Denver, November 17, 2022 – Colorado BioScience Association celebrated the Colorado companies, organizations, and individuals who are building momentum for Colorado’s life sciences community with their work to save and change lives at the 19^th Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics, held on November 16 at the Denver Center for Performing Arts’ Seawell Ballroom. More than 350 leaders celebrated ecosystem successes under sparkling lights, a setting that matched the ecosystem’s excitement.       

“Colorado’s life sciences community is building momentum and growing our reputation as a leading national and international hub for life sciences,” said Elyse Blazevich, President & CEO of Colorado BioScience Association. “CBSA congratulates the award winners, finalists, and individuals honored at our 19^th Annual Awards celebration. We are inspired by the impact they are making for patients and their families.”

Company of the Year: BioIntelliSense

BioIntelliSense offers a comprehensive portfolio of continuous patient monitoring solutions from in-hospital to home, combining breakthrough medical-grade biosensor technology with unique clinical intelligence for scalable remote patient monitoring. After introducing the BioButton, a wearable device designed for continuous patient monitoring earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with Medtronic for exclusive U.S. distribution.

Finalists for the award were: Aktiv Pharma Group and Umoja Biopharma.

Rising Star of the Year, Sponsored by Higginbotham: Enveda Biosciences

Enveda BioSciences is tackling drug discovery challenges by harnessing the complexity of the natural world. The company closed a $51 million Series A round in 2021 and is investing in a 60,000-square-foot advanced drug discovery and development center in Boulder. Finalists for the award were: Think Bioscience and Watchmaker Genomics.

Educator of the Year: Jaelen Hysaw, DSST Conservatory Green High School

Biochemistry teacher Jaelen Hysaw is committed to introducing her students to the purpose-driven, high-paying jobs in life sciences. She participated in Biotechnology Experiences in the Classroom and recently welcomed speakers from Amgen, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, and Tolmar to her classroom.

Institute Leadership Award: Medtronic Foundation

Medtronic Foundation awarded Colorado BioScience Institute one of ten equity-based partnerships for STEM education. The partnership came with a $200,000 grant and is designed to remove barriers to quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and create opportunity for academic and economic advancement.  

Partner of the Year: Innosphere Ventures

The Fort-Collins-based incubator/accelerator led the Colorado Coalition’s efforts to secure Build Back Better funding to advance the state’s life sciences and cleantech industries, partnered with CBSA and The Institute to launch the Colorado Life Sciences Incubation Program, and opened 7,800 square feet of lab space on its campus to support startups.

Legislators of the Year: Rep. Mike Lynch and Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

Rep. Lynch co-sponsored the reauthorization of the Advanced Industries Investor Tax Credit Program, a top policy priority for CBSA, expanding the funds available by 433%. Sen. Zenzinger consistently supports legislation that fosters health innovation and worked to protect funding for the Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program during the COVID-driven state budget cuts.

Deal of the Year: SomaLogic 

A leader in artificial intelligence (AI) data-driven proteomics technology, SomaLogic uses proteins to measure current health states and future disease risks. The company raised more than $630 million when it went public.  

Volunteer of the Year: Kiki Traylor, M.D.

Board of Directors Chair, Kiki Traylor, M.D., is a tireless supporter of CBSA and champion of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem. A strong female role model for the community, she brings unparalleled experience as a physician, Director of State Government Affairs at Amgen, and former state legislator.

Building Momentum Award: Fitzsimons Innovation Community

The community includes more than 80 life sciences companies that employ more than 800 professionals, which will expand soon with the opening of Bioscience 5, a dedicated, full-scale manufacturing facility for cell and gene therapy.

Master of Ceremonies Mike Huckman, an executive communications consultant and former CNBC reporter who serves on the BIO Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of advocating for science.

Keynote speaker Allison Massari talked about the transformational power of health innovation. Her story emphasizes triumph over pain and adversity. After a devastating accident, she combined determination, hope, and courage, with vital pain medicines and antibiotics to help her recover and build the triumphant life she lives today.

The evening also included a celebration of life honoring two leaders who made an outsize impact on the state’s life sciences ecosystem: Robert Niichel, the Founder and CEO of zümXR and SmartTab; and Rep. Hugh McKean, the Colorado House of Representatives Minority Leader.

Generous sponsors from Colorado’s life sciences community made the event possible. CBSA thanks AGC Biologics, Higginbotham, Azzur Group, Fisher Scientific, GRAIL, Wilson Sonsini, BIO, Biodesix, CAI, GBA Builders, OEDIT, Richtr Financial Studio, and Sage Law Group

About Colorado BioScience Association

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more: cobioscience.com