CU Denver’s Smart Futures Lab continues to position itself as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurial innovation, welcoming 10 new startups into its acclaimed incubator and accelerator programs this month.
With its robust track record, the Smart Futures Lab has become an attractive platform for tech founders, helping 19 companies secure over $4.5 million in investments and sales within less than two years.
Dan Griner, the director of the Smart Futures Lab, highlighted the impact of these programs on local and global economies, stating, “We are seeing those who complete our programs grow their businesses and contribute to our local, national, and international economic ecosystems.”
The Smart Futures Lab, situated at CU Denver—an urban research university renowned for its outstanding faculty and industry partnerships—provides entrepreneurs with unique resources, including an exclusive 5G network designed to catalyze innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT) sphere.
The no-cost, six-month programs aim to empower founders to develop and scale their tech companies effectively.
Participants gain access to a modern coworking and prototyping space, alongside a tailored educational curriculum that aligns with their business objectives.
Each startup is matched with a mentor from a network of over 30 industry leaders, offering expertise in various areas like product development and business operations.
Additionally, Smart Futures Lab’s individualized support structure comprises weekly sessions with a dedicated program manager and marketing manager.
The programs were launched in 2023 through collaboration with the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance and Innosphere Ventures and are funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration aimed at supporting civic innovation startups.
This year’s cohort showcases a diverse array of tech startups pioneering solutions for urban challenges.
Among the incubator participants is Bimefy from Denver, Colorado, co-founded by Jo Van Oosterwyck and Mahen De Beule.
This innovative SaaS platform aims to transform collaboration and progress monitoring within the construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) sectors, leveraging AI and digital twin technologies to increase efficiency and project visibility.
Another notable newcomer is Arterial, co-founded by CU Boulder students Wade Turner and Kyle Wandishin.
This startup has developed an AI-powered camera system that can be installed in city fleet vehicles to identify and report road hazards like potholes automatically, enhancing maintenance operations through integrated hazard analysis.
Rebecca Museilak leads Phoenix Mobility, a Denver-based venture offering a fleet of privately shared electric bikes.
The service caters to multi-family communities, hospitality groups, and municipalities, aiming to promote eco-friendly urban mobility and simplify access to transportation alternatives to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Boulder-based Agami Zero, co-founded by Jafar Makrani and Lyle Antieau, focuses on accelerating the transition to hydrogen energy.
Their mission revolves around developing innovative hydrogen infrastructure and equipment solutions to assist industries in decarbonization efforts.
The final incubator member, Aeralytic LLC, established by a team of five entrepreneurs including Giovanni Cordova and Diego Nunez, offers sophisticated air monitoring technology delivering unprecedented sensitivity.
Their solution, utilizing advanced mobile sensors, promises hyperlocal insights into emission sources, pollution trends, and predictive modeling for researchers and policymakers.
On the accelerator front, Flox from Stockholm, Sweden, is dedicated to improving wildlife management across various environments using autonomous technology.
Founded by Sara Nozkova and Tomas Becklin, this innovative venture harnesses generative AI alongside wildlife science to facilitate safer interactions between humans and wildlife.
Ripple Two, hailing from Charleston, S.C., is led by a team comprising Andrew McMillen and others.
This startup offers secure communication and situational awareness solutions tailored for law enforcement and public safety agencies to maintain control during high-pressure scenarios.
ATLAS Traffic Technologies LLC, based in Denver, aims to revolutionize traffic management with a collaborative and customizable platform designed to optimize urban traffic flow.
Founded by Nick Borrego and fellow founders, their product seeks to save lives, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for municipalities.
BizzTech from Round Rock, Texas, integrates immersive digital environments into urban planning and governance using an AI-powered Metaverse platform developed by Jason Shuster and his team.
Lastly, RTI Aquantix from Durham, N.C., is focused on water management, providing a cloud platform for real-time monitoring of water filters in extensive facilities.
The founders, Riley Mulhern and Judd Larson, have developed a network of sensors that aids in maintenance decision-making.
These entrepreneurs will collaborate in-person and remotely within the Smart Futures Lab, yielding a flexible environment conducive to innovation.
Founders are anticipated to showcase their advancements in Denver by August 2025, culminating in a graduation ceremony where they can pitch to potential investors.
With the new cohort now onboard, CU Denver’s Smart Futures Lab is actively accepting applications for its next accelerator and incubator programs, encouraging aspiring tech leaders to transform their innovative ideas into impactful solutions.
For more details about the application process, interested individuals can visit the CU Denver website.
CU Denver stands out as the state’s premier urban research university, equipping students and entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success in an evolving economic landscape.
As a vital contributor to community development and a driving force for innovation, CU Denver continues to help reshape the future through education, research, and entrepreneurial support.
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