The University of Colorado will host a startup showcase in Denver on Monday to build campus and community connections during Colorado Startup Week.
Colorado Startup Week is a free statewide event celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation and community. CU is hosting people from all of its campuses in Denver on Monday to celebrate, and it’s inviting members of the community to attend.
“It’s really about continuing to build those bridges between campus and community because that’s really where the magic happens to take ideas that can make breakthrough changes, whether that’s in healthcare or in deep tech,” event organizer Ashley Tillman said.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Monday at Denver’s Civic Center building, 144 W. Colfax Ave. There will be a showcase where more than 50 innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders set up tables to meet with attendees. It will also include a keynote session where people can hear from founders, and a happy hour for people to talk and connect.
Tillman said the event is a great opportunity for any company founders, entrepreneurs or mentors who might be looking to partner with CU. She added that anyone who champions innovation and entrepreneurship is also welcome.
Justin Whiteley is the CEO and cofounder of Kioga, a CU Boulder startup out of the neuroscience department. His company will be showcasing at the event on Monday. Kioga aims to commercialize a new class of dietary ingredients based on postbiotics that are derived from beneficial bacteria in nature to address metabolic health.
Whiteley said he’s looking forward to interacting with the general public and raising awareness about the work Kioga does.
“And for the company, this is a great exposure opportunity,” Whiteley said. “It sounds like it’s a tremendously well-attended event, and we’re looking to get our name out there and help educate on the exciting stuff we’re doing.”
This is the second year CU is hosting a startup showcase and the first year the event is partnering with Colorado Startup Week and involving the larger community. All CU campuses are involved in Monday’s event.
For more information and to register, visit innovate-cu-showcase.my.canva.site/cushowcase2025.
