The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) has received two Startup Ecosystem Star Awards for the Global Business Development division’s Advanced Industries Accelerator (AIA) Program: “Best-in-Class Startup Programs” and “Outstanding Investment Boost.”
“The innovative Advanced Industries Accelerator program has been a key contributor to the success of advanced industries startups across Colorado. To date, the program has helped create and retain 11,899 jobs and assisted recipients in raising $3.4 billion in third-party capital. We are thrilled to see this instrumental economic development program receive international recognition as a best-in-class strategy to support startups and spur investment,” said OEDIT’s Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.
The Startup Ecosystem Star Awards promote business best practices as a way to encourage collaboration and create global networks that benefit the development and growth of innovation ecosystems worldwide. The AIA Program received the following awards:
Best-in-class Startup Programs – Recognizes programs that train and support homegrown startups, helping them scale internationally and fueling ecosystems of innovation by attracting startups.
Outstanding Investment Boost – Awarded to programs that empower the growth of innovative ecosystems through co-investments, matching programs, attraction of foreign direct investment, and international exposure.
Colorado’s advanced industries account for nearly 30% of the state’s total wage earnings, approximately 30% of total sales revenue, and almost 35% of the state’s total exports. Through the Advanced Industries Accelerator program, OEDIT’s Global Business Development division works to ensure this vital part of Colorado’s thriving economy remains strong and growing.
The Startup Ecosystem Star awards are organized by the International Chamber of Commerce and Mind the Bridge in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European commission, with support from Microsoft.
About the Advanced Industries Accelerator Program
The Advanced Industries Accelerator Program was created in 2013 to promote growth and sustainability in Colorado’s advanced industries by driving innovation, accelerating commercialization, encouraging public-private partnerships, increasing access to early stage capital and creating a strong infrastructure that increases the state’s capacity to be globally competitive. AIA encompasses five distinct grant programs: Proof of Concept, Early-Stage Capital and Retention, Collaborative Infrastructure, Export Accelerator, and Global Consultant Network.
About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division
Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.