How much funding does Smart Futures Lab Incubator and Accelerator Program provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

When is the deadline for Smart Futures Lab Incubator and Accelerator Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Smart Futures Lab Incubator and Accelerator Program

COLORADO SMART CITIES ALLIANCE

Foundation Annual Grants for Startups Technology Grants Community Development Grants

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Smart Futures Lab Program

Overview: A no-cost, six-month incubator and accelerator program created in partnership between CU Denver, Colorado Smart Cities Alliance, and Innosphere Ventures to support startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for urban environments and civic innovation.

Funding Source: Made possible through a $2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded in 2022 to support startups and entrepreneurs in the civic innovation space.

Geographic Scope: Colorado-based with some remote participation options; administered through University of Colorado Denver.

Focus Areas:

Smart cities technology solutions

Civic innovation

Internet of Things (IoT) technologies

Urban infrastructure challenges

Solutions addressing municipal and local government needs

Examples include: AI sewer leak detection, wildfire detection systems, air quality monitoring, accessible navigation for people with cognitive disabilities, pothole detection, EV charging infrastructure, traffic management, water monitoring

Eligibility:

New majority tech founders, professionals, and students

Companies looking to develop and scale smart city innovation solutions

Competitive admission process

What's Included:

No-cost participation

Physical coworking and prototyping space at CU Denver

Private 5G network for research and development of IoT technologies

Custom education curriculum

Extensive partnership networks and resources

Mentorship from Smart Futures Lab Mentor Network (30+ industry leaders)

Weekly meetings with program manager

Dedicated marketing manager support

Graduation ceremony with pitch opportunity to potential investors

Program Track Record (as of April 2025):

19 startup companies in less than two years

Generated over $4.5 million in investments and sales

Created 22 new jobs

Secured 6 new patents

Contact: Chelsea Barrett, Colorado Smart Cities Alliance, chelsea@coloradosmart.city

Website: coloradosmart.city

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Visit the program website for current application details and requirements
2. Submit application demonstrating your smart cities innovation solution
3. Competitive review process - admission is competitive based on company potential and solution merit
4. Notification of acceptance for either incubator or accelerator program track
5. Six-month program participation with monthly milestones
6. Graduation and investor pitch opportunity (typically in August for cohorts starting in April)