Innosphere’s

Life sciences incubator

A launchpad for pioneering startups

Join the pioneering effort to establish a future where life sciences innovation knows no boundaries, with breakthroughs emerging from every corner of the country.

Innosphere Life Sciences Incubator invites universities to become key collaborators in drawing attention and funding to their groundbreaking technologies to accelerate commercialization and advance economic growth.

Let’s take the first step toward transforming your vision into impactful solutions that shape the future of life sciences.

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO LIFE SCIENCES INCUBATOR?
Driving innovation and impact:

By the numbers

The 2024 Innosphere Life Sciences cohort ( 34 companies ) redefine success with measurable outcomes that showcase the power of innovation and collaboration:
107 jobs created 
with an average FTE salary of $98,450.
$42.3M in
funding raised
by participating startups.
128 strategic partnerships formed, representing 52% of the companies.
40% of startups pioneering solutions for rural/ disadvantaged communities.

Member feedback

The Innosphere incubator has totally changed the trajectory of our business. It helped us grow from clinicians focused on our product to confident business leaders with a solid foundation

Allison Childress
CEO and Co-Founder 3 Culinary
Med Docs Texas Tech University

This training has just been transformational for me. It’s really given me a confidence in myself as a leader of my company.

Dan LaBarbera
CEO, Onconaut Therapeutics
University of Colorado Anschutz
Medical Campus

I cannot say enough good things about our journey in the Innosphere Life Sciences Cohort and the value that it brought to our company. The skills I have learned and the knowledge this program provided has made our company 1,000x better positioned to succeed.

Jessica Queen
CEO, Omedus, University of Nebraska ‑ Lincoln

Why join us?

Proven Success

Innosphere’s incubation program accelerates the success of high-impact startup companies. The program focuses on ensuring companies are investor-ready, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced advisors and early hires, making introductions to corporate partners, exit planning, and accelerating top line revenue growth.

Tailored Support

Benefit from a eight-month, intensive program that offers targeted access to funding, mentorship, and an investor network curated to escalate your startup’s growth trajectory.

Day 1 Expert Mentorship

Companies in the program are supported by a dedicated client success director that rolls up their sleeves to work hands-on with company founders and CEOs on business milestones.

Network of Excellence

We have a powerhouse network that spans 8 states and includes 11 R1 Universities and 3 State Bioscience Associations. This means the life science networking and development reach of this Incubator will be one of the strongest in the nation.

Accountable to Performance

We are operating under a United States Economic Development Administration Build to Scale Grant aimed at creating breakthrough results and outcomes. We are accountable to participating company performance. This program strives for significant impact.

No Equity Requirement

Innosphere does not take equity in companies, as we are fee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

No Application Fee

There is no fee for submitting your application to join the Incubator. If your company is accepted for the 8-month program, the participation fee is $20,000. If your company is affiliated with one of our nine program partner universities, please reach out to your university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) for additional guidance.

Want to Learn More?

Check out the FAQ

This FAQ serves as a comprehensive resource to answer your questions about eligibility, program structure, mentorship, funding, and more. From understanding the unique advantages of our incubator to uncovering the success stories of past cohorts, you’ll find everything you need to assess if our program is the right fit for your venture.

FAQ Document >
FOUNDATION PHASE

Solidify your business framework with a robust curriculum designed to crystallize your commercialization path.

ACCELERATE PHASE

Gain momentum through industry-specific training and strategic milestone achievement.

MOMENTUM & EXPOSURE PHASE

Showcase your venture at a grand culmination event, opening doors to investors and industry partners.

Benefits of Participation:
  • Strategic Partnerships: Align with industry leaders and research institutions that will sharpen your competitive edge.
  • Commercialization Expertise: Leverage our track record to navigate the commercial landscape with confidence.
  • Community and Culture: Immerse yourself in a culture of innovation that celebrates and nurtures diverse perspectives.
Access offered

The comprehensive program offers participants access to: Innosphere’s 9 month long program leading incubation program for entrepreneurs, which includes personalized support from a dedicated Client Director, who brings an outstanding track record of startup and new product success.

What you get immediately
  • A comprehensive incubation program that kicks off with a cohort-based model
  • Nine full months of support
  • A dedicated Innosphere Ventures Client Director
Why trust this comprehensive life 
sciences incubation program?
  • Collaboration: The combined experience and expertise of three Colorado organizations with a deep track record of driving and supporting startup success in life sciences and advanced industries
  • Customization: Designed support to deliver encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to drive the achievement of your critical milestones.
  • Community: Committed relationships providing mutual benefit, an open exchange of ideas, peer support, and a powerful network of startup founders.
What founders and companies get support on
  • Creating relevant strategies specific for successful life sciences product commercialization.
  • Understanding key business principles and processes.
  • Developing a strong investor pitch and deck.
  • Defining a clear development timeline.
  • Refining communications strategy.
  • Enhancing and communicating the company’s business model.
  • Building a deep network of life sciences leaders.
  • Connecting companies to corporate partners, investors, and advisors.
  • Gaining visibility and investor recognition.

What you’ll get through Innosphere’s 
cohort sessions:
  • Life sciences-specialized content.
  • One-on-one support in a cohort setting.
  • Valuable skills on how to build a successful enterprise.
  • A proven framework for building your business.
  • A dedicated client manager who will work right next to you as you tackle all business aspects of commercializing your product.

Meet the 2025 graduating class

Meet the Pioneer Council

The Pioneer Council is a novel concept in providing mentorship. It looks to align passions, interests and experience of the selected Pioneer Council members more closely with the needs of a subgroup of 5-6 life science startups.

It will assemble a group of up to 6 individuals as multi-disciplinary council – example: academic, investor, entrepreneur, industry expert, patient advocate, philanthropist – together to provide the founders with real world perspectives on how different roles see their solution value differently. It is intended to help our founders gain insights, warm introductions, and recommended resources to accelerate their readiness for commercialization.

Innovation in action

A look back at our amazing cohorts

From groundbreaking ideas to lasting partnerships, these moments capture the passion, collaboration, and milestones that define our journey. Together, we’re shaping the future of life sciences, one success story at a time.