interactive Simulations and Mindful Mood Balance for Moms and Virridy's work to improve water security.

“These projects reflect the remarkable range of talent at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and the impact the arts and humanities have in the community,” said Jonathan Marenus, director of the Creative Futures Fellowship. “Investing in these disciplines is vital. These fellows are turning knowledge and creativity into action. We are proud to support their work and help them build what’s needed to advance that work in the world.”

Fellows will receive a combined $150,000 in funding, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Over the coming months, they will participate in the fellowship's Support Studio, connecting with mentors, refining implementation strategies and building partnerships to advance their work.

Subscribe for updates about future Creative Futures Fellowship applications.

2026 Creative Futures Fellows

The Day it Rained Forever: A New Opera ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� the Power of Music

The Day It Rained Forever is an operatic parable on how finding our shared humanity can heal conflict and isolation. This project will use performances to bring improved wellness and connection to senior living communities, offering a new model for building shared wellbeing through the arts.

Team:

Jeffrey Nytch; Professor of Composition; PI, Composer and Librettist
Leah Peña Teeters, Director of Education Initiatives at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute; Co-PI and Program Coordinator

Designing with AI Ethically: A Public Humanities Initiative

This project develops a public humanities initiative that helps emerging designers critically engage with artificial intelligence through workshops, dialogue and an ethics guide. It promotes responsible, socially aware and environmentally conscious approaches to technology in creative practice.

Team:

Nesrine Mansour, Assistant Professor of Environmental Design, PI

Encuentros: Latin American Media Practices Towards Human Rights

Encuentros is a transnational network of Latin American human rights media activists that aims to amplify community-rooted human rights narratives through a podcast series, an online gathering and an open-source archive, enabling alternative human rights discourses.

Team:

Stephanie Graeml Abdalla, PhD Student in Media Studies, Project Lead and PI
Leila Gómez, Professor of Women and Gender Studies, Interdisciplinary Research Advisor
Júlia Martins Rodrigues, Associate Director of Media Economies Design Lab, Logistics and Operations Coordinator

Energy, AI and Us: Building Science Literacy Through Student Outreach

From electricity bills to data centers, forces shaping communities are complex. This project pairs ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students with middle schools to explore energy and artificial intelligence, building skills to reason through complexity and bring conversations home, as these issues do not pick sides, and neither does science.

Team:

Nirav S. Patel, Assistant Teaching Professor of Environmental Studies and a SPIKE Faculty Affiliate, PI

Extreme Temperatures in Prisons: Embodied Testimonials for Change

Through a series of workshops, formerly incarcerated participants will create three-dimensional architectural models of prison spaces where they experienced temperature extremes. Context and recommendations for policy changes will be developed by participants and will accompany models in written or audio formats.

Team:

Sophie Weston Chien, Assistant Professor of Environmental Design, Co-PI and Architecture Lead
Liz Corrado, PhD Student in Environmental Studies, Co-PI and Policy Lead
David Ciplet, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, Co-PI and Policy Advisor
Shawhin Roudbari, Associate Professor of Environmental Design, Co-PI and Architecture Advisor

Her Sound, Our Story: Women Composers Honor Colorado's Jazz Legends

"Her Sound, Our Story" celebrates Colorado's jazz heritage through newly commissioned works by four women composers inspired by local jazz legends. Through recording, storytelling and a free public presentation, the project honors cultural legacy, fosters community connection and expands representation in jazz.

Team:

Annie Booth, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies; Creator, Artistic Director and PI

Mentor BWell: Educator Mentoring for Wellbeing

The aim of this project is to co-design, pilot and refine Mentor BWell, an evidence-based educator wellness mentoring model, for Boulder Valley School District’s induction program. The project seeks to strengthen mentors' wellbeing and leadership capacities and enhance the induction experience for all involved.

Team:

Mining the Sun: An Arts and Humanities Public History Initiative

Mountain communities confront issues of environmental stewardship, economic survival, industrial expansion and regional identity. Mining the Sun creates new platforms for civic engagement and community development through documentary art practice, creative storytelling and the curation of archival media.

Team:

Hanna Rose Shell, Professor of Cinema Studies, Moving Image Arts, Art and Art History

Modeling African Origins from Inland Conflict to Atlantic Networks

This project calculates the probabilities of African origins by tracing slave routes from inland conflict zones to Atlantic slave ships. Combining historical records and spatial statistical modeling, it transforms complex research into an interactive resource for educators, museums and descendant communities.

Team:

Henry Lovejoy, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Digital Slavery Research Lab, PI and Director
Eric Vance, Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics and Lab of Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis, Co-PI and Director
Kartikay Chadha, Web Development and Technical Partner (Walk With Web)

Rehearsing the Future: Neural Data, Consent and the Public

Noetic Commons produces participatory art installations and public documentation in which audiences encounter speculative futures defined by who controls their neural data. The work advances public understanding of neurorights and consent in an era of expanding consumer neurotechnology.

Team:

Christina Charlton, Graduate Student in Creative Technology & Design and at the ATLAS Institute, Artist-Researcher and PI
Tyler Grimes, PhD Candidate in Critical Media Practices and at the Institute of Cognitive Science, Artist-Researcher

Squishyd: A Next-Generation Fidget Toy for Neurodivergent Users

Squishyd translates ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� metamaterial research into customizable sensory fidget tools that support focus, self-regulation and well-being. By combining engineering, design and neurodiversity research, the project creates adaptive tactile experiences through science-backed play.

Team:

Elena Sabinson, Assistant Professor of Environmental Design, Principal Investigator (PI)
Robert MacCurdy, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Co-PI
Joel Swanson, Associate Professor at the ATLAS Institute, Co-PI
Teri Ham, Embark Startup Founder with Venture Partners, Co-PI

Screening to Prevent Violence: Expanding Access to Threat Assessment

The investigations that follow mass shootings frequently reveal missed opportunities to interrupt the attacker’s violence. The Targeted Violence Lethality Assessment Protocol is a 12-question tool to help law enforcement agencies and corporations evaluate an individual’s risk for violence and identify interventions.

Team:

Sarah Goodrum, Research Professor with the Center on Crime and Justice and the Prevention Science Program at the Institute of Behavioral Science, PI

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Full Story From ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Today

Venture Partners has announced the inaugural cohort of Creative Futures Fellows, supporting arts, humanities and social science projects that address challenges facing communities in Colorado and beyond.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� ranks among world's top institutions for climate science research

Daniel Leonard — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:41:30 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� ranks among world's top institutions for climate science research Daniel Leonard Tue, 06/30/2026 - 14:41

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Today—��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has been named one of the world's leading institutions for climate science, ranking eighth globally in the latest analysis of the most highly cited climate research institutions by Carbon Brief.

The ranking places ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� among the world's most influential organizations advancing climate science and highlights the university's decades-long leadership in environmental research. It also makes ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� the highest-ranked university in Colorado and one of just 13 U.S. institutions to place in the global top 20.

What could you do with a CU technology?

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.

Explore the Path to Commercialization

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

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

2026 Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase highlights CU’s next breakthrough startups Daniel Leonard 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 Boulder, 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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.

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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Environmental Engineering Program), Co-Founder, CEO, john.docter@colorado.edu*; Cresten Mansfeldt (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering), Co-Founder, CSO

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

BoBoRobo

BoBoRobo (Boulder-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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Computer Science), Co-Founder, CEO; Anuj Pasricha (Alum: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Embark Startup Founder), Founder, CEO, nik@enlixabio.com*; Dylan Taatje (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences), marcus@gamesandtheory.space*, Co-Founder, Principal Investigator (PI); Jay McMahon (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Aerobiology and Disinfection Lab), Founder, CTO, emmalee.biesiada@gmail.com*; Mark Hernandez (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, garydolsen@gmail.com*; Longji Cui (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Embark Startup Founder), Co-Founder, CEO, hamteri@gmail.com*; Renee Sanchez (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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 (��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 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?

Find partners and opportunities for your innovation

Explore investing in and partnering with CU researchers

More at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Today More from Infleqtion

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.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� joins CU spinout Infleqtion, other innovators in America's Quantum Space Initiative

Daniel Leonard — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:55:59 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� joins CU spinout Infleqtion, other innovators in America's Quantum Space Initiative Daniel Leonard Mon, 06/22/2026 - 13:55

The internal hardware of Infleqtion's neutral atom quantum computing platform. Photo: Infleqtion, 2025.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has joined Infleqtion’s newly launched America’s Quantum Space Initiative as a founding innovator, helping advance the development and deployment of quantum technologies for future space systems.

The initiative, led by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� spinout Infleqtion, brings together Voyager Technologies, Monarch Quantum, Armada and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to foster collaboration across industry, academia and government, accelerate innovation, expand opportunities for quantum technologies in space and strengthen U.S. leadership in next-generation technologies.

The coolest technology in the universe and the origins of Infleqtion at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

What could you do with a CU technology?

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.