Colorado-Wyoming Engine Collaborates with Microsoft to Launch Groundbreaking Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator
Fort Collins, CO – The Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft through its TechSpark program that is designed to accelerate local economic opportunity across communities in the United States. This partnership will help launch the CO-WY Engine’s Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind business acceleration program that’s dedicated to the development and commercialization of digital twins technology, with a focus on climate resiliency applications.
Innosphere Ventures, the non-profit technology incubator headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, successfully led the CO-WY Engine to secure inaugural funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in March 2024 that created the regional collaboration of the CO-WY Engine. The Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator will be launched in late 2024, and will provide vital business, technical, and commercialization support to 10-12 startup ventures that leverage digital twins capabilities and technologies.
Microsoft's interest in supporting the Digital Twins Accelerator stems from its commitment to advancing state-of-the-art technology that promotes sustainability. “At Microsoft, we believe economic growth should be inclusive—for every community, every organization, and every person,” said Dennis Ellis, TechSpark Manager at Microsoft Philanthropies. “That’s why we’ve worked with communities across America and organizations like the CO-WY Engine to help ensure people have access to the technology, skills, and opportunity to succeed.”
The partnership with Microsoft aligns with the CO-WY Engine's long-term objectives of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing climate resiliency. "We look forward to being a partner with Microsoft to ensure the success of this visionary initiative,” said Emily Wilson, CO-WY Engine administrator and designated Fellow of the Microsoft TechSpark program. “Microsoft's involvement will provide critical resources and bolster the accelerator's capacity to support startup ventures that are poised to make a significant impact on the digital twins ecosystem. The $50,000 investment from Microsoft will advance digital twin technology and contribute significantly to regional economic development."
The Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator will focus on creating accurate digital replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes – enabling simulation, integration, testing, and monitoring. These capabilities are essential for decision-making in various sectors, including renewable energy, water resources management, carbon accounting, and regenerative agriculture.
As the CO-WY Engine continues to lead the charge in climate resilience, the partnership with Microsoft represents a significant step forward in harnessing the power of digital twins technology to address the complex challenges posed by environmental impacts.
Microsoft TechSpark's involvement in the Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator reflects the program's broader mission of fostering inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has been instrumental in securing over $125 million in community funding, creating 3,300 jobs, and providing 50,000 people with access to digital skills.
About CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine:
Led by Innosphere Ventures and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation in climate resiliency and sustainability across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The CO-WY Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical environmental challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being. Visit www.co-wyengine.org for more information.
About Microsoft TechSpark:
Founded in 2017, Microsoft TechSpark is a locally focused initiative designed to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in rural and re mote communities across the United States. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, TechSpark has helped secure millions in funding, create thousands of jobs, and provide critical digital skills training to tens of thousands of people.
About the Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator:
The CO-WY Engine's Digital Twins Deployment Accelerator will: Provide crucial support to startups and projects leveraging digital twin technology, facilitating their growth and commercialization; Stimulate job creation, attract investment, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the climate resilience sector; Focus on inclusive excellence and co-production to ensure that traditionally underserved communities benefit from these advancements; and Partner with federal laboratories, research universities, tribal communities, workforce centers, and community colleges to further strengthen the accelerator’s potential for success.
