Up to $500K for collaborative infrastructure projects impacting Colorado's advanced industries. 2:1 match required. Applications open Feb 2026.
Donor: Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
About: Colorado’s Advanced Industries Collaborative Infrastructure Grant isn’t your typical funding program. It’s designed for the ambitious – those ready to build the backbone infrastructure that entire industries depend on. This isn’t about helping one company get ahead. This is about creating the foundational systems that elevate Colorado’s position in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy, infrastructure engineering, and technology sectors.
Think of it this way: instead of funding the next great product, this grant funds the testing lab, the shared research facility, or the collaborative workspace that dozens of future innovations will rely on. The state recognizes something crucial – individual businesses can’t always shoulder the cost of industry-wide infrastructure. But when multiple partners come together with a vision that serves the broader ecosystem, Colorado steps in with serious funding.
Most infrastructure grants get bogged down in bureaucracy or limit you to small-scale projects. Colorado’s approach is refreshingly different. They start at $50,000 and go up to $500,000 – and here’s the kicker – they’ll lift that cap entirely if your project impacts multiple advanced industries. We’re talking about potentially unlimited funding for the right collaborative infrastructure project.
The 2-to-1 matching requirement might seem steep, but it actually works in your favor. It demonstrates serious commitment from your partnerships and ensures projects have staying power beyond the grant period. When you can show $1 million in matching funds for a $500,000 request, reviewers know you’re building something substantial.
Colorado didn’t become a hotbed for aerospace, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing by accident. The state has been systematically investing in industry infrastructure for over a decade. This grant represents the latest evolution of that strategy – recognizing that the next phase of growth requires collaborative infrastructure that no single entity could build alone.
Previous recipients have created shared manufacturing facilities, collaborative research labs, and industry-specific testing centers. These aren’t just buildings – they’re economic engines that attract talent, companies, and additional investment to Colorado. The state sees this as industrial strategy, not just economic development.
Successful applications typically involve a nonprofit organization partnering with multiple private companies and research institutions. The winning formula usually includes a university research center, several established companies, and emerging businesses all focused on a specific industry challenge.
For example, recent winners have included consortiums developing shared additive manufacturing facilities, collaborative bioscience research labs, and aerospace testing infrastructure. The common thread? Each project fills a gap that individual companies couldn’t address alone but collectively benefits the entire industry ecosystem.
The February to March application window is deliberately short. Colorado wants applicants who have been planning and building partnerships throughout the year, not scrambling to throw together a last-minute proposal. This timeline favors well-prepared collaborative teams over individual applicants hoping to find partners during the application process.
The 2-to-1 match requirement is where many applications fail. “Dedicated funds” means cash in an account, not promises or in-kind contributions. Federal grants, private investment, and company revenues all qualify, but state funds don’t. The smart play? Secure federal funding first – it’s often easier to obtain and can serve as your match for this Colorado grant.
Colorado offers conditional awards for strong applications without secured matching funds, giving you six months to find the money. But don’t count on this safety net – applications with secured matches score significantly better in the review process.
Applications open February 2, 2026, and typically close in March. The review process takes 10-12 weeks, meaning award notifications usually come in May or June. Factor in grant agreement execution time, and most projects launch funding activities by late summer. This timeline works well for equipment purchases and construction projects that benefit from good weather.
Colorado defines “disruptive technology” as a significant departure from currently available industry technology. Using existing electronics components doesn’t qualify, but developing new applications or integrations might. The key question: does your infrastructure enable capabilities that don’t currently exist in Colorado’s advanced industries ecosystem?
The seven eligible advanced industries offer broad coverage: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure engineering, and technology and information. Most successful projects impact multiple industries, which strengthens the application and potentially removes funding caps.
But honestly, putting together a proposal this complex is a huge task. If you’re serious about this opportunity and want expert guidance on structuring partnerships, defining collaborative impact, and navigating Colorado’s specific requirements, that’s exactly what we do at Grantaura. A little professional help on the grant proposal can make all the difference between a good application and a winning one.
The review process is thorough – internal compliance review, independent scoring, multi-disciplinary committee meetings, and final Economic Development Commission approval. Reviewers have undergraduate or master’s-level education and experience with Colorado’s advanced industries. They’re looking for projects that demonstrate significant industry impact, sustainability beyond grant funding, and the ability to deploy funds effectively within 12 months.
This grant represents Colorado’s commitment to building industrial infrastructure that attracts businesses, talent, and investment. For collaborative teams ready to think bigger than individual company needs, it’s one of the most substantial infrastructure funding opportunities available.
Focus: collaborative infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy technology, technology development, industry partnerships, Colorado economic development
Region: Colorado, United States
Eligibility:
– Must develop infrastructure necessary to grow at least one Colorado advanced industry
– Requires collaboration with multiple industry partners including a nonprofit organization
– Must provide 2-to-1 matching funds ($100,000 match for $50,000 grant request)
– Must identify operational funding beyond this grant
– Must be registered with Colorado Secretary of State and in Good Standing
– Cannot support existing programs or operational costs
– Must demonstrate ability to deploy funding within 12 months
Benefits:
– Financial Award: $50,000 to $500,000 (cap can be lifted for multi-industry projects)
– Infrastructure Development: Support for building collaborative facilities and resources
– Industry Partnership: Access to Colorado’s advanced industries ecosystem
– State Recognition: Backing from Colorado’s economic development initiatives
Deadline: Ongoing – Next Cycle Starting From February 2, 2026
Terms:
– Advanced Industries: The seven designated sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure engineering, and technology and information
– Collaborative Infrastructure: Shared facilities, equipment, or resources that benefit multiple organizations rather than individual business infrastructure
– Disruptive Technology: Technology representing significant departure from currently available industry standards, not just application of existing technology
– Dedicated Matching Funds: Cash held in accounts by the grantee, traceable and committed to project execution, demonstrated at time of award notification
– Reimbursement Grant: Funds are provided after expenses are incurred and documented, not as upfront payments
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