Entrepreneurs Gather at Denver Startup Week

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Startups in Denver are gathering for the annual conference at Denver Startup Week. The week-log event has taken place for over a decade, bringing attention and celebration to the entrepreneurial spirit in the city.

Their website boasts, “Since 2012, our annual event routinely brings over 10,000 people together with 200+ programs and events to celebrate Denver’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and build the center city’s culture of innovation.”

The 2024 conference is taking a slightly different approach from the past. Organizers are leaning on people from the startup community to plan their own meetings at venues around the city and condensing the timeline for official gatherings.

Despite this change, the conference is still hosting 70 events throughout the week, with an additional 170 meetings planned throughout the city. The new format was intended to amplify the energy in a few core locations.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Revolutionizing Mortgage Technology: Aidium’s $19 Million Series A Funding

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Aidium, Inc., a leading player in the mortgage technology sector, has announced the completion of its $19 million Series A funding round led by PeakSpan Capital.

In a mortgage market marked by challenges, this substantial investment not only underscores PeakSpan’s confidence in Aidium’s mission but also highlights the intrinsic value of its solutions.

In today’s evolving mortgage landscape, loan officers face a critical choice: embrace advanced technological solutions or risk falling behind. PeakSpan Capital’s PropTech team recognizes the pivotal role of next-generation CRM platforms integrated with sales and marketing automation. Aidium stands out as a frontrunner in providing comprehensive solutions for mortgage lenders.

Under the visionary leadership of CEO Spencer Dusebout, Aidium is committed to equipping mortgage lenders with a unified platform that streamlines borrower engagement from start to finish. The platform boasts features such as business intelligence/reporting, data warehousing, pipeline management, and enterprise-grade permissioning, addressing critical market needs with an intuitive interface and robust integration capabilities.

Spencer Dusebout, CEO of Aidium, expressed his excitement about the partnership with PeakSpan Capital, emphasizing the validation of their commitment to innovation and vision for transforming the mortgage industry.

The Series A funding infusion will enable Aidium to further enhance its platform, expand its customer base, and solidify its leadership position in the mortgage technology landscape. With a focus on simplifying processes, driving ROI for clients, and providing unmatched customer support, Aidium is poised for rapid growth and sustained success.

Kyle Reitinger, Vice President of PeakSpan, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Aidium’s ability to scale revenue and roll out powerful new data products despite the challenges in the mortgage environment. The investment signifies a tremendous opportunity for further innovation in the category, and PeakSpan is committed to supporting Aidium in the years ahead.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Revolutionizing Industry: AtmosZero’s $21 Million Boost for Zero-Emissions Technology

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In a significant stride towards a sustainable future, AtmosZero has secured a substantial $21 million in Series A funding to advance the commercialization of its groundbreaking Boiler 2.0 system. Designed as a zero-emissions technology, the Boiler 2.0 system is poised to transform the industrial landscape by generating high-temperature steam without contributing to the carbon footprint.

Industrial boiler systems, currently responsible for approximately 8% of global energy consumption, have long been a challenge in the quest for sustainability. These conventional systems, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, pump out around 2.25 gigatons of carbon emissions annually. Recognizing the need for a radical shift, AtmosZero offers an electrified, drop-in replacement for steam boilers.

The innovative technology operates by harnessing ambient heat from the air, a process that not only generates steam efficiently but also significantly reduces overall facility energy needs. This dual benefit translates to enhanced efficiency and considerable cost savings for industries, underlining AtmosZero’s commitment to sustainable solutions.

Co-led by Engine Ventures and 2150, the Series A funding round saw participation from notable entities like Constellation Energy, Energy Impact Partners, Starlight Ventures, and AENU. The Department of Energy’s Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office further endorsed AtmosZero’s vision with a substantial $3.2 million grant.

One exciting development on the horizon is AtmosZero’s partnership with New Belgium Brewing, marking the initiation of the first commercial pilot for the electrified Boiler 2.0. With a robust 650-kilowatt capacity, this pilot, set to be installed at New Belgium’s headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado, represents a tangible step towards real-world application.

The newly secured investment will not only bolster the pilot project but also facilitate the establishment of AtmosZero’s European subsidiary based in Amsterdam, amplifying the company’s global reach.

As industries worldwide grapple with emissions reduction targets, AtmosZero stands at the forefront, offering a viable solution to the decarbonization of industrial heating. With a mission to replace existing fossil-based systems, AtmosZero’s electrified solution, as backed by investors and the Department of Energy, signifies a crucial step in the journey towards achieving net-zero emissions and a more sustainable, environmentally conscious industrial sector.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Iontra: Pioneering the Future of Battery Charging Technology

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In the realm of technological innovation, few advancements are as critical as those that power our devices. Iontra Inc, a trailblazing Colorado-based company, is reshaping the landscape of battery charging technology. In a recent milestone announcement, Iontra has secured an additional $29 million in funding, propelling its Series B fundraising total to an impressive $67 million and marking a total of $80 million raised to date. This injection of capital is set to accelerate the launch of their groundbreaking battery charger microcontroller (MCU), poised to transform the way we power our devices.

Iontra is on a mission to usher in a new era of battery charging technology, and their innovation promises to be a game-changer. The company is focusing its efforts on developing a low-cost and compact MCU designed to power battery-powered consumer products. These include a wide spectrum of devices we rely on daily, from smartphones to power tools and wearables.

By seamlessly integrating their MCU into these devices, Iontra is set to unlock the full potential of batteries while also driving down production costs. This innovation is poised to make a significant impact on the technology market, offering both superior battery performance and a reduced carbon footprint.

One of Iontra’s standout features is its focus on sustainability and efficiency. The company’s approach maximizes the use of critical battery minerals and materials, helping to pave the way for a more secure and sustainable energy future. Their technology extends the life of batteries, improves charging speed, and ensures a safer charging process – all without changing the design of battery cells or packs.

Iontra’s innovation extends beyond traditional battery charging methods. Their technology is predictive and responsive, actively safeguarding batteries during charging and discharging processes. This eradicates failure modes that have long plagued batteries, such as plating and dendrite formation, resulting in improved safety and performance.

Jeff Granato, the President and CEO of Iontra, envisions the transformative potential of their technology. “Fulfilling our mission to remove the greatest hurdles facing this global energy transition, we are on the path to make Iontra’s affordable charging solution available to the industry,” he states. With increasing support from both customers and investors, Iontra is poised to revolutionize the energy landscape.

In an era where the demand for battery minerals and materials is soaring due to electrification efforts, Iontra’s breakthrough technology couldn’t be timelier. As traditional charge management solutions fall short, Iontra’s innovative approach promises to bridge the gap, revolutionizing the way we power our devices while paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.

Iontra’s technology has undergone rigorous testing, accumulating approximately three million cycling hours across various battery types. The results have been validated by four independent research labs, showcasing the reliability and durability of their approach.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

ColdQuanta Secures $110M in Series B Funding

Missouri Patent of the Month - September 2021

Colorado-based ColdQuanta has raised $110 million in a new Series B funding round to support their quantum-computing R&D. 

The funding will be directed towards building quantum applications for technology such as atomic clocks, sensors, and high-precision components like GPS. This includes expanding their product portfolio in an effort to continue commercializing its decades of research into quantum computing by bringing it out of the lab and into real-world applications.

Quantum computers are a whole separate class of technology. Traditional computers are controlled by ones and zeros while quantum computers use qubits (i.e. quantum bits). Qubits can exist as ones and zeros simultaneously. This capability is the reason they can handle much more complex problems.

ColdQuanta’s products include Hilbert, a cloud-based quantum computer for which the company is aiming to reach 1,000 qubits by 2024; and Albert, a quantum sensor product development platform. With advancements like this, it’s no surprise to see that the company has seen rapid growth in recent years. With projects like subcontracts in Japan, the Moonshot Research and Development Program, and subcontracts in Australia, the company is rapidly building confidence and industry relationships.

“The quantum ecosystem is experiencing a global wave of innovation, having our market leadership recognized by investors around the world validates our unique approach,” said ColdQuanta Chief Executive Scott Faris. “Customers are already adopting ColdQuanta for quantum radio-frequency sensors, quantum atomic clocks, and quantum software. These are critical building blocks of the quantum industry that will drive a significant impact on society today while we work towards the massive gains quantum computing will bring in the future.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Day Three Labs to Study Cannabis as a Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

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Day Three Labs (DTL), is a Colorado-based cannabinoid CPG ingredient manufacturer. With their expertise in the development of these novel cannabis products, the company has set out to evaluate cannabis as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.

This mission has come to light after the company announced the world’s first government-sponsored cannabis technology incubator will aid in funding this research.

While the headquarters are in Denver, the research facility is in Israel, where regulations make studying cannabis much easier than in the United States. They are the only company to have passed the first phase of the CanNegev program, a cannabis technology incubator that receives funding from the Israeli government.

With this first phase complete, the company will receive funding and move into phase two. This means initiating the research and data collection for presentation to the Israel Innovation Authority as soon as September.

Through the research program, Day Three Labs plans to study cannabis compounds delivered via its proprietary Unlokt technology as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The funding from CanNegev will enable the company to find the combination of cannabinoids that work best to treat Parkinson’s disease and allow the company to carry the research from the lab to product development.

Parkinson’s Disease affects more than 10 million worldwide. Cannabis has been an approved treatment option in Germany since 2017. However, with the ever growing list of marijuana and cannabis strains and product types, choosing a formulation that is most effective at providing consistent relief is a true challenge. DTL’s research will take advantage of the Unlokt technology which packs cannabis into a natural protein which bypasses the liver, shuttling cannabis directly into the body’s circulation. This allows the cannabinoids and terpenes to be released and absorbed into the bloodstream and should have a beneficial effect.

“Unlokt is a significant leap in technology that will disrupt traditional research and delivery of cannabinoid compounds and beyond,” said Josh Rubin, co-founder and CEO of Day Three Labs. “Utilizing a groundbreaking technology like Unlokt in the adult-use market is revolutionary and game-changing, and creates incredibly enjoyable products, but it only scratches the surface of what this technology is capable of. Our work with CanNegev is just the beginning of the technological advances we are bringing to this fast-growing industry with the hope of eradicating previously untreatable illnesses and conditions and bringing solutions to the cannabis industry that are safer, more efficacious and efficient.”

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Growcentia Announces Opening of New HQ and R&D Facility

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Growcentia has announced the opening of their new Colorado headquarters positioned in Loveland’s Centerra area.

The company started at Colorado State University, with three soil microbiologists – Drs. Matthew Wallenstein, Colin Bell and Richard Conant – who set out to use nature to improve nature. Their biotech products deliver healthier plants with increased yield and quality. Their research explores how specific combinations of microbes work symbiotically with soil nutrients to produce healthier plants. These combinations reduce the need for chemical fertilizers which means reduced environmental and ecological impacts from farming. 

Their research resulted in a patent, and following a seed investment round from M34 Capital in 2015, the founders licensed the patent from Colorado State University Ventures and operationalized Growcentia.

“Growcentia is proud to call northern Colorado home, and we look forward to expanding upon our nature-based growing solutions in this region. This new state-of-the-art facility will enable us to accommodate growth for the foreseeable future, heighten the complexity and diversity of our product lines, and expand R&D initiatives to serve both our national and international customers and truly change the way the world grows,” said Growcentia’s founders in a joint statement.

The new headquarters will occupy 30,000 sq ft of a commercial building and provide space for company operations ranging from management and manufacturing to research and development.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Nepra Prepares to Bring Textured Hemp Protein to the Plant-Based Protein Market

Iowa Patent of the Month - August 2021

Nepra Foods, Ltd., a Colorado-based vegan food company, has recently announced the expansion of their facility with the installation of proprietary THP™ production equipment.

The company has focused on the formulation, development, and production of plant-based and allergen-free food. With the addition of this new equipment, they are better equipped to produce their proprietary THP (textured hemp protein) – the basis of their PROPASTA™ product line. PROPASTA is a line of ready-to-eat frozen meals and meat analogues. 

This step towards self-sufficient production processes should help the company combat shipping lead times which are at an all-time high due to the global supply chain disruptions. It will provide the tools needed for large-scale production processes as Nepra Foods aims to scale up their processes in preparation for their PROPASTA™ product launch in early 2022. This will require the continuation of in-house testing and accelerated product innovation leading to national distribution.

Nepra Foods is committed to developing plant-based foods that provide the necessary nutrition without compromising quality or taste. They take this mission one step further by formulating food that is allergen-free.

Are you developing new formulas for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Lightshade Adjust Lights to Enhance Cannabis Yield

Dewey Scientific Raises $3.2M for Cannabis Innovation

Denver-based Lightshade made the switch from high pressure sodium (HPS) lighting to LED technology to evaluate the difference in cannabis cultivation quality. In order to do this, they had to retrofit their entire operation. Dan Banks, the VP of cultivation at Lightshade had determined that the light provided by HPS illumination is simply insufficient to successfully grow large quantities of cannabis.

They installed roughly 200 LED light fixtures in addition to the existing HPS lighting. After observing a significant increase in efficiency and growth, they switched entirely to LED lighting. In order to select the correct VYPR of LED, they tested numerous LED lights, trialling through a huge variety of light options to find the most appropriate. They were specifically impressed by OSRAMs fluence lights and their full spectrum white light. Since Lightshade originally supplemented its HPS lights with LED fixtures before converting all of its lighting to LEDs, the company was able to conduct R&D with light intensity to first test the fixtures’ specifications on a smaller scale. 

By changing the lighting, and increasing yield, they had to go through their whole growing process. Increased yield and decreased humidity resulted in needs for adjustment to water scheduling and quantity. Changes in temperature led to needs for changes in monitoring vapor pressure deficit and CO2 levels. Ultimately, they had to optimize their whole process to respond properly to the great increase in yield brought on by LED lighting. R&D like this goes a long way in optimizing and enhancing a process in any industry. Cannabis is still a relatively new industry as far as commercial quantities goes, so R&D is essential to industry growth.

Are you developing new software for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

The DOE has Announced Plans for Hydrogen Fuel Cell R&D

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched its plans to advance fuel cell truck and hydrogen production. The Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and the H2NEW consortia will work to identify ways to make the technologies more durable, efficient, affordable and viable in today’s market. This comes off the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office’s (EERE’s) announcement to invest $100 million into the projects.

The combined intention of the projects is to produce hydrogen in environmentally-friendly ways, and then use that hydrogen as a fuel source.

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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Colorado) and Idaho National Laboratory will lead this project, and attempt to develop large-scale electrolyzers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.  The hydrogen produced is perfect for hydrogen fuel cells.

Electrolysis has been around since 1800, and a number of methods have been developed. However, it’s not always a cheap endeavor. This consortia will look at how to make the electrolyzers more efficient and cost effective.

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Fuel Cell Trucks (FCTs) have the diesel engine replaced with a battery-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system. The hybrid feature allows for optimal performance in heavy duty applications, with minimized environmental impact. FCTs produce no emissions, only water. Los Alamos (New Mexico) and Lawrence Berkeley (California) National Laboratories will lead the project, focussing on fuel cell durability, performance, and minimizing cost.

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.