Destination Startup

Destination Startup Hosted By Venture Partners at CU Boulder

A collaboration among leading research universities and federal laboratories across the Intermountain West to showcase the best companies from our innovation ecosystem.

Destination Startup® brings groundbreaking researchers together with hundreds of investors from throughout North America to catalyze real-world impact. This showcase demonstrates a powerful way to advance innovative research and translate it into impactful business ventures.

Some results from Destination Startup 2018-2023:

  • 900+ investors, business leaders and innovators from across the continent have attended.
  • 97+ new startup companies have been launched.
  • $700+ million has been collectively raised (to date) by startups in venture, angel, strategic and grant funding.

Participating institutions include Arizona State University, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Montana State University, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), University of Arizona, University of Colorado (Boulder, Anschutz, Denver and Colorado Springs), University of Denver, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska-UMC, University of New Mexico, University of Utah and University of Wyoming.

Read about the 2024 Destination Startup

The Intermountain West innovation ecosystem came together at the sixth annual Destination Startup Investor Showcase hosted by Venture Partners at CU Boulder. In a highly competitive field, twenty-three select ventures from the region’s research institutions presented at the showcase. Read More

Questions?

Amy Dodenhoff

Amy Dodenhoff · Director of Venture Development

Contact Amy 

Attend the Investor Showcase

Check back soon for information about the 2025 Investor Showcase. Sign Up for Updates

2024 Presenting Ventures

Startup Presenters: Eligibility, Details and Deadlines

Apply to present your startup at Destination Startup

The application for the 2024 Destination Startup is now closed. You can still review the information below about eligibility, details and deadlines. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin preparation as soon as possible. Sign Up for Updates

  • Oct. 1, 2023: Application deadline
     
  • Nov. 7, 2023: Investor registration opens for showcase
  • Oct. 31, 2023: Teams are selected by a panel of more than 50 investors and serial entrepreneurs from throughout the globe
  • Nov. 27-Dec. 1: Pitch Practices and advising for teams participating in the showcase (virtual)
  • Jan. 8, 2024: Draft video due
  • Feb. 12, 2024: Final video due
  • March 21-22, 2024: Final showcase (Denver, CO)

Applying to Destination Startup® helps innovative researchers and faculty prepare for fundraising and the commercialization of their technology. All applicants will have the opportunity to have their pitch reviewed by multiple investors, with detailed feedback. Those selected to present at the showcase will participate in one or more “pitch practices,” getting expert coaching from serial entrepreneurs and investors who are there to help you perfect your value proposition.

The Destination Startup® showcase will have hundreds of investors, entrepreneurs and fellow innovators in attendance, giving you the opportunity to showcase your unique innovation to the world. 

  Watch this video view to hear from past winners about their LVC experience:

Any startup that is commercializing an innovation from, or in formal partnership with, one of the participating university research institutions or federal laboratories is eligible to apply:

  • Arizona State University
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • Colorado State University
  • Montana State University
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
  • University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Colorado (Boulder, Anschutz, Denver and Colorado Springs)
  • University of Denver
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • University of Nebraska-UMC
  • University of New Mexico
  • University of Utah
  • University of Wyoming

A competitive, independent selection process will determine which applicants will be invited to showcase at the February showcase.

The Basics

  • Name of Company or Team
  • One-sentence summary of what you do (e.g. “we created a new rocket propulsion system”; “we discovered a plant-based cure for [x]”)
  • Affiliated Institution: What lab/university are you based in, spun out of, licensed from, etc.?
  • Have you formed a company yet?
  • Money: What grants have you received for this venture? Capital invested, revenue generated, etc.?

The Details

Please keep in mind that your responses to these questions will be used to populate your profile for the showcase. See examples below under Past Participating Ventures.

  • Please describe your company and the problem you are trying to solve. (250 words)
  • What is/was your go-to-market strategy? What partnerships are you seeking/developing? (250 words)
  • How will/do you generate revenue? (250 words)
  • What is your “ask” to investors, and how will you use the funding (or resources)? (250 words)
  • Who are the members of your team, and why is this the right team to get the job done? (150 words)
  • Please provide a three-minute video describing your innovation
  • Produce a brief 1-3 page summary of your innovation/technology and team, which will be featured on the Destination Startup® website and distributed to investors prior to the final showcase.
  • Participation in one or more pitch practices in front of live investors and coaches to fine-tune your presentation.
  • Submission of a video presentation that will be showcased to investors online over the 2-day event.
  • Attendance (optional) at an exclusive VIP Investor/Founder Happy Hour the week of Destination Startup® .

Please contact Amy Dodenhoff, director of venture development

Past Startup Presenters

Afference Inc.—Afference powers the feeling of touch in the digital world. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Aqualung Therapeutics Corp.—Aqualung Therapeutics Corp. is an immunotherapy company focused on developing therapeutics for diseases of unchecked inflammation and fibrosis. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Aspero Medical Inc.—Aspero Medical is enabling intraluminal endoscopic surgery through novel devices that improve access, stability, traction, and precision instrument manipulation as part of the shift toward less invasive procedures, from laparoscopic to intraluminal surgery. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Beryl Therapeutics Inc.—Beryl is an early-stage drug development company poised to revolutionize the bone market with an anticipated safety profile that will disrupt the osteoporosis market and unlock the pediatric bone market. Affiliation: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

Blaze Energy Technologies LLC—Blaze Energy is developing catalytic reforming technology for the efficient production of H2/NH3 fuels, which serve as carbon-free, drop-in replacements for hydrocarbons in combustion applications. Affiliation: Colorado School of Mines.

CarbeniumTec LLC—CarbeniumTec LLC is developing a metal-free, all-organic battery for long-duration energy storage, providing a solution to the growing need for electricity storage without the environmental impacts of conventional batteries. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Cardiost—Cardiost’s mission is to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) by developing a fully implantable heart assist pump for late-stage HFpEF. Affiliation: University of Denver.

Cascade Biocatalysts—Cascade Biocatalysts makes enzymes rugged and reliable for widespread adoption in chemical manufacturing, reducing the cost and environmental impact of diverse manufacturing processes. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Chiima Therapeutics—Chiima Therapeutics is a preclinical biotech company investigating a non-hormonal treatment for moderate to severe endometriosis-related pain in adult women. Affiliation: University of New Mexico.

Codelucida Inc.—Codelucida provides disruptive error-correction solutions supporting the next generation of NAND flash memory chips, improving error correction and scalability while reducing power usage. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Curable Composites—Curable Composites produces revolutionary materials, including 3D printing carbon fiber in mid-air and breakthroughs in foam manufacturing, leveraging over a decade of research. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

GelSana Therapeutics Inc.—GelSana is a hydrogel wound dressing company offering products that improve wound healing by reducing inflammation and providing sustained drug delivery. Affiliation: Colorado School of Mines.

LumenAstra—LumenAstra is commercializing a wearable, non-invasive sensor that measures core body temperature several centimeters below the skin, with applications in cardiac surgery, stroke recovery, chemotherapy, and consumer thermometers. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Prometheus Materials Inc.—Prometheus Materials develops, manufactures, and licenses the use of microalgae to reduce and eliminate CO2 from concrete building materials. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Radanta Corporation—Radanta Corporation is developing innovative energy harvesting technology. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

RaeSedo, Inc.—RaeSedo, a spin-out from the University of Arizona, is developing novel therapeutics for asthma based on an understanding of lung pathology. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Reglagene Inc.—Reglagene is a preclinical-stage therapeutics company developing breakthrough therapy for the treatment of brain cancers. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Sentinel Fertigation—Sentinel Fertigation provides image-based crop monitoring and nitrogen management solutions that improve farm profitability and preserve the environment by aligning nitrogen applications with crop needs. Affiliation: University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

TissueForm—TissueForm harnesses the natural, restorative power of tissue extracellular matrix to fill volumetric defects, integrating with host tissue and promoting healing. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Tynt Technologies Inc.—Tynt Technologies is commercializing the next generation of dynamic windows to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of homes. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

uPetsia Inc.—uPetsia solves bad dog breath with a canine oral bacteria modified to produce mint aromas for hours, used as a feed ingredient. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Aspero Medical, Inc.—Focuses on improving gastrointestinal endoscopy with enhanced device performance to improve patient outcomes, all while saving time and money. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Aurora Oncology, Inc.—Develops novel therapies for bladder cancer. Affiliation: CU Anschutz.

Beyond Copper—Makes safe copper surfaces and powders for coatings and filters that are nearly instantly antimicrobial, unlike traditional copper. Affiliation: Colorado School of Mines.

Blue Cubed, LLC—Builds optical and radio frequency communication terminals for the growing small satellite market. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Botanisol Analytics—Developing the world’s first autonomous disease detector for national security efforts. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Ensign Pharmaceutical, Inc.—Develops and markets novel pharmaceutical products to free patients with musculoskeletal disorders and inflammatory diseases from pain and disability without harmful side effects. Affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center.

EvoEndo, Inc.—Developed a single-use system for diagnostic upper endoscopies to be performed without the use of general anesthesia or sedation. Affiliation: CU Anschutz.

Global Laparoscopy Solutions—Created a portfolio of low-cost, portable laparoscopy devices for minimally invasive surgeries. Affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center.

HiveTech Solutions—Commercializing its proprietary climate-smart technology to improve honeybee survival. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

LumenAstra—Commercializing a wearable, non-invasive core body temperature sensor for clinical, consumer, military, and athletic applications. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Mallinda, Inc.—Solving the problem of structural composite waste by enabling end-of-life circularity of composite parts. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Mars Materials—Developing a new pathway for carbon fiber and acrylamide production using CO₂ and bio-based inputs as raw materials. Affiliation: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Modendo Inc.—Adapts and optimizes systems to create a robust, flexible, and compact prototype of an ultrathin endoscope for use in neuroscience labs. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Nano Magnetic Solutions—Developed a brain simulation toolbox for in vitro research for neurological disease treatments. Affiliation: Montana State University.

New Day Hydrogen, LLC—Builds, markets, and develops projects around green hydrogen, focusing on fleet fueling and longer-lead opportunities in communities and utilities. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

OMC Hydrogen—Creates renewable hydrogen to decarbonize fuels and chemicals using a thermochemical process with significant cost advantages over electrolysis. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

OTORO Energy—Manufactures megawatt-scale energy storage systems to support the electric grid and infrastructure with safe, patented battery materials. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Polaris Electro-Optics, Inc.—Provides ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals and device reference designs for CMOS foundries to enhance electro-optic modulators. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Reglagene—Pioneers safe and effective precision chemotherapy medicines that selectively kill cancer cells without the toxic side effects of existing agents. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

RespirAI Medical—Developed wearable technology that tracks the progression of COPD and can predict incoming disease exacerbations. Affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Respirogen, Inc.—Technology delivers oxygen to the bloodstream independent of the lungs to reduce systemic hypoxia for lung disease patients. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

SaiOx, Inc.—Created Hespiro, a patented respiratory assistance device that utilizes the proven benefits of heliox in a closed-loop system for people suffering from COPD. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

SARUS Lifting—A software tool to help crane and construction companies reduce time spent developing lift plans while improving their quality for better job site safety. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Scintillation Nanotechnologies—Developed novel nanoparticles to detect continuous radioisotopes in non-toxic, aqueous environments, including inside living cells and tissues. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

TheraCea Pharma—Developing new diagnostic agents to assess early responses in immunotherapy through PET imaging. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Think Bioscience—A new platform combining applied microbiology, enzymology, and data science to develop small-molecule therapeutics guided by living systems for better medicines. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Tynt Technologies—Offers dynamic windows based on reversible metal deposition technology to control light and heat flow with 100% blackout/privacy. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Vitro3D—Reimagining drug discovery research through mechanically enhanced and geometrically accurate 3D printed tissue for preclinical testing. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Xoralgo, Inc.—Built the next generation of patented computer storage technology that prevents data loss and dramatically reduces the cost of storing data. Affiliation: University of Arizona.

Alpenglow Instruments—Alpenglow Instruments designs, builds, and supports high-quality instrumentation used to study clouds, aerosols, and the Earth's atmosphere. Affiliation: University of Wyoming.

Arpeggio Bio—Arpeggio Bio uses machine learning and RNA to make drugs against previously undruggable targets in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

Aspero Medical, Inc.—Aspero Medical focuses on improving gastrointestinal endoscopy for the patient and physician. Their technology enhances device performance, saving time and money, while improving patient outcomes. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

BCell Solutions, Inc.—BCell Solutions is a pre-clinical biopharmaceutical company commercializing immunotherapies that harness immune cell-surface signaling to stop inflammation. Affiliation: University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

BromeCare Therapeutics, LLC—BromeCare Therapeutics is rapidly developing a plant-derived therapeutic to disrupt SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and prevent COVID-19 infection. Affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center.

CellDrop Biosciences, Inc.—CellDrop is commercializing a stem cell therapy developed to quickly and permanently heal musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses. Affiliation: University of Wyoming.

Double Helix Optics—Double Helix Optics designs and manufactures sensors and imaging modules for precision 3D imaging used in life and material sciences, industrial inspection, and machine vision. Affiliation: University of Colorado Boulder.

EvoEndo, Inc.—EvoEndo builds innovative pediatric endoscopy systems that allow diagnostic upper endoscopies to be performed comfortably and quickly without the need for general anesthesia. Affiliation: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

GPER G-1 Development Group—GPER G-1 Development Group is developing a novel therapeutic for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Affiliation: University of New Mexico.

Inherent Biosciences, Inc.—Inherent Biosciences is a molecular diagnostics company at the intersection of epigenetics and artificial intelligence, tackling clinical problems such as infertility, autoimmune diseases, and COVID-19 disease severity. Affiliation: University of Utah.

Laporte Immunotherapeutics—Laporte Immunotherapeutics is developing transformative immune-based therapies for upper respiratory and eye infections using immune-stimulatory nanoparticles. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Big Blue Technologies—Makes magnesium metal using a novel process technology that consumes 60 percent less energy than the dominant incumbent process, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in cost of goods sold compared to the monopolistic U.S. producer. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

BioLoomics, Inc.—Provides a B2B service to pharma R&D companies that predicts clinically relevant effects of drugs using a high-throughput platform drug screening technology. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Cetya Therapeutics—Developing HDAC inhibitors, analogs of largazole, a natural product Class I-restricted HDAC inhibitor, focused on solid tumors in oncology and hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Earable, Inc.—The world’s first and most advanced in-ear health improvement platform for sleep and health monitoring applications, revolutionizing cognitive healthcare with smart earphones. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Emergy Foods—A whole muscle, plant-based meat alternative company that developed a sustainable, proprietary process to produce food ingredients and finished goods from fungal mycelium. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Ezalife, LLC—Designs and develops medical devices that make life easier for individuals with complex medical needs. Its first product, the Button Huggie, is a precision-designed gastrostomy button securement device. Affiliation: CU Anschutz.

GenoFab, Inc.—Developing a software tool-chain to write and read self-documenting DNA molecules. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Lab79 Technologies, Inc.—Developing a method to sequence DNA by monitoring changes in force as single-stranded DNA is pulled through an interface. Affiliation: N/A.

Microbial Pulse Diagnostics—Enabling point-of-care, data-driven antibiotic prescriptions by providing physicians with a list of effective drugs in under two hours. Affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

New Iridium, LLC—Produces organic photo redox catalysts (PCs) for light-driven chemical reactions that accelerate pharma drug development and reduce drug manufacturing costs. Affiliation: Colorado State University, CU Boulder.

OptiEnz Sensors—An instrumentation system that incorporates biosensors for continuous monitoring of organic chemical concentrations in water and aqueous solutions. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

PhotonPharma—An immune oncology company developing a breakthrough technology to stimulate a patient’s immune system to seek out and destroy their cancer cells. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

SiVEC Biotechnologies—A delivery platform for nucleic acid drugs and gene-editing tools using non-pathogenic bacteria for stable and specific delivery to mucosal tissues without host genomic integration. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Starfire Energy—Develops systems to produce carbon-free ammonia from air and water using clean electricity, leveraging a patent-pending catalyst and novel removal method. Affiliation: Colorado School of Mines.

Strivision—Developing new condition-oriented pulmonary diagnostic tools aimed at early diagnosis of chronic respiratory conditions through infrared CO2 imaging and AI-driven analysis. Affiliation: CU Denver.

TissueForm—A microparticle tissue technology that targets scarring, wrinkles, and tissue loss due to aging or injury. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

VetMeasure—Produces MeasureON!, a canine harness that enables accurate detection of an animal’s health statistics to optimize care and treatment options. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

VitriVax—A platform technology enabling the preparation of thermostable, single-shot vaccines. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Big Blue Technologies—Makes magnesium metal using a novel process technology that consumes 60 percent less energy than the dominant incumbent process, resulting in a 50 percent reduction in cost of goods sold compared to the monopolistic U.S. producer. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

BioLoomics, Inc.—Provides a B2B service to pharma R&D companies that predicts clinically relevant effects of drugs using a high-throughput platform drug screening technology. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Cetya Therapeutics—Developing HDAC inhibitors, analogs of largazole, a natural product Class I-restricted HDAC inhibitor, focused on solid tumors in oncology and hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Earable, Inc.—The world’s first and most advanced in-ear health improvement platform for sleep and health monitoring applications, revolutionizing cognitive healthcare with smart earphones. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Emergy Foods—A whole muscle, plant-based meat alternative company that developed a sustainable, proprietary process to produce food ingredients and finished goods from fungal mycelium. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

Ezalife, LLC—Designs and develops medical devices that make life easier for individuals with complex medical needs. Its first product, the Button Huggie, is a precision-designed gastrostomy button securement device. Affiliation: CU Anschutz.

GenoFab, Inc.—Developing a software tool-chain to write and read self-documenting DNA molecules. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Lab79 Technologies, Inc.—Developing a method to sequence DNA by monitoring changes in force as single-stranded DNA is pulled through an interface. Affiliation: N/A.

Microbial Pulse Diagnostics—Enabling point-of-care, data-driven antibiotic prescriptions by providing physicians with a list of effective drugs in under two hours. Affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

New Iridium, LLC—Produces organic photo redox catalysts (PCs) for light-driven chemical reactions that accelerate pharma drug development and reduce drug manufacturing costs. Affiliation: Colorado State University, CU Boulder.

OptiEnz Sensors—An instrumentation system that incorporates biosensors for continuous monitoring of organic chemical concentrations in water and aqueous solutions. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

PhotonPharma—An immune oncology company developing a breakthrough technology to stimulate a patient’s immune system to seek out and destroy their cancer cells. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

SiVEC Biotechnologies—A delivery platform for nucleic acid drugs and gene-editing tools using non-pathogenic bacteria for stable and specific delivery to mucosal tissues without host genomic integration. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

Starfire Energy—Develops systems to produce carbon-free ammonia from air and water using clean electricity, leveraging a patent-pending catalyst and novel removal method. Affiliation: Colorado School of Mines.

Strivision—Developing new condition-oriented pulmonary diagnostic tools aimed at early diagnosis of chronic respiratory conditions through infrared CO2 imaging and AI-driven analysis. Affiliation: CU Denver.

TissueForm—A microparticle tissue technology that targets scarring, wrinkles, and tissue loss due to aging or injury. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

VetMeasure—Produces MeasureON!, a canine harness that enables accurate detection of an animal’s health statistics to optimize care and treatment options. Affiliation: Colorado State University.

VitriVax—A platform technology enabling the preparation of thermostable, single-shot vaccines. Affiliation: CU Boulder.

 

Thank you to our Destination Startup financial partners for their generous support

Are you interested in supporting Destination Startup financially? Contact Amy Dodenhoff.

Partnering Research Institutions