Ten tech startups to graduate from Denver’s Smart Futures Lab 2024 accelerator program

Ten technology companies that participated in 2024’s Smart Futures Lab incubator program at the University of Colorado Denver are set to present their solutions to challenges faced by municipalities and local government at a graduation and pitch ceremony on Friday.

The program launched in early 2023 with the intent of offering a program to accelerate growth of companies in the civic innovation space that are run by women, people of color and those with disabilities. Solutions built by the companies in this year’s cohort include an AI system to detect sewer leaks, an app that helps people with cognitive disabilities navigate indoor spaces and an advanced sensor system designed for early detection of wildfires and chemical spills.

The Smart Futures Lab was created in partnership with Colorado Smart Cities Alliance and nonprofit Innosphere Ventures. It’s funded partially by a $2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to support startups and entrepreneurs in the civic innovation space.

So far, at least two municipalities in Colorado have put Smart Futures Lab participant technologies in this year’s cohort to use — to address climate change and modernization challenges. The early wildfire detection system designed by N5 Sensors, Inc., has been deployed in Boulder and Jefferson counties. The system provides real-time data that helps firefighters and emergency teams mobilize faster, potentially preventing small blazes from escalating into devastating wildfires.

One participant is gaining recognition on the federal level. Mariela Alfonzo, founder of Smart Futures Lab participant company State of Place, has won two U.S. Department of Transportation Small Business Innovation Research grants since joining the program. Alfonzo’s AI-based predictive analytics software can show the value of infrastructure investments — everything from green space and park benches to roadways and buildings, a news release said. This aligns with the DOT’s work in learning how to use AI to advance its “Complete Streets” initiative.

Participants in the 6-month, no-cost program are given access to physical prototyping space at the lab at CU Denver, which features a private 5G network for research and development of “internet of things” technologies, a news release said.

Each participating company is also matched with a mentor from the Smart Futures Lab Mentor Network, which is made up of more than 30 industry leaders with varying expertise ranging from product development to business operations. Participants are also provided individualized support with weekly meetings with their program manager and a dedicated marketing manager.