b'ACCELERATING ADVANCED INDUSTRIESconducted at one of the participating research COLORADO OFFICE OFinstitutions. Early-Stage Capital and Retention ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANDGrants are designed to help startups commer-INTERNATIONAL TRADE cialize proven, disruptive technologies.While Rama Haris was a graduate student,Among the recent recipients were aiGENE, Inc., she learned the ins and outs of administeringwhich developed a rapid, inexpensive easy-funds through working as a graduate assistantto-use blood test that evaluates cancer treat-at her schools Student Organization Fundingment effectiveness; Beryl Therapeutics, Inc., Allocation Council.which developed a patented small molecule It prepared her for one of the states mostthat increases bone formation and reduces important economic development roles,bone resorption to treat postmenopausal running the Advanced Industries Acceleratorosteoporosis; and Guardian Biosciences, Programs. They support commercializationwhich developed a nasal spray interventionRama Haris, Advanced Industries Senior Manager, of innovative and disruptive technologies into treat acute concussions in athletes andColorado OEDITseven advanced industries: advanced manu- military personnel. facturing, aerospace, life sciences, electronics,Haris points to previous grantees as major energy and natural resources, infrastructuresuccess stories, including Emergy, Inc., which engineering, and technology and information. produces a meat alternative made from Advanced industries are a key driver ofmushrooms thats sold under the brandOur offices focus is Colorados economy, Haris said. Our officesMeati Foods. Since receiving the grant in 2020,to ensure we have focus is to ensure we have a thriving economythe company has developed and scaled its for all. process. So far, its invested over $200M ina thriving economy real estate and equipment, and created over The programs provide four grant opportu- 70 jobs. for all.nities, with the Proof of Concept and Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grants providingWere really proud to see that type of trajec-RAMA HARISthe most common sources of state fundingtory, Haris said. In the early years, we seeAdvanced Industries Senior Managerfor life sciences. Proof of Concept Grantsmore modest returns and later we see jobColorado OEDITfund research with commercial applicationscreation and capital investments. 2023-2024 BIOSCIENCE COLORADO 37'