BizWest unveils inaugural ‘Startups to Watch’

From quantum computing and aerospace to biotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy and restaurant innovation, the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado continue to produce companies that are reshaping industries and garnering national attention.

To recognize these emerging businesses, BizWest has selected its inaugural Startups to Watch class, honoring 20 companies that demonstrate exceptional potential for innovation, growth and economic impact.

Ten companies from the Boulder Valley and 10 from Northern Colorado were selected after a nomination process that included submissions from the public and BizWest’s editorial team, with final selections made by the editorial staff.

Startups to Watch spotlights promising young companies across Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer and Weld counties that are developing innovative technologies, creating jobs and strengthening one of the nation’s most-vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems — and with potential for exponential growth.

Each company will be featured in a special BizWest print publication and recognized during networking receptions that will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and community partners. The Boulder Valley reception will be held July 16 at East & Co. in Boulder, while the Northern Colorado event will take place July 23 at The Forge Event Center in Loveland.

“Our region has long been one of the country’s centers for innovation,” said BizWest editor and publisher Christopher Wood. “Startups to Watch celebrates companies that are tackling significant challenges, developing breakthrough technologies and building businesses that have the potential to shape Colorado’s economy for years to come.”

Boulder Valley Startups to Watch:

• Colorado Quantum incubator, Boulder — A Boulder-based organization accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies by helping early-stage companies move from research to market.

• Edgewise Therapeutics Inc., Boulder — A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision medicines for severe muscle disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

• Electra, Boulder — A clean-energy company developing low-carbon technologies for producing iron, helping decarbonize one of the world’s most emissions-intensive industries.

• Flari Tech Inc., Boulder — A University of Colorado Boulder spinoff developing breath-based disease diagnostics using Nobel Prize-winning optical frequency comb technology.

• Halter, Boulder — A technology company that provides virtual fencing and pasture-management technology for ranching operations.

• Kioga Inc., Boulder — A biotechnology company developing microbiome-derived postbiotics designed to improve immune function and mental resilience.

• Leap Space Logistics Technologies Inc., Broomfield— An aerospace startup developing in-space transportation and logistics systems to support the expanding commercial space economy.

• Lightship Energy Inc., Broomfield — A clean-technology company building next-generation electric recreational vehicles powered by advanced battery and solar technologies.

• Owl AI, Boulder — An artificial-intelligence company that uses multimodal AI and computer vision to transform life video into real-time sports intelligence.

• Renovare Therapeutics Inc., Boulder — A biotechnology company developing innovative cell and gene therapies targeting difficult-to-treat diseases.

Northern Colorado Startups to Watch:

• AtmosZero Inc., Loveland — A climate-technology company developing industrial steam heat pumps that enable manufacturers to replace fossil-fuel boilers with carbon-free steam generation.

• CSU Atlas, Fort Collins — A $160 million laser-research facility at Colorado State University.

• CisLunar Industries USA Inc., Loveland — A space-technology company that develops space manufacturing technology and power-management systems.

• Husk Power Systems Inc., Fort Collins — A clean-energy company deploying renewable microgrids that provide reliable electricity to underserved communities and businesses.

• Impello Biosciences Inc., Loveland — An agricultural-technology company that develops data-backed microbial inoculants, nutritional biostimulants and biofertilizers.

• Journey Franchising Inc., Fort Collins — A human-resources technology company offering franchising for payroll, benefits and workforce-management solutions for businesses of all sizes.

• Opterus Research and Development Inc., Loveland — A Loveland aerospace company designing deployable space structures and engineering systems for commercial and government spacecraft.

• Ursa Major Technologies Inc., Berthoud — An aerospace company designing and manufacturing advanced rocket-propulsion systems for defense and commercial space customers.

• Wing Shack Enterprises Inc., Greeley — A restaurant company that has grown from a local wing concept into a regional brand.

• Ziggi’s Coffee Franchise LLC, Mead — A rapidly expanding specialty coffee company known for its drive-thru cafes and national franchise growth.

Registration for both receptions is open at https://events.bizwest.com/startups-to-watch/ Each event will feature networking, recognition of the honorees and opportunities for founders, investors and business leaders to connect while celebrating the companies that are helping define the future of the region’s economy.

Startups to Watch is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Bank and Dorsey.

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