CU Boulder’s Embark Program Announces New Startups
Embark, CU Boulder’s deep tech startup creator, has launched its 2024 cohort of new ventures. The program facilitates the pairing of seasoned entrepreneurs with technologies developed at the university, aiming to bring these innovations to market and address critical needs. Embark provides Intellectual Property rights, financial support, and introductions to investors to help launch impactful startups.
Makenna Morck and Alec Santiago
Each year, researchers at CU Boulder develop numerous groundbreaking inventions. Some are launched by the inventors themselves, while others are suitable for entrepreneurs outside the university. Embark, a program offered by Venture Partners at CU Boulder, bridges the gap by matching entrepreneurs with promising university innovations. The program focuses on pairing entrepreneurs with technologies that can make a real-world impact.
“Just because the university inventors didn’t create a startup company doesn’t mean the technology is not a really exciting startup opportunity,” said Bryn Rees, associate vice chancellor for research and innovation and managing director of Venture Partners.
Marta Zgagacz, senior director at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark, said, “The first cohort of entrepreneurs have been in high gear since they were selected by the Venture Partners team last year and have risen to each challenge.”
Last year’s Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) cohort saw success. For example, PrecisionTerra, founded by EIR Maithreyi Gopalakrishnan, is a software solution that improves the signal strength of GNSS receivers in urban environments. The company has raised over $130,000 and was accepted into the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) NSIN Vector accelerator.
Green Steel Environmental, founded by EIRs Jonathan Teaford and Jon Jonis, is developing sustainable additives for the wastewater recovery industry. The company has raised over $350,000 and plans to exhibit at the Biogas Americas trade show in Savannah, GA, in October. Now in its second year, the Embark program received over 114 applications and evaluated a curated portfolio of more than 50 technologies from areas including biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials, and aerospace.
“We were impressed with all of these entrepreneurs and how much progress they made to get to this point,” said Amy Dodenhoff, director of venture development at Venture Partners and co-leader of Embark.
The selected entrepreneurs—founding ten new startups based on university-owned technologies—will receive an option agreement from the university and funding for technology development, plus a six-month part-time salary. The program aims to promote diversity in the startup community by supporting individuals who may lack the financial resources required to pursue this path.
Information about the 2025 Embark Showcase for investors and the business community is expected in January 2025.
2024 Embark Entrepreneurs in Residence and Startups:
- Kitsune Bio
- EIR: Makenna Morck (Alum: CU Boulder Biochemistry) and Alec Santiago
- PI: Michael Stowell (CU Boulder Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology)
- Description: A cyclic peptide platform that maximizes structural adaptability to improve cell penetration, designed to target challenging proteins to improve patient outcomes.
Nick Manuzak
- Carbon-Storing Hempcrete
- EIR: Nick Manuzak (Alum: CU Boulder Business)
- PI: Wil Srubar (CU Boulder Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering College of Engineering and Applied Science)
- Description: A carbon-negative biocomposite building material that sequesters carbon dioxide rapidly, while also offering insulation.
C.J. Whelan
- Colexible Technologies
- EIR: C.J. Whelan
- PI: Jianliang Xiao (CU Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)
- Description: Specializes in cutting-edge flexible electronics for use in wearable devices, automotive components, and industrial electronics.
Roberta Leão
- EcoValeric Innovations
- EIR: Roberta Leão
- PI: Adam Holewinski (CU Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering)
- Description: Converts levulinic acid (LA) into various HVA-based derivatives, including biopolymers, bioplastics, and green chemicals and biofuels.
Wendy Overton
- Endios Bio
- EIR: Wendy Overton
- PI: Alexandra Whiteley (CU Boulder Biochemistry)
- Description: Developing therapeutics for rare neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the gene peg10.
Jesse M. Sheppard
- IntraLumenus
- EIR: Jesse M. Sheppard (Alum: CU Denver Business, CU Boulder Business)
- PI: Mark Rentschler (CU Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)
- Description: Aims to revolutionize lower gastrointestinal endoscopies by improving access for gastroenterologists.
George Douaire
- FOWTech
- EIR: George Douaire
- PI: Lucy Pao (CU Boulder Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering)
- Description: Specializes in advanced control systems for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWTs), enhancing stability and power generation.
Justin Whiteley
- Kioga
- EIR: Justin Whiteley
- PI: Christopher A. Lowry (Integrative Physiology); Noah Fierer (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
- Description: Discovering and commercializing new dietary ingredients to combat stress and metabolic disorders.
Kylen McClintock
- Longevity Escape Velocity Labs
- EIR: Kylen McClintock
- PI: Tom LaRocca (CU Boulder Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Laboratory)
- Description: Targets the biology of aging to create therapeutics and personalized protocols for longer and healthier lives.
Bart Emery
- EerDX
- EIR: Bart Emery
- PI: Jianliang Xiao (CU Boulder Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering)
- Description: Reinventing the sleep diagnostic experience for patients and physicians using earbud flexible biosensors for home use.
