Smart Futures Lab Incubator and Accelerator Program

Smart Futures Lab Program

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

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)

Program Details

• Duration: 6 months
• Cost: No-cost to participants
• Formats: In-person and remote participation options available
• Cohort cycle: Annual intake (most recent cohort: April 2025)
• Next application deadline: Check website for 2026 cohort opening

For More Information

Visit: coloradosmart.city for current application portal and detailed requirements