Empowering Innovations in Life Sciences
Fort Collins, CO – Innosphere’s Life Sciences Incubator recently celebrated a milestone with the graduation of its first cohort of companies. Launched under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale Grant, the program is designed to propel early-stage life sciences organizations from concept development to market-ready solutions. This initiative focuses on industries such as medical device technologies, health technologies, BioPharma, and digital health, aligning with national priorities set in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) remain at the heart of the program, with 73% of the cohort featuring DEIA-relevant leadership and 40% of the technologies addressing challenges in disadvantaged communities. Speaking on the cohort’s achievements, Kevin Noble, Life Sciences Program Director at Innosphere’s Life Sciences, emphasized the transformative journey. “These remarkable founders entered with groundbreaking ideas to tackle critical healthcare issues. Throughout the program, we witnessed businesses gaining clarity, leaders building confidence, and the formation of invaluable national connections,” said Noble.
Achievements and Impact
The program, which catered to 34 companies in its inaugural year, guided participants through ideation, validation, company formation, and securing seed funding. It combined a robust curriculum with tailored mentorship, offering participants access to a network of experts, investors, and potential partners.
The results were impressive: the cohort collectively created 62 new jobs, filed 55 patents, and raised $18.2 million in funding from both dilutive and non-dilutive sources. Additionally, 55 partnerships were established, further amplifying the impact of the program. Reflecting on her experience, Jessica Queen, CEO of Omedus, shared, “As a first-time entrepreneur, the skills and knowledge this program provided have positioned our company 1,000 times better for success.”
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The graduation ceremony in Fort Collins served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the first cohort. Members like Chris Moore, CEO of Jura Health, expressed gratitude for Innosphere’s unwavering support. “They believed in us, helped us navigate challenges, and celebrated our wins,” Moore said during his presentation.
As the first cohort embarks on its journey toward commercialization and impact, the Innosphere’s Life Sciences Incubator is gearing up for its next chapter. Applications for the upcoming cohort are now open, and the program continues to recruit innovative life sciences companies aiming to make a difference in the healthcare landscape.
With its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs, Innosphere is paving the way for transformative growth in the life sciences sector, driving progress and ensuring a brighter future for healthcare solutions.
