You Can Help Protect Colorado's Innovation Powerhouse:

Did you know Colorado is home to over 35 federally funded laboratories and institutes, funded by our tax dollars?

Right now, thousands of brilliant scientists and support staff are working on breakthroughs that will transform energy, robotics, earth science and climate solutions, medicine, agriculture, computing and technologies we haven't even imagined yet. This is one of America's greatest innovation engines, and it's right here in our backyard.

This community contributes over $2 billion annually to Colorado's economy and supports 17,000 Colorado jobs. From wildfire prediction to quantum computing, from clean energy to public health, Colorado’s federal labs are driving discoveries that touch everyone.

But today, this foundation is at risk.

Budget cuts, shutdowns, and staff reductions are threatening decades of investment and the brilliant scientists behind them. With the future of funding for science uncertain and more layoffs threatened every day,

CO-LABS needs your support in order to increase its programs and independent advocacy to help preserve Colorado’s federal lab network and assets.

Where Discovery Meets Possibility

At CO-LABS, we believe the best ideas should be spotlighted and move beyond the laboratories into society.

Since 2007 we've been building bridges between researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities. Our new RIN Portal is putting federal lab assets directly into innovators' hands, creating new revenue streams and accelerating commercialization. We're accelerating the uptake of scientific breakthroughs to Colorado success stories, and we need your help to make this effort a success!

"Imagine if we could accelerate 100 more innovations like those at Longpath Technologies and RoGoCommunications," says Dan Powers, our Executive Director. "The discoveries are happening. We just need to connect them to the world."

You're Invited to Accelerate Discovery

This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary. When you support CO-LABS, you're not just funding an organization—you're powering the pipeline from laboratory to marketplace. You're helping that cancer researcher connect with the biotech startup. You're enabling the climate scientist to share their data and expertise with the entrepreneur who can scale up solutions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we have relied on volunteers and membership dues support since our founding, we do not receive federal funding.

Whether you contribute $50 to help connect a researcher with an industry partner, $250 to bring scientists together at our annual awards event, or $1,000 to expand our advocacy efforts, you're investing in innovations that will shape our future.

Together, We're Building Tomorrow

Colorado's federal labs contribute billions to our economy and employ some of the world's most brilliant minds. With your partnership, our programs can nurture these incredible resources to create maximum benefit for Colorado and beyond.

What CO-LABS is Doing With Your Donation:

Innovation only matters if it reaches the world beyond the lab. That’s why CO-LABS is building bridges between discovery and impact, between science and society:

ASSET NAVIGATION PROGRAM: Our statewide initiative is connecting federal research assets and data with industry to accelerate commercialization and collaboration.
TALENT RETENTION PROGRAM: A rapid-response network matching displaced researchers and technical staff with Colorado employers. If you're looking for work or looking to hire, click here.
ADVOCACY & OUTREACH: Forging collaborations among lab directors, elected officials, civic leaders and economic development experts.
COMMUNITY BUILDING: Since 2017, we have hosted 1,000+ people from all industries at our lab tours, annual awards event and other convenings.
Plans for 2026 include: Congressional Roundtables, Economic Impact Studies, Scientist Spotlights and new lab engagement options for K-12 science teachers.

The next world-changing discovery is happening right now in a Colorado lab. Help us make sure it has impact in the world.

Your tax-deductible donation is an investment in discovery, innovation, and Colorado's scientific leadership. Thank you for believing in what we can achieve together and protecting the future of science!

November 17, 2025: CBS News Denver spotlight on CO-LABS member RoGoCommunications:

Some words from our supporters:

"Thanks to the efforts and commitment of CO-LABS, the important work of the Colorado science and technology community is amplified and coordinated in ways that serve the needs and interests of the people of Colorado and the nation. CO-LABS takes what is a powerful and robust research ecosystem and makes it stronger and extends its impact."
- Waleed Abdalati, Director, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder

"The lab tours are a great resource for the tech community in Colorado. In addition to learning about the cutting-edge research occurring at these labs in areas such as environmental monitoring or quantum science, you get to network with technologists with similar interests. It opens the possibility for all sorts of collaborations like support for SBIRs, licensing technology, or just answering some of those tough questions."
- Ed Kase, President, EKase Consulting, LLC

"CO-LABS is a valuable and unique connector for Colorado's multiple federal laboratories and research institutions for the scientists and facilities and others in academia and industry inspiring and fostering innovation. I love participating in the annual review of the best technologies and ideas for the Governor's Awards for High Impact Research as well as the occasional tour of a laboratory."
- Karri L. Palmetier, Palmetier Law, LLC

"CO-LABS does outstanding work for Colorado’s science community, supporting research labs that advance the frontiers of knowledge as well as sustain Colorado’s diverse economy. Its mission strengthens productive connections among research facilities and vital stakeholders across the state. I deeply appreciate the dedication of CO-LABS and look forward to continuing collaborations with this important organization.”
- Antonio J. Busalacchi, President, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

"The Governor's Awards is one of the best events in Colorado to learn about the cutting edge research in our state that will create the next generation of big companies. It's one of the best events you can go to quickly learn about the technologies of the future as well as meet the researchers building the technology."
- Paul Foley, Founder, Colorado Startups

"The Boulder Chamber first helped create CO-LABS in 2007 in response to threatened movement of Colorado-based federal laboratories to other states. It is a pleasure to see how the organization has thrived in elevating and supporting the critical scientific research and programs at our federal laboratories. As we now face of even greater threats to our nation's network of federal research laboratories, with potentially devastating consequences for scientific understanding and our nation's economic vitality, we look to partner with CO-LABS to make sure Colorado retains the scientific talent, research data and essential technical equipment so the work of our federal laboratories continues."
- John Tayer, President and CEO, Boulder Chamber

Protect Colorado's Innovation Powerhouse!

Donate to CO-LABS to Fuel Independent Science Advocacy

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