CU Innovators News

91��ý Biomedical Engineering startup brings cancer care technology to the Lab Venture Challenge

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:34:07 +0000

91��ý Biomedical Engineering startup brings cancer care technology to the Lab Venture Challenge Daniel Corbin … Mon, 03/02/2026 - 11:34

91��ý College of Engineering & Applied Science—William Frantz didn’t walk away with the top prize at this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC), but his research may still be a winner for future cancer patients. Frantz is developing microscopic droplets designed to help doctors track radiation therapy in real time, technology that could one day make cancer treatment more precise and less harmful, particularly for pediatric patients.

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Professor featured in Colorado Environmental Film Festival documentary

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:27:19 +0000

Professor featured in Colorado Environmental Film Festival documentary Daniel Corbin … Fri, 02/20/2026 - 10:27

Women of Carbon, a documentary featuring Mija Hubler, associate professor of structural engineering and structural mechanics, was selected as the opening night film for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival in Golden. The film highlights women transforming the construction industry through sustainable innovation, decarbonization and green technology.

Hubler’s research interests include aging of construction materials, concrete infrastructure design and construction methods and the design of alternative construction materials from biological elements and engineered waste materials. She is a co-founder of Prometheus Materials, a bio-cement startup in Longmont, Colorado.

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The University of Colorado Connection

Prometheus Materials Inc., which produces a zero-carbon concrete alternative, was co-founded by four faculty members at 91��ý: Wil Srubar, Sherri Cook, Mija Hubler (91��ý Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering) and Jeff Cameron (91��ý Biochemistry). With a cross-disciplinary grant from DARPA that funded the underlying inventions, they were interested in forming a startup company and worked with Venture Partners to find a CEO and co-founder. Through the Venture Partners mentor network, they found serial entrepreneur Loren Burnett, and since then, Prometheus Materials has been off to the races! Prometheus is now headquartered in Longmont, CO.

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91��ý College of Engineering and Applied Science—Women of Carbon, a documentary featuring Mija Hubler, highlights women transforming the construction industry through sustainable innovation, decarbonization and green technology. Hubler’s research interests include aging of construction materials, concrete infrastructure design and construction methods and the design of alternative construction materials from biological elements and engineered waste materials. She is a co-founder of Prometheus Materials, a bio-cement startup in Longmont, Colorado.

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Three faculty members elected to National Academy of Engineering

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:21:02 +0000

Three faculty members elected to National Academy of Engineering Daniel Corbin … Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:21

91��ý Today—This week, the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced that three faculty members at 91��ý were elected to the ranks of this prestigious organization. Dana Anderson, Iain Boyd and Bob Erickson are among the 130 scientists and engineers from around the country who will be inducted as members of the NAE at a meeting this fall.

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How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:49:33 +0000

How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break Daniel Corbin … Thu, 02/05/2026 - 10:49

91��ý College of Engineering and Applied Science—Aoife Henry is leading Zentus, a startup she founded that addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: preventing costly equipment failures that can bring wind and solar farms offline without warning. After participating in the University of Colorado Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, Henry landed a fellowship with the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

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Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator

An accelerator for research teams building deep tech startups coming out of the University of Colorado campuses in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver. 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.

Learn More

91��ý College of Engineering and Applied Science—Aoife Henry is leading Zentus, a startup she founded that addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: preventing costly equipment failures that can bring wind and solar farms offline without warning. After participating in the University of Colorado Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, Henry landed a fellowship with the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

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Announcing the 2026 cohort of the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:28:24 +0000

Announcing the 2026 cohort of the Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator Daniel Corbin … Mon, 01/12/2026 - 09:28

The Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator pairs seasoned entrepreneurs with University of Colorado Boulder technologies to bring those breakthroughs to market to address urgent societal needs. Embark has launched its third cohort of Embark Startup Founders and will provide intellectual property rights, funding for the founders and their companies, startup accelerator programming support and investor introductions to launch startups with real-world impact.

Every year, dozens of breakthrough inventions emerge from 91��ý’s research labs. While some are spun out by creators themselves, others are poised to partner with entrepreneurs beyond university walls, looking to launch the latest and greatest technologies.

Ready to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey?

Embark is 91��ý's deep tech startup creator for matching entrepreneurs with breakthrough innovations. With myriad 91��ý technologies ready to make a real-world impact, Embark seeks motivated entrepreneurs ready to launch new companies.

Visit Embark Webpage

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

“In our first two cohorts, the entrepreneurs went into high gear after being selected by the Venture Partners team and rose to every challenge,” said Marta Zgagacz, senior director at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark. “They do not rest; they take advantage of everything we suggest to them,” she said. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck approach, how we support our startups,” added Zgagacz.

This year, Embark received more than 150 applications from entrepreneurs who explored a curated portfolio of more than 40 technologies across scientific and engineering fields, including biotechnology (biotech), quantum science, advanced materials and aerospace.

Candidates went through a rigorous ten-week interview process where they learned about the technologies for the first time, collaborated with the researchers, began customer discovery and pitched their business ideas in the final selection process.

"We were impressed with all of these entrepreneurs and how much progress they made to get to this point,” said Amy Dodenhoff, director of venture development at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark. “We are excited to see what the new founders can do over the next six months with their new companies.”

The new Embark Startup Founders (previously known as Entrepreneurs in Residence) will launch their companies with an evaluation license from the university and will have access to the full suite of entrepreneurial support at 91��ý, including the National Science Foundation I-Corps^TM Hub West, Lab Venture Challenge and Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator.

To date, 20 companies have been founded through Embark, 12 of which have received follow-on funding. Embark’s emphasis on matching entrepreneurs with groundbreaking innovations holds the potential to unleash the full impact of 91��ý’s research into the world.

2026 Embark Startup Founders

Rob Carpenter

Rob Carpenter is a serial entrepreneur and technology executive with over 15 years of experience building and scaling software and artificial intelligence companies. He previously founded and led Valyant AI, raising $18 million and deploying enterprise AI systems at national scale, and AppIt Ventures, a global software firm he successfully exited. He holds an MBA from the University of Colorado Denver.

Rob is building a company around robotics technology developed in Kaushik Jayaram's lab (fmr. 91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Savanh Chantha-Phavong

Savanh Chantha-Phavong is a translational pathology and spatial biology scientist and entrepreneur with leadership experience across academia, biopharma and CROs. Her expertise includes next-generation histopathology, multiplex imaging, assay and antibody optimization and digital pathology. She founded the STEM/Innovation Award and Women in Histology, Pathology and Spatial Informatics. She holds a PhD in anatomy, cell biology and neurobiology from the University of Melbourne.

Savanh is building a company around biotech developed in Corey Neu's lab (91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Nikhil Chopra

Nikhil Chopra is a biotech executive and entrepreneur with more than 15 years advancing liquid biopsy applications in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and therapy selection, changing care paradigms through assay development and global lab deployments at high-growth startups including Natera and Guardant Health.

Nikhil is building a company with fellow Embark Startup Founder Elie Maksoud around biotech developed in Dylan Taatjes's lab (91��ý Biochemistry).

Gary Dolsen

Gary Dolsen is a five-time SaaS and software startup veteran with multiple exits. For the last eight years, he has been a coach and mentor for accelerator programs, including Venture Partners and Techstars. In addition to his startup work, he has served as a senior executive at two hypergrowth companies and a Fortune 500 company, leading teams in product, engineering, data analytics, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales.

Gary is building a company around sensors and AI technology developed in Longji Cui's lab (91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Vineet Erasala

Vineet Erasala is an engineer with deep experience in life science startups, scaling complex medical systems from concept to successful exit. Most recently, he co-founded and ran Genetesis until its acquisition, building a 25-person team and raising more than $40 million to commercialize biomagnetic devices. A recognized innovator, Vineet enjoys scaling breakthrough technologies into scalable scientific solutions.

Vineet is building a company around biotech developed in Xiaoyun Ding's lab (91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Elena Forchielli

Elena Forchielli is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder focused on hard-tech and climate innovation. She has founded two businesses and supported early-stage infrastructure and industrial technology companies as a mentor and investor. Elena holds a PhD in microbial ecology from Boston University and a BS in molecular biology from 91��ý.

Elena is building a company around construction technology developed in Mija H. Hubler's lab (91��ý Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering).

Teri Ham

Teri Ham is an entrepreneur and strategist with more than 15 years across early-stage ventures, global enterprises and international development. A speaker and published researcher, she has served as chief operations officer of a biotech startup in Korea, led IBM’s global leadership program, and delivered ICT programs with UNESCO, APEC and ASEAN across 14 countries. She holds an MA from University College London (UCL).

Teri is building a company with fellow Embark Startup Founder Renee Sanchez around advanced materials technology developed in Robert MacCurdy's lab (91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Elie Maksoud

Elie Maksoud is a scientist-turned-entrepreneur and strategist with a PhD in neurobiology and an Executive MBA. He has over a decade of experience spanning academic research across leading institutions, including the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and innovation consulting at Sightglass Partners, working at the intersection of strategy, business and life science commercialization.

Elie is building a company with fellow Embark Startup Founder Nikhil Chopra around biotech developed in Dylan Taatjes's lab (91��ý Biochemistry).

Todd McGuire

Todd McGuire is a technology and analytics leader with 25 years of experience founding and scaling SaaS and digital health platforms. He has led multiple 0-to-1 product launches, served as chief technology officer and head of product for high-growth ventures, and holds a U.S. patent for a remote patient monitoring system. He earned his BS from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Todd is building a company around AI technology developed in the Earth Lab by Lise St. Denis.

Renee Sanchez

Renee Sanchez's background spans early-stage startups, venture support and technology commercialization. She previously founded Olive Devices and has worked inside and alongside startups, leading intellectual property strategy, product development and execution. She holds a JD and a BS in industrial design and focuses on turning complex ideas into viable ventures.

Renee is building a company with fellow Embark Startup Founder Teri Ham around advanced materials technology developed in Robert MacCurdy's lab (91��ý Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering).

Broder Schmidt

Broder Schmidt is a scientist and entrepreneur with more than a 15-year track record of translating biological insights into real-world outcomes. He is driven by a mission to facilitate better living through biology. Broder is co-founder of Prose Foods and holds a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Goettingen, Germany.

Broder is building a company around health and wellness technology developed in Min Han's lab (91��ý Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology).

Andrew Zorn

Andrew Zorn is an entrepreneur and translational scientist working at the intersection of biology, computation and therapeutics. His background spans early-stage company formation, drug-discovery strategy, and life science business strategy. He previously launched GRIK Therapeutics. He focuses on building platforms that turn deep biological insight into scalable, real-world solutions.

Andrew is building a company around biotech developed in Aaron Whiteley's lab (91��ý Biochemistry).

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WATCH: 91��ý researchers studying pythons to develop weight loss treatment

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:41:11 +0000

WATCH: 91��ý researchers studying pythons to develop weight loss treatment Daniel Corbin … Tue, 12/30/2025 - 11:41

FOX31 Denver—Host Genelle Padilla speaks with Jack Gugel and Thomas Martin, two researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, who are studying pythons to develop a weight-loss treatment.

Partnering Opportunities with CU Technologies

Venture Partners manages a portfolio of over 1,000 technologies from university investigators and manages licensing partnerships with companies of all sizes—from startups to the Fortune 500—to bring these inventions to market. Discover how CU’s solutions can power your next breakthrough.

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FOX31 Denver—Host Genelle Padilla speaks with Jack Gugel and Thomas Martin, two researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, who are studying pythons to develop a weight-loss treatment.

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Physicist Jun Ye named to Quantum 100 list

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:13:52 +0000

Physicist Jun Ye named to Quantum 100 list Daniel Corbin … Thu, 12/18/2025 - 13:13

91��ý Today—UNESCO named physicist Jun Ye to its Quantum 100 list—a catalogue of some of the top leaders around the world in the rapidly growing field of quantum science.

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2026 RIO Faculty Fellows cohort spans departments and disciplines across campus

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:33:01 +0000

2026 RIO Faculty Fellows cohort spans departments and disciplines across campus Daniel Corbin … Mon, 12/08/2025 - 10:33

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) announced the 2026 RIO Faculty Fellows cohort. This year’s cohort includes 18 faculty members from departments and research institutes spanning the campus—the largest and most interdisciplinary Faculty Fellows cohort since the program launched in 2018.

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OEDIT announces grants to University of Colorado startups and researchers in the advanced industries

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:28:08 +0000

OEDIT announces grants to University of Colorado startups and researchers in the advanced industries Daniel Corbin … Thu, 11/20/2025 - 12:28

This announcement was originally published at oedit.colorado.gov.

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Venture Partners at 91��ý seeks entrepreneurs to start new companies, connects investors with high-potential ventures and facilitates collaborations with companies seeking to invest in research or license technologies from the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver campuses. Explore the potential for growth and partnerships as you navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship and commercialization at the University of Colorado.

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The Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced that five companies based on innovations from the University of Colorado and one CU researcher have been awarded Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention grants through OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Accelerator Program. These grants promote the growth and sustainability of advanced industries in Colorado by driving innovation, commercialization and public-private partnerships that move this vital aspect of Colorado’s economy forward in communities across the state.

“The advanced industries account for nearly 30% of Colorado’s total wage earnings, approximately 30% of total sales revenue, and nearly 35% of the state’s total exports. The Advanced Industries Accelerator program is a national model, strengthening this critical part of Colorado’s economy by supporting companies developing disruptive and innovative technologies. By providing direct funding and enabling recipients to leverage third-party capital, we are supporting transformative commercial product development and end-use applications while growing businesses and supporting new jobs,” said Michelle Hadwiger, director of global business development at OEDIT.

The Proof of Concept grant is intended to help Colorado research institutions speed up applied research in the advanced industries, as well as commercialize products and services in partnership with the private sector. The Early-Stage Capital and Retention grant supports businesses commercializing innovative and disruptive technologies in the advanced industries that will be created or manufactured in Colorado.

The Advanced Industries Accelerator Program received 119 applications this grant cycle, which were reviewed in a multi-stage process by committees of business, technical and financial experts in the seven advanced industries. Final recommendations were approved by the Economic Development Commission on November 20, 2025.

The next application cycle for Proof-of-Concept and Early Stage Capital and Retention Grants will open on January 5, 2026 and applications will be due February 26, 2026. Learn more here

Proof-of-Concept Grants:

University of Colorado Boulder, PI Jarrod Schiffbauer - Boulder, CO $85,023: Developing graphene-based aerogels for scalable high thrust efficiency solar photothermal propulsion.

Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grants:

ExoPower Inc. - Grand Junction, CO $150,000: Developing in-motion capacitive wireless charging technology to keep industrial mobile robots operating continuously.

Onconaut Therapeutics Inc. - Aurora, CO $246,868: Developing a first-in-class inhibitor of a protein that drives tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance in colorectal and other solid tumors.

Osmopure Technologies Inc. - Boulder, CO $250,000: Developing a new class of pressure-driven distillation membranes to remove contaminants from water.

Vega Surgical Inc. - Aurora, CO $250,000: Developing a bedside neurosurgical procedure solution for treating chronic subdural hematomas.

Vona Oncology LLC - Aurora, CO $250,000: Developing a novel small molecule designed to target aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.

OEDIT—The Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced that five companies based on innovations from the University of Colorado and one CU researcher have been awarded Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention grants through OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Accelerator Program.

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91��ý researchers featured among highly cited researchers in 2025

Daniel Corbin Leonard — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:40:35 +0000

91��ý researchers featured among highly cited researchers in 2025 Daniel Corbin … Wed, 11/19/2025 - 11:40

University of Colorado Boulder Research & Innovation Office—Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list, announced on Nov. 12, again includes a number 91��ý faculty who are demonstrating “broad and significant influence in their fields.”

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