Smart Futures Lab launches in Denver
Source: Smart Cities Dive
The smart cities accelerator and incubator program is encouraging applications from businesses led by people currently underrepresented in the technology industry.
The University of Colorado Denver, in partnership with the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance and Innosphere Ventures, has launched business accelerator and incubator programs to aid smart cities companies, according to a press release Thursday.
The Smart Futures Lab at CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design and Computing aims to support workforce development and create more than 200 jobs by giving startups access to education, partnerships, and 5G-related research and development opportunities, according to the press release. The program will kick off in March, with applications due on Jan. 20. Virtual information sessions take place on Dec. 14 and 16.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration provided a $2 million grant to support the project.
“Through our new Smart Futures Lab, CU Denver will empower emerging tech company founders with big ideas in the smart cities space to realize their dreams. Through the EDA’s investment, we are giving founders access to the training, technologies and networks that can catalyze their innovation,” said Anthony Graves, managing director of partnerships and innovation at CU Denver, in the press release.
The Smart Futures Lab encourages applications from businesses led by people currently underrepresented in the technology industry, specifying businesses that are led by people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, women or living with disabilities.