By Margaret Hedderman
Grand Junction, CO – January 14, 2025 – Startup Colorado announces an important new partnership with Colorado State University Extension to catalyze widespread tech innovation in rural Colorado. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in defining the concept of a “Rural Tech Hub” to guide communities in attracting tech-focused investments, investors, and public-private partnerships.
The first phase of this partnership involves leveraging CSU Extension Office resources to clearly define what constitutes a “Rural Tech Hub.” By establishing a standardized framework, Startup Colorado and CSU aim to empower rural communities and founders with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to activate tech-driven economic opportunities.
“Our goal is to create a data-driven approach that helps rural communities attract investment and thrive in the tech ecosystem,” said Brittany Romano, Executive Director of Startup Colorado. “By defining what it means to be a Rural Tech Hub, we can help rural economies carve out a unique position that enhances national competitiveness without having to compare themselves to major metropolitan areas.”
"We can help rural economies carve out a unique position that enhances national competitiveness."
The initiative builds on Startup Colorado’s long-standing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas. In this first phase, CSU will lead research and stakeholder conversations to understand the unique challenges and opportunities rural communities face in becoming viable tech hubs. These findings will inform a feasibility study, guiding actionable steps for rural communities ready to embrace this vision.
A Vision for the Future
This partnership is the first step in a broader initiative. Following the feasibility study, Startup Colorado plans to pioneer a new national ranking system for rural economies in partnership with EDO’s and partners from the Intermountain West. This ranking will provide rural communities with benchmarks that highlight their progress and contributions to the national economy—while emphasizing the distinct value of rural innovation.
“We are particularly excited about engaging stakeholders across the state to better understand who is in active pursuit of becoming a Rural Tech Hub and what resources are needed to accelerate those outcomes,” said Jeff Engell, CSU Extension Western Region Specialist. “This collaboration has the potential to set the foundation for meaningful public-private partnerships that drive sustainable economic development in rural areas.”
Startup Colorado and CSU are eager to open a dialogue with stakeholders, community leaders, and entrepreneurs interested in rural tech hub activation. These conversations will play a critical role in shaping the initiative and ensuring it meets the needs of rural communities throughout the state.
Building Momentum
Startup Colorado has been a long-time advocate for rural entrepreneurship, publishing thought leadership on rural tech hubs and building momentum around this transformative idea through new partners with EDO’s from across the country. This partnership with CSU represents the next chapter in realizing the potential of rural innovation and the essential role it plays in fostering national competitiveness.
Join the Conversation
Startup Colorado invites interested parties to engage with this groundbreaking initiative. To learn more about the Rural Tech Hub project, connect with Brittany Romano at Startup Colorado or Jeff Engell at CSU- Extension.
About Startup Colorado
Startup Colorado supports rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in 53 rural counties across Colorado. We believe that anyone should have the ability to start and scale a business in the place they call home. We help both entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders access the human, social, and financial capital they need to build thriving businesses.
About Colorado State University
Colorado State University is a leading public research university committed to enhancing the lives of Colorado residents through education, research, and outreach. CSU’s Extension Office plays a critical role in connecting communities with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
Join us in empowering rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders to achieve even more in 2025. Contributions of any amount directly power our mission to build a sustainable statewide network of resources supporting rural entrepreneurs, so that people and places can thrive and chart their own futures! Will you help us?
