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BeehiveBeeKimberly Drennan, architect and CU Boulder environmental design instructor, had two things on her mind in 2014: her upcoming sophomore design studio and the state of America’s besieged honeybees. Neither involved being in business.

Now, both do. Drennan is CEO of HiveTech Solutions LLC, a Boulder-based startup that develops technology and data services that help commercial beekeepers assess their bees remotely, enabling timely interventions to ensure hive health.

HiveTech bloomed in part because of an entrepreneurial ecosystem spanning the campus and community that supports faculty, students and staff in developing their ideas into full-fledged ventures.

After winning the top prize in the 2016 New Venture Challenge, including nearly $25,000, Drennan, HiveTech and bees everywhere are buzzing about the possibilities.