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BizWest—VitriVax Inc., a �鶹ӰԺ-based developer of vaccine-shot technology and CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout, was recently awarded a five-year, $29 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to create a single-injection, thermostable vaccine for melioidosis and glanders.

Innosphere Ventures—New Iridium, a CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout dedicated to decarbonizing the chemical industry and driving sustainable innovation, announced it has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II grant. This grant will enable New Iridium to advance its cutting-edge photocatalysis platform that uses light rather than heat, revolutionizing the production of low-carbon chemicals while significantly reducing costs compared to today’s processes.

CU �鶹ӰԺ researcher Linda Watkins and CU startups Beryl Therapeutics Inc., Modendo Inc. and TissueForm Inc. are among 37 companies and researchers awarded Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital Retention grants through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).

VegNews—Meati Foods, a CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout and the innovative producer of plant-based meat alternatives crafted from mushroom root, announced that former Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame member and entrepreneur Derek Jeter has become an investor and advisor for the company.

CU �鶹ӰԺ researchers have identified a surprising new player in ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)—an ancient, virus-like protein. With funding from the ALS Association, the National Institutes of Health, and Venture Partners at CU �鶹ӰԺ, Alexandra Whiteley's lab is now working to understand the molecular pathways involved and to find a way of inhibiting the rogue protein.

Virridy Carbon LLC—M. A. Mortenson Companies Inc. signed a carbon credit pre-purchase agreement with Virridy, a CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout, to enable programs in Rwanda, Kenya and the USA. The deal will ensure the emissions avoidance of at least 50,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent.

Reuters—Ayar Labs, a CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout, raised another $25 million after its latest funding round closed, as demand has increased for faster, more energy-efficient computing for artificial intelligence applications. The funding will be used to accelerate the commercialization of Ayar Labs' silicon photonics technology, which uses light instead of electricity to transfer data between chips or servers.

BizWeist—OnKure, a CU �鶹ӰԺ spinout, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of best-in-class precision medicines that target biologically validated drivers of cancer.

The University of Colorado is a national leader in startup creation with a growing suite of entrepreneurial resources giving innovative researchers opportunities to spin ideas into businesses.

BizWest—BizWest has announced the winners of its 2023 IQ Awards, which honor the “innovation quotient” among companies in the �鶹ӰԺ Valley and Northern Colorado. This year's winners include CU �鶹ӰԺ startups Goodie Bag Food Co. and Prometheus Materials Inc.