Innovation January 9, 2025 6:53:35 am

Quid Novi to relaunch, focus on ‘reinvention’

Quid Novi - woman in black shirt holding a book — Fort Collins author Mimi Wahlfeldt displays her debut novel, “Forks & Knives,” which explores the possible alternative paths a married couple might take as they grapple with addiction and codependence. Courtesy Quid Novi Innovations

By BizWest Staff

FORT COLLINS — Thought-leader group Quid Novi Innovations, which paused its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, will relaunch later this month with a showcase event in Fort Collins.

Quid Novi — Latin for “What’s new” — will host a Jan. 28 program at Cafe Vino, 1200 S. College Ave., that its organizers say “seeks to cross boundaries for innovation and collaboration while encouraging participants to think and discover new ideas.”

The organization founded in 2010 by Fort Collins resident Rick Griggs conducted innovation conferences that recognized people leading Northern Colorado’s creative output. The group suspended its work prior to the pandemic, but is launching a new format.

The January program will be built around the idea of “reinvention” and will feature Fort Collins author Mimi Wahlfeldt, who recently published her debut novel, “Forks & Knives.” The book explores the possible alternative paths a married couple might take as they grapple with addiction and codependence. The author will present her own early retirement as an example of how an unexpected life change paved the way for her professional reinvention.

Also speaking that day will be Ed VanDyne, founder of Plastic2Green, a startup that seeks to convert massive amounts of waste plastic into ammonia, which then can be used for fertilizer or broken into its component parts to produce hydrogen, often seen as a fuel of the future. VanDyne is credited with 40 inventions during his career and also founded VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc., which he sold to Woodward Inc.

“Everyone wants to innovate; few know how,” Griggs said in a prepared statement. “By exiting our silos and crossing boundaries, we absorb new insights that refresh the brain and spark creativity.”

Quid Novi plans monthly programs around themes that draw out innovative ideas and discussion. In February, the theme will be “transformation.”

The Jan. 28 program at Cafe Vino will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. A $20 admission will be charged, which includes hors d’oeuvres. Drinks will be available for purchase.

Thought-leader group Quid Novi Innovations, which paused its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, will relaunch later this month with a showcase event in Fort Collins.