From bioscience to energy and natural resources, Colorado has identified advanced industries as key drivers of long-term economic growth. The Advanced Industries Proof of Concept (AI POC) Grant Program is one of the state’s primary tools for strengthening those sectors.
The program is funded by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and supports the commercialization of research with strong potential to create economic impact in Colorado.
Each year, CSU receives a dedicated funding allocation through the program. CSU Strata manages the competitive review and selection process for CSU’s allocation in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research, helping identify projects with strong technical and commercial promise. In addition, OEDIT awards separate AI POC funds through a selection process it manages directly.
Six CSU projects awarded $800,000 total
This year, six CSU-led projects received a combined $800,000 in Advanced Industries Proof of Concept funding.
- Four projects received approximately $450,000 through CSU’s allocated funding. These projects were selected through a competitive review process managed by CSU Strata.
- Two additional projects received $350,000 through a separate selection process managed directly by OEDIT.
Together, the six projects reflect the breadth of CSU research and its alignment with Colorado’s priority industries, which include aerospace, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure engineering, and technology and information.
Projects Selected for CSU’s Allocation ($450,000 total)
The following four projects were selected from a pool of 25 submissions through a competitive review process managed by CSU Strata:
- A novel implantable materials platform
Developing biologically stable, durable materials that mimic the biomechanical properties of soft tissue.
Primary Investigator: Travis Bailey, Professor, School of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering
- Development of a medicated bird feed for enhanced control of West Nile virus transmission
Creating a medicated bird feed to mitigate the transmission of West Nile Virus near neighborhoods, parks, and ranches.
Primary Investigator: Brian Foy, Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
- Evaluation of an oncolytic virus (MYXVorfC) adjunct therapy to prevent recurrence of canine soft tissue sarcomas
Studying a new treatment for soft tissue sarcomas in dogs – an oncolytic virus designed to target cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
Primary Investigator: Amy MacNeill, Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
- Intelligent electrification planning for fleets
Developing a planning platform, based on a digital twin of fleet operations, to design, implement, and operate electric vehicle systems that are reliable and affordable.
Primary Investigator: Jason Quinn, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Additional CSU Projects Selected Directly by OEDIT ($350,000 total)
The following two CSU-led projects received Advanced Industries Proof of Concept funding through a selection process managed directly by OEDIT:
- Revolutionizing quantum control at the atomic scale with a nanoengineered probe design
Developing a new probe technology that combines atomic scale imaging with quantum control technology. This project is a collaboration between researchers at CSU and University of Denver.
Primary Investigators: Yulia Maximenko, Assistant Professor, Physics, CSU; Dacen Waters, Assistant Professor, Physics and Astronomy, University of Denver
- Single-step electrochemical carbon capture and conversion to Dimethyl Ether: An Accelerated Pathway to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Building an electrochemical prototype to capture and convert carbon dioxide into dimethyl ether – a potential alternative fuel.
Primary Investigator: Reza Nazemi, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Funding is available twice annually directly through OEDIT for researchers affiliated with an eligible Colorado research institution. The program typically has application cycles in January/February and July/August. CSU researchers interested in applying are encouraged to contact CSU Strata at techtransfer@csustrata.org for guidance.
Learn more at csustrata.org/technology-transfer/ai-poc-grant.
