Over the last year, CU Boulder scientists and engineers have developed solutions that address various challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including diagnostics, environmental sensors, supply chain innovations and more. These technologies require entrepreneurial support and acceleration to rapidly be brought to market and address the urgent needs related to the pandemic.
Venture Partners at CU Boulder—the university's commercialization arm—has launched the Pandemic Hyper Accelerator for Science and Technology (PHAST) to support the translation of these CU-developed, COVID-19 innovations into new businesses.
“There is no shortage of good ideas on campus. What often differentiates ideas and impact, though, is the translation and practical application of those ideas,” said Bryn Rees, CU Boulder assistant vice chancellor for research and innovation and managing director of Venture Partners. "That’s the goal of PHAST. We're bringing together leading technologists, entrepreneurs and startup resources along the Colorado Front Range to take COVID-19 solutions out of the lab and into the field." Read More>>>
The six-month accelerator program starts virtually in June. Participants receive entrepreneurial training, funding and mentorship from seasoned Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, altogether worth over $75,000. PHAST also culminates in a Demo Day, which provides a chance for angel investors, venture capitalists and the startup community to see pitches and discuss deal opportunities.
Crucial to PHAST's programming is the partnership formed with local angel investing group Rockies Venture Club (RVC), as the program requires participants to complete RVC's 1-week HyperAccelerator.
