The Insider: Deep Tech Partners Edition—May 2025

Supporting entrepreneurial programs like the Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase financially will give you an active role in building the University of Colorado’s pipeline of future business leaders and ventures. Your support will connect you with cutting-edge startups and influential investors. By helping us to drive and energize the future of innovation, you will benefit too.

RayChill is a venture centered around passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) technology for 24/7 operation with zero electricity and water consumption. The company is led by Yao Zhai of the University of Missouri, and it holds an option for a license of the technology from the University of Colorado. Zhai was a member of a team that received the DoE ARPA-E award to develop this technology at the University of Colorado. 

Unlocking Innovation: Navigating University IP Licensing for Life Sciences Startups

Monday, May 12, 11 a.m.-noon, Boulder Library

For many life sciences startups, breakthroughs originate in university research labs. But securing the right to commercialize these innovations requires navigating complex licensing agreements with university tech transfer offices—an unfamiliar process for many entrepreneurs. Featuring Annalissa Philbin (Venture Partners).

Silicon Flatirons Startup Variety Show

Monday, May 12, 5-8 p.m., Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

Join Silicon Flatirons as they stitch together the startup scene, CU Boulder, innovators from the Federal Labs, as well as technologists from incumbent technology companies in a night of food, networking and entrepreneurship.

The VC Funding Landscape: Insights from Funders & Founders

Wednesday, May 14, noon-1 p.m., SOVRN

With the VC landscape shifting dramatically over the past year, our panelists will dissect how to navigate and pivot amidst these changes. Discover what it takes to become a VC-funded company—from the critical milestones VCs look for to the distinct expectations for pre-seed versus seed rounds. Featuring Sally Hatcher and Tasso von Windheim (both, Buff Gold Ventures); Tyler Evans (Mana Battery).

Innovation Unleashed: The Importance of Customer Discovery

Thursday, May 15, 1-2 p.m., Boulder Library

Highlighting the vital role customer discovery plays in truly understanding and shaping a successful business. Through insightful panel discussions, attendees will explore how customer discovery is essential for validating market fit, refining strategies, and driving sustainable growth. Featuring Sristy Agrawal (Mesa Quantum); Aoife Henry (WinSenseAI); Poolad Imany (Icarus Quantum); Susan Strong (CU Boulder Research & Innovation Office External Advisory Board, The Strong Group)