CO-WY Engine CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROGRAMS

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Colorado & Wyoming’s hub for climate resilience innovation

Fostering Climate Resiliency

Supporting projects that develop and implement innovative technologies and solutions to monitor, mitigate, and adapt to climate impacts, specifically in Colorado and Wyoming.

Preference will be given to projects that present scalable impactful solutions and those who can demonstrate a clear pathway to real-world implementation within a set timeframe.

Bridging the Gap with Use-Inspired and Translation

We are looking for:

Projects that showcase a solid product-market fit, collaboration with industry partners, solution adopters/users, tribal entities, community organizations, government entities, non-governmental organizations with an identified need that this research supports or startup development resources, and a roadmap for securing additional translational funding.

Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem

Enriching the regional innovation ecosystem by addressing its existing gaps, including scarcity of translational funding, shortage of executive talent, intellectual property barriers, and access to investment capital.

Projects deploying collaborative approaches, engage multiple stakeholders, and have strategies for long-term sustainability and impact.

Promoting Inclusivity

Ensuring that the innovation and translation processes are inclusive and representative and lead to equitable outcomes for all, especially underserved populations in the Colorado and Wyoming region.

Projects with clear inclusion strategies, demonstrate diverse team composition, and aim to impact marginalized communities, including tribal nations, will be given precedence.

CO-WY Engine RFP FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for the CO-WY Engine RFP grants?

The Engine Grant program is open to Colorado and Wyoming startup companies anduniversities.

What grants are available?

There are two types of grants: Use-Inspired R&D grants and Translation grants.
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‍Use-Inspired R&D Grants: These grants aim to foster research and development of innovative data, technology, or practice solutions for advancing climate technologies and community resiliency.
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Eligible universities include:
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• Colorado State University
• University of Wyoming University of Colorado (Boulder, Denver)
• University of Northern Colorado
• Colorado School of Mines
• Metro State University

‍Translation Grants: These grants aim to accelerate the commercialization of innovations into tangible products, services, or solutions that address climate resiliency. Proposals should demonstrate a solid product-market fit, collaboration with industry partners, and a roadmap for securing additional translational funding.

What technologies are eligible for the grant programs?

Eligible technology areas include:

• Methane emissions analysis
• Soil carbon capture data & analytics
• Wildfire risk & prediction
• Extreme weather modeling
• Water availability prediction
• Complex Earth sensing

How long is the grant timeframe?

The grant period is twelve months.

What is the application window?

Translation Grant: Apply here
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‍Use-Inspired R&D Grant: Apply here

How can I apply, and what is the deadline for application submissions?

Application window: July 22 – September 3, 2024
‍Evaluations and interviews: September 4 – October 1, 2024 Acceptance communications: October 2 – October 14,2024

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee associated with submitting an application.

How do I access the Info Ready Review system to submit applications?

Click on the provided opportunity link to access the grant program information page.
From the opportunity page, click on “Apply” to view required fields and submit applications.
Log into the system. Colorado State University applicants will utilize the “Colorado State University Login” with their NetID/password. All other applicants must utilize the “Login for Other Users” and create a profile.
Complete all fields and upload all required components. You can save your application as a draft prior to submission. Saved drafts can be found in the “Applications” tab.
Be sure to “Submit” your application. Applications left as “draft” will not be reviewed.

Are solo entrepreneurs eligible, or do you only accept teams?

Yes, solo entrepreneurs are eligible. This program can help founders with team building.

What is the duration of the programs?

The program duration is twelve months.

Is the program virtual, in-person, or a hybrid model?

The program is virtual.

What type of mentorship, training, and resources can participants expect?

Participants can expect:
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• 12 months of support
• A dedicated Engine Client Director
• Mentorship

How much equity does the CO-WY Engine take in exchange for participation in the program?

The Engine does not take any equity in companies.

Will participants have access to laboratory space and equipment?

No, this program does not provide laboratory space or equipment.

Does the CO-WY Engine provide funding, and if so, what is the typical investment range?

The Grant program provides non-dilutive grants:

• Translation grants: $250,000 to $750,000
• Use-Inspired R&D grants: up to $300,000

We work closely with participating founders to create a capital strategy to secure additional funding outside the programs. What kind of investor connections does the program facilitate?The program facilitates investor introductions, investor events, and conferences through its network of participating organizations.

What kind of investor connections does the program facilitate?

The program facilitates investor introductions, investor events, and conferences through its network of participating organizations.

Who are the mentors, and what are their areas of expertise?

Key mentors include Client Directors, typically former C-Suite and Senior Executives with extensive cleantech and startup commercialization experience. They assist with business strategy, capital/funding, customer acquisition, talent sourcing, and operations.

Corporate partners include Lockheed, Nvidia, Palantir, Chevron, Trimble, Shell, Microsoft, and NOAA.

What networking opportunities are available through the program?

The program offers numerous networking opportunities through events, educational programs, and corporate engagements.

What are the expected outcomes by the end of the program?

The expected outcomes are to accelerate the development processes of participating university groups and startups, advancing them to a state of commercialization.

How is progress measured throughout the program?

Progress is measured through a quarterly review process, where individual founders assess their progress against specific business goals.

What initiatives are in place to support diversity and inclusion within the program?

The program aims to transform cleantech entrepreneurship through inclusive and equitable access to capital.

How does the program handle intellectual property (IP) created during the program?

Any IP created during the program is owned by the participating startup that created it. The program surveys founders at intervals about their filed and received IP.

Will Engine have any claim to IP developed by participating startups?

No, the Engine will not have any claim to the IP developed by participating startups.

Translation Grant PROGRAM >

USE INSPIRED Grant PROGRAM >

Grants for climate resilience solutions

The CO-WY Engine is receiving significant funding from the National Science Foundation aimed at improving the resilience of communities in our two-state region. The Engine will support the development of unique environmental data and measurements in our region through research and development and translation of technologies using grant programs and other means.