https://startupblogpost.com/ Startup and deep-tech news from all eight Mountain West states, from the weekly Startup Blogpost roundup. en-us https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 CO https://coloradosun.com/2026/10/17/openai-artificial-intelligence-durango-caseworkers-rural-ai/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCommunity Connections, a Durango nonprofit, received $500,000 from the OpenAI Foundation to build AI that gives its caseworkers more time with the people they serve. The grant was found by an AI agent that Durango's Center for Rural AI built to look for rural grants. (Source: The Colorado Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 UT https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-teams-up-with-utah-startup-company-to-advance-retinal-disease-researchMon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMyxTek Bio, a Cache Valley biotech startup built on Utah State University research, received a $305,000 National Science Foundation award. The money will help develop a biomaterial made from engineered hagfish proteins. Researchers hope it can produce better lab models of tissues in the back of the eye to study age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases. (Source: Utah State Today) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 CO https://businessden.com/boulder-van-company-goes-from-facebook-marketplace-to-70m-in-annual-sales/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBoulder's Geotrek Vans began on Facebook Marketplace and is now projecting $70M in sales this year. The company just tripled its space to 66,000 square feet and is eyeing $100M in sales in 2027. (Source: BusinessDen) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/savory-fund-201-million-third-restaurant-fund/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSavory Fund of Draper has closed its third restaurant investment fund at $201.5 million, surpassing its target. The firm has deployed 35 percent of the capital across four brands, including Zao Asian Grill and Bonrue Bakery. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 AZ https://www.aztechcouncil.org/6-4m-mesa-training-hub-opens-to-strengthen-arizonas-aerospace-workforce/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMaricopa Community Colleges and Chandler-Gilbert Community College opened Arizona's first Aerospace & Defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Mesa with a ribbon-cutting. Gov. Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority and industry partners joined the celebration of the $6.4M facility, which aims to strengthen the state's aerospace workforce. (Source: Arizona Technology Council) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/uvu-quantum-business-exchange/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUtah Valley University's emerging Quantum Business eXchange plans to connect students and industry through research, training and applied projects. It will look at where quantum technologies could solve business problems, with preparing for post-quantum cryptography as a near-term focus. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 UT https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/one-u-rai-marks-three-years-of-milestones-from-research-to-redtail/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAt its third annual symposium, the University of Utah's One-U RAI celebrated three years of progress. It also launched Redtail, a statewide resource for research, education and pro-human AI. (Source: University of Utah @theU) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 WY https://wyomingbusiness.org/news/josh-dorrell-to-step-down-as-wyoming-business-council-ceo/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTJosh Dorrell is stepping down as CEO of the Wyoming Business Council, and its board accepted his resignation at a special meeting on Oct. 14. He took the helm in 2020. The board will oversee the leadership transition, and the agency says its work will continue uninterrupted. (Source: Wyoming Business Council) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 NM https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/16/new-mexico-fiber-project-to-provide-high-speed-internet-for-underserved-communities/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Mexico's broadband expansion agency announced an agreement with an internet service provider to bring high-speed fiber to underserved communities in five northern counties. The project is funded by a federal grant and followed delays from federal officials. (Source: Source NM) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 NV https://www.dri.edu/memorial-trust-helps-make-nevada-history-accessible/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTWith support from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, DRI archaeology research scientist Megan Stueve is creating a Virtual Outdoor Experience of the Longstreet Cabin in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The project makes a little-known piece of Nevada history accessible. (Source: Desert Research Institute) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-19/2026-10-19 CO https://businessden.com/denver-brothers-open-apparel-brand-along-16th-street-mall/Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPuppet Theater, an apparel brand named after a local playhouse that closed during the pandemic, has opened on Denver's 16th Street Mall. It is part of Jevon Taylor's DDDA-funded project at 640 16th St. (Source: BusinessDen) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 UT https://www.utahbusiness.com/industry/2026/10/15/recursion-prices-200m-stock-offering-as-sanofi-picks-a-partnered-drug-candidate/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTRecursion has priced a $200 million stock offering. Separately, partner Sanofi has selected a drug candidate from their collaboration. (Source: Utah Business) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/mtn-nih-grant-ai-fragmented-data/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMTN has secured a $2.34 million NIH Fast Track grant to advance technology that maps relationships across fragmented data systems. The company sees uses in healthcare and other data-intensive industries. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 NM https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/13/geothermal-energy-projects-in-new-mexico-receive-17-3m-in-state-funding/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTFour geothermal projects across New Mexico have received more than $17 million in state funding to evaluate potential hot spots. Results are expected next year, and promising data could lead private developers to plan more geothermal plants, according to a top state energy official. (Source: Source NM) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/10/15/boulder-based-emode-photonix-raises-1m/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEMode Photonix, a Boulder-based startup, has raised $1 million. The company delivers simulation tools for novel photonics. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 CO https://businessden.com/denver-wedding-video-business-lands-350k-on-shark-tank/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTWedding Weekender, founded by Anne Marie Carroll in May 2025, secured $350,000 on Shark Tank. The company has posted $3.4 million in sales since its founding. (Source: BusinessDen) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 CO https://businessden.com/local-aerospace-firm-growing-ninefold-with-new-hq-in-broomfield/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTA local aerospace company is moving into a new headquarters in Broomfield that is nine times its current size. The business was founded in RiNo just four years ago in a 1,000-square-foot office. (Source: BusinessDen) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/fortem-mbda-partnership/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTLindon-based Fortem Technologies is expanding its partnership with European defense company MBDA. The deal will integrate DroneHunter and FireThorn autonomous interceptors into allied air-defense networks, extending Fortem's defense business beyond recent U.S. government contract wins. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/vector-expands-nammo-agreement-to-advance-integrated-drone-capabilities/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTVector and Nammo Defense Systems are expanding their partnership to integrate munitions with unmanned aircraft. The move builds on Vector's recent military procurement progress and its investments in domestic drone manufacturing and supply-chain capacity. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 AZ https://www.azbio.org/tesoro-vc-announces-frontier-forum-in-partnership-with-the-city-of-phoenix#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rssFri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTTesoro VC, in partnership with the City of Phoenix, announced Frontier Forum, a new annual gathering set for March 29, 2027. It will bring startups in AI chips, robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology and defense technologies together with 300 founders, investors and industry leaders. (Source: AZBio (Arizona Bioindustry Association)) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 AZ https://www.aztechcouncil.org/governor-hobbs-maricopa-community-colleges-and-arizona-commerce-authority-celebrate-grand-opening-of-aerospace-defense-future48-workforce-accelerator/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGov. Katie Hobbs, Maricopa Community Colleges and the Arizona Commerce Authority celebrated the grand opening of the state's first aerospace and defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa. (Source: Arizona Technology Council) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 AZ https://s11759.pcdn.co/biolab-holdings-launches-emeranova-to-advance-the-future-of-tissue-restoration#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rssFri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhoenix-based BioLab Holdings has launched a new corporate identity, EmeraNova. The company says the change reflects a broader mission to advance tissue restoration across specialties, healing phases and care settings, beyond wound care. (Source: AZBio (Arizona Bioindustry Association)) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-16/2026-10-16 ID https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/10/15/isu-awarded-federal-grant-to-improve-access-to-produce-for-pregnant-and-postpartum-women/Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTIdaho State University will receive nearly $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the new Maternal Produce Prescription Program. The funds are meant to improve access to fruits and vegetables for pregnant and postpartum Idahoans. (Source: Idaho Capital Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 CO https://coloradosun.com/2026/10/10/denver-workforce-wages-tech-employers-relocation/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTCloudBees' CEO says the company's focus is on where it can find good talent, and Colorado's skilled workforce is a price tech employers are willing to pay. The column also covers a Lockheed hiring spree. (Source: The Colorado Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 CO https://coloradosun.com/2026/10/08/new-websites-helps-campers-score-top-campsites-in-colorado/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTA new website called Campsite Ranger aims to give campers an edge on Colorado's most elusive campsites. Those sites often sell out within hours, months in advance. (Source: The Colorado Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/10/08/atom-computing-advances-in-300m-darpa-quantum-competition/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTAtom Computing has moved into the final stage of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's $300M quantum competition. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/10/06/university-of-colorado-spinout-optics-firm-polaris-raises-50m/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPolaris Electro-Optics, a University of Colorado spinout headquartered in California with operations in Colorado, has raised $50 million. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 NM https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/08/new-mexico-cybersecurity-leader-calls-for-quantum-safeguards-while-state-inks-deal-with-major-player/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a partnership with Japan-based Fujitsu to establish a quantum computing research center in New Mexico. The same day, state cybersecurity officials told lawmakers to prioritize updating digital security systems across state agencies before other countries develop a high-tech quantum computer. (Source: Source NM) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 NM https://www.elevatequantum.org/news/new-mexico-launches-new-center-to-train-quantum-techniciansMon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe New Mexico Technology and Innovation Office, CNM Ingenuity and Elevate Quantum created the Quantum Cryogenic Testing & Workforce Development Center. It will train quantum technicians and give startups a faster path to test and validate hardware, and will be housed in the Roadrunner Quantum Lab in Albuquerque. (Source: Elevate Quantum) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/redtail-announced-at-u-of-u/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe University of Utah launched its Redtail AI Factory at the One-U Responsible AI Initiative Annual Symposium. The $50 million statewide computing resource is open to researchers, students, government and industry across Utah. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 CO https://source.colostate.edu/bohemian-foundation-invests-5-million-in-csu-energy-innovation-democracy-and-the-arts/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTA $5 million gift from Bohemian Foundation will expand Colorado State University's capacity to tackle major energy challenges. It will also permanently fund two student programs focused on democracy and the arts. (Source: CSU SOURCE) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/utah-adds-healthcare-pillar-to-pro-human-ai-initiative/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTUtah added a Healthcare pillar to its Pro-Human AI Initiative and signed six independent third-party evaluators. It also approved five healthcare sandbox pilots, including University of Utah Health, Intermountain Health, Nolla Health, Expect Fitness and August AI. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 UT https://www.techbuzznews.com/beta-alia-cx300-demo/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBETA Technologies flew its all-electric ALIA CX300 at Salt Lake City International Airport. UDOT, 47G, Alpine Air and FAA officials described how Utah's uFLY program is gathering data to bring electric aviation to market. (Source: TechBuzz News) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-12/2026-10-12 NM https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/06/new-mexico-solar-grants-reduce-energy-costs-for-public-buildings-in-rural-areas-state-officials-say/Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSolar projects at public buildings funded by the Local Solar Access Fund have cut energy costs by 53% on average, mostly in rural communities. New Mexico Finance Authority program chief John Brooks shared the results with lawmakers. Grant applications opened in January. (Source: Source NM) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/10/01/amp-robotics-scores-70m-loan-to-build-virginia-waste-sorting-facility/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTLouisville-based Amp Robotics, whose technology helps keep recyclables out of landfills, has secured a $70M loan. The money will go toward building a waste-sorting facility in Virginia. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://coloradosun.com/2026/10/03/opportunity-zones-low-income-colorado-investors-tax-break/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGov. Jared Polis has picked 91 Colorado regions for a federal program that offers benefits to investors willing to hold for 10 years, with potentially billions in investment at stake. The same roundup notes a Utah gear maker is relocating to Grand Junction. (Source: The Colorado Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/30/bifrost-electronics-appoints-doug-campbell-as-ceo/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBifrost Electronics has appointed Doug Campbell, a veteran Colorado technology entrepreneur, as its new chief executive. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://businessden.com/land-title-head-starts-new-company-after-deal-with-firstbank/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe head of Land Title has started a new company called Vaulted following a deal with FirstBank. Vaulted focuses on 1031 exchanges and escrow. (Source: BusinessDen) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/28/x-games-adjacent-owl-ai-hires-tech-chief/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTOwl AI Inc., a technology platform introduced during last year's X Games in Aspen, has hired a new technology chief. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 NM https://www.elevatequantum.org/news/elevate-quantum-expands-new-mexico-operations-with-move-into-roadrunner-quantum-labMon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTElevate Quantum is expanding its New Mexico operations into the Roadrunner Quantum Lab, a 35,000-square-foot facility run by Roadrunner Venture Studios in Albuquerque's Innovation District. It joins Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory and other partners as an inaugural resident. The space will support quantum testing, benchmarking, commercialization and workforce development. (Source: Elevate Quantum) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://source.colostate.edu/csu-leads-8-million-study-of-how-environmental-change-shapes-emerging-disease-risk-in-west-africa/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded $8 million to Colorado State University and seven partner institutions. The team will study how deforestation and other human and environmental changes stress and displace bats in West Africa, raising the potential for viral infections in people. (Source: CSU SOURCE) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 NM https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/01/new-mexico-attorney-general-and-state-lawmaker-announce-push-to-rein-in-rogue-ai-models/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTNew Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and state Rep. Linda Serrato plan to push a bill this legislative session aimed at advanced AI systems. They call the effort nation-leading and necessary given federal inaction. (Source: Source NM) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://quantumincubator.org/quantum-workforce-pathway/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTThrough grant-funded internships with Workforce Boulder County, two professionals are gaining a way into quantum at Colorado Quantum Incubator. The effort reflects the need for people who can build partnerships, support startups and coordinate projects, not just scientists. (Source: Colorado Quantum Incubator) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-10-05/2026-10-05 CO https://www.elevatequantum.org/news/elevate-quantum-welcomes-melissa-mcmillan-as-director-of-operationsMon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTElevate Quantum has brought on Melissa McMillan full time as Director of Operations. She has a background in geoscience, data science and technology, and has led the organization's operations, project management and automation work as a partner for more than a year. (Source: Elevate Quantum) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/24/doc-processing-platform-parascript-acquired-for-63m/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTParascript, a Boulder-based check-fraud and document-automation software company, has been acquired in a $63 million deal. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://coloradosun.com/2026/09/21/colorado-broadband-office-rescinds-millions-federal-investigation/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTThe Colorado Broadband Office has rescinded more than $100 million in federal awards to Parker-based Maverix Broadband amid an investigation. The bankrupt provider was paid $9 million of more than $125 million in awards for rural broadband. Some work was done, but $3.2 million appears to be missing. (Source: The Colorado Sun) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/23/auddia-adds-ex-defense-secretary-to-board-of-subsidiary/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBoulder-based Auddia (Nasdaq: AUDD), an audio-technology company, has tapped former Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the board of one of its subsidiaries. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://www.colorado.edu/venturepartners/newsletter/special-announcement/special-announcement-lab-venture-challenge-showcasesMon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTTeams of University of Colorado innovators will pitch to judges and a live audience at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. They are competing for a share of more than $1 million in grants for early-stage bio- and physical-science projects. (Source: CU Boulder Venture Partners) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/23/ai-drug-discovery-firm-enveda-raises-311m/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBoulder-based Enveda has raised $311 million. The company uses machine learning to discover drug compounds that occur naturally. (Source: BizWest) https://startupblogpost.com/roundups/2026-09-28/2026-09-28 CO https://bizwest.com/2026/09/25/cu-spinout-mesa-quantum-raises-nearly-12m-to-scale-sensor-commercialization/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTMesa Quantum Systems, a quantum-sensor company spun out of the University of Colorado in 2024, has raised nearly $12 million. The money will go toward scaling commercialization of its sensors. (Source: BizWest)