CU Boulder's Startup Ecosystem: From Lab to Launchpad

Beam me up, Scotty! Vitro3D's "Replicator" Revolutionizes Manufacturing

Forget microwaving leftovers – imagine a device that conjures objects from thin air, much like the replicator in Star Trek. Camila Uzcategui, CEO and co-founder of Vitro3D, isn't just dreaming; she's building it. This CU Boulder spin-off has developed a groundbreaking manufacturing technology using light to transform liquids into solids.

“If you’re a Star Trek fan, it is this machine that creates objects out of thin air,” Uzcategui said. “Ours is based on science, of course… we use light to shine on a liquid, and where that light shines it turns into a solid.”

Initially focusing on dental aligners, Vitro3D envisions a future creating implantable tissue engineering scaffolds for cartilage regeneration, offering hope for arthritis sufferers. Their commitment to sustainable, low-cost materials further amplifies the potential global impact.

CU Boulder: A Hotbed of Innovation

Vitro3D is just one of a record-breaking 35 startups launched by CU Boulder last year. This surge in entrepreneurial activity underscores the university's dedication to translating cutting-edge research into real-world solutions, according to Bryn Rees, associate vice chancellor for innovation and partnerships.

“We want to make sure that really cutting-edge research has a broader impact and brings new innovations to people’s lives,” he said.

Venture Partners at CU Boulder plays a crucial role, providing resources like mentorship, training, and funding to empower these budding entrepreneurs.

“These folks are world leaders in their scientific and their engineering disciplines, but sometimes the world of entrepreneurship and business is new to them,” Rees said. “So we want to make sure they have the educational resources and the support to make that larger impact.”

Mesa Quantum: Securing the Future of Navigation

Sristy Agrawal, CEO of Mesa Quantum, another CU Boulder success story, is tackling the vulnerability of GPS. Recalling an incident where a GPS blocker grounded flights, Agrawal highlights the fragility of our reliance on this technology.

“We realize how wonderful (GPS) is,” Agrawal said. “But what we don’t realize is GPS is not just for navigation. That same timing signal is used to synchronize our entire virtual infrastructure.”

Mesa Quantum is developing chip-scale atomic clocks, tiny devices that can safeguard crucial systems against GPS disruption, addressing a significant national security concern.

“GPS resilience is one of the biggest concerns for every single government across the world right now,” she said. “You take down the timing and the GPS from a country and you can tumble its infrastructure.”

From Research to Reality: The Startup Journey

Rees emphasizes that successful startups address real-world problems. Venture Partners equips scientists and engineers with the tools to understand customer needs, bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Startups, while high-risk, have emerged as the most effective way to navigate the lengthy development process.

“It’s a long game, but it’s really rewarding to see something that can be so transformative,” Rees said. “If we can treat or cure a disease we never could before… it’s worth 15 years.”

Boulder: A Rising Star in the Startup Galaxy

The vibrant startup ecosystem nurtured by CU Boulder and Venture Partners has propelled companies like Vitro3D. Uzcategui highlights the growing recognition of Boulder as a hub for innovation.

“We are increasing the visibility of the startup ecosystem in the area,” she said. “I think there’s something really beautiful happening in the Boulder and in the Mountain West area that shows there’s innovation and entrepreneurship flourishing in this area as well.”