CNBC coverage highlights the growth and momentum of life sciences in Colorado, including record funding, top talent, innovative collaborations with leading academic and research institutions, and investments in lab space.

Colorado Bioscience Association: Record Fundraising 

“Investors from Colorado as well as across the coasts are seeing opportunities here,” said Elyse Blazevich, president and CEO of the Colorado Bioscience Association. “Our ecosystem has raised in excess of a billion dollars for the past seven consecutive years — and early-stage funding in Colorado in 2023 grew faster than other life sciences markets around the country.” 

The Colorado Bioscience Association plays a pivotal role in supporting the region's life sciences sector. Notably, the association says the consistent rise in funding, with early-stage funding surpassing other markets in 2023, indicates robust growth and potential for further innovation.

BioMed Realty: Bold Investments

San Diego-based BioMed Realty's acquired the Flatiron Park life sciences campus in Boulder for $625 million. 

“This was a logical next step … to invest in Boulder and scale,” Tim Schoen, BioMed Realty’s president and CEO, told CNBC. “Boulder has all the elements you want in an innovation ecosystem — research universities, scientists, venture capital, and then ourselves who provide the mission-critical infrastructure.”

Edgewise Therapeutics: A Serial Entrepreneur’s Success Story 

Entrepreneur Kevin Koch's journey exemplifies the region's entrepreneurial spirit. Co-founder of Array BioPharma, Koch's company was acquired for over $10 billion, demonstrating the region's track record of success. Koch's current venture, Edgewise Therapeutics, continues to thrive, showcasing the region's conducive environment for startups and talent.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: Fostering Innovation

At the heart of Denver's biggest suburb, Aurora, lies the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, an academic medical campus at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine, and healthcare. The campus's Center for Drug Discovery utilizes state-of-the-art technology to expedite drug development, potentially revolutionizing treatment timelines and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Colorado’s ascent as a life sciences powerhouse underscores the convergence of innovation, investment, and collaboration, positioning the region as a global leader in biotech advancements around the country.

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For healthcare and life sciences companies beginning the search for a new facility to call home, innovation communities are often the most sought-after destinations. Providing the ability to grow and change with less friction, move-in ready or customized lab and office space, and collaboration with other like-minded organizations and leadership teams, innovation communities check off a list of extra benefits. Idea exchange opportunities, work-life balance, and prime local landscapes for economic and social development make doing business and enjoying life outside of work better for community member companies and their employees.

Fitzsimons Innovation Community is proud to present a new white paper, entitled Choosing an Innovation Community, from a group of thought leaders in the Colorado bioscience and economic development communities. This extensive report looks at the factors that go into choosing the right innovation community for life sciences companies of all sizes. 

Whether you’re looking to put down roots in Colorado or at one of the other innovation communities across the country, this white paper helps you navigate the process with a focus on what means the most to you and your organization.

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