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The information submitted through this form will be used by the MDEDC Metro Denver Economic Corporation for the purpose of evaluating and facilitating economic development opportunities. It will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and will not be disclosed to third parties without explicit consent.

Innovator Partner

U.S. 36 Collaborative

The U.S. 36 Collaborative comprises communities and economic development organizations situated along the U.S. Highway 36 corridor, connecting Denver and Boulder. The U.S. 36 Collaborative provides information, assistance, and resources to businesses interested in locating or expanding in the region.

The region boasts one of the nation’s most educated populations, featuring one of the highest concentrations of advanced technology workers. Renowned research institutions, such as the University of Colorado Boulder, and over a dozen major federal research laboratories contribute to the region’s dynamic ecosystem.

Known for its scenic beauty and award-winning quality of life, the region enjoys over 45,000 acres of open space, top-rated schools, high-quality healthcare, environmentally friendly policies, and a diverse array of cultural, dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

With a high concentration of businesses in life sciences and other advanced industries, coupled with a wide selection of commercial spaces within 45 minutes of a major international airport, the U.S. 36 corridor is an ideal location for innovative and fast-growing businesses, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

U.S. 36 Collaborative

Joseph Hovancak

Vice President, Economic Vitality and Executive Director, Boulder Economic Council

Joseph Hovancak is the Vice President of Economic Vitality for the Boulder Economic Council and serves as the primary contact for the U.S. 36 Collaborative. Joe is an accomplished economic development executive and a dedicated community champion with a proven track record in fostering dynamic communities and inclusive economies. Joe’s extensive business expertise spans driving sales for Fortune 100 Corporations, founding successful start-up companies, crafting strategic plans for major economic development organizations, and launching a transformative community impact program to empower entrepreneurs in underserved areas. Joe has worked extensively to support growth across several industries, including life sciences.

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The U.S. 36 Collaborative's active engagement in supporting the success of our businesses, advocating for policies that promote a strong economy, and providing innovative economic vitality programming are truly positioning our region as a global innovation hub.

Joseph Hovancak

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Meet U.S. 36 Collaborative

Partner News and Insights

Biodesix Renovates Former Retail Location in Louisville to Accelerate Data-Driven Diagnostics 

Biodesix, a pioneering leader in data-driven diagnostic solutions, is revolutionizing healthcare and accelerating personalized medicine. Established in 2006 in Boulder, Colorado, Biodesix envisions a future where critical diseases are identified early and treated promptly with the guidance of personalized diagnostic solutions. 

Equipping healthcare professionals with advanced technology, Biodesix enhances decision-making and improves patient outcomes. Through innovative methodologies and an unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry, the company is shaping a healthcare environment where personalized treatment approaches become standard practice. 

In January 2024, Biodesix expanded to its new Louisville, Colorado  headquarters and state-of-the-art diagnostic testing laboratory—a newly renovated 80,000-square-foot facility. The company transformed a former Kohl’s retail store, a creative example of adaptive reuse in a leading location for life sciences innovation. This strategic move highlights Biodesix’s commitment to leverage Colorado’s rich talent pool and  advance personalized medicine. 

Biodesix fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, enabling its team to address critical clinical questions faced by physicians, researchers, and biopharmaceutical companies. The company is focused on building a future where personalized healthcare saves and changes lives by revolutionizing how diseases are diagnosed and treated. 

Access Brings Success for Corgenix in Broomfield

Corgenix is an accredited laboratory specializing in clinical studies, clinical trial management, physician-ordered patient testing, and contract development and manufacturing. The company has operated for more than 30 years along the U.S. 36 Corridor. The high-tech corridor connects Boulder, magnet for science and technology talent, CU Boulder, and federal labs, to Denver. Cities including Boulder, Broomfield, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and Westminster house some of the best-known life sciences companies in the state.

Corgenix is a global company with partnerships across biotech companies, the pharmaceutical industry, cancer research centers, and academic laboratories. Colorado’s central location, and ease of access from the U.S. 36 Corridor via major highways and the Denver International Airport to major domestic and international markets, are critical to their accomplishments. To fuel their success they have tapped the region’s educated and skilled workforce to fulfill every vacancy. 

Companies like Corgenix are the key to the U.S. 36 Corridor’s thriving life sciences ecosystem. Corgenix is located in Broomfield, which is host to more than 1,000,000 square feet of approved space in developments,  including the Arista 36 development and the Simms Technology Park, providing ideal opportunities for life sciences companies. Life sciences companies choose to make their home in Broomfield to take advantage of the highly skilled workforce, stable tax rates, affordable commercial space, access to trails and open space, and proximity to transportation hubs. With more developments geared towards this sector on the way, the region is a thriving hub for life sciences innovation.

BioMed Realty’s Flatiron Park: Catalytic Life Sciences Campus in Boulder

BioMed Realty, a specialist in real estate solutions for the life sciences and technology sectors, is constructing a catalytic life sciences campus in Boulder, Colorado. Following its 2022 acquisition of Flatiron Park, featuring 22 buildings totaling one million square feet, BioMed Realty is developing lab spaces and amenities which will solidify Flatiron Park’s role as a central hub for life sciences innovation.

The campus is designed to cater to a diverse range of tenants, from burgeoning life sciences startups seeking move-in ready lab space to larger companies with specific and expansive facility requirements. Anticipated to comprise approximately 50% life sciences or lab space, the Flatiron Park campus will also feature an amenity center housing a food hall and fitness area to enrich the work environment for employees on the campus.

The Boulder, Colorado region is renowned for its well-established bioscience industry, fueled by the region’s abundant pool of highly educated and skilled talent, proximity to University of Colorado Boulder and major research facilities, and a strong entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem. The newly redeveloped Flatiron Park life sciences campus will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in the life sciences in the Boulder region.

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Ready to Talk
Colorado?

Contact Our Economic Development and Relocation Experts.

The information submitted through this form will be used by the MDEDC Metro Denver Economic Corporation for the purpose of evaluating and facilitating economic development opportunities. It will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and will not be disclosed to third parties without explicit consent.

"*" indicates required fields

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Meet Our Partners

Colorado:
Hub for Health Impact

We love to collaborate with new arrivals. Our welcoming life sciences community is right-sized for high-growth companies. There’s more than a million square feet of lab space planned or in development critical infrastructure and state support for startups expansions and relocations. Our supportive partners are ready for every step of the journey.