Patent Attorney and Founder
Welcome to Bold Patents Aurora, Colorado!
If you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or small business owner here in Aurora, this one’s for you. I’ve pulled together my top five local resources that can help you move from idea to launch.
A lot of inventors I talk with share the same story: they’ve built something incredible, but getting it off the ground feels lonely. You don’t have to do it alone. Aurora has some powerful programs right in your backyard that can help you build, fund, and protect your idea.
Let’s jump in.
1. Smart Futures Lab
You’ve probably heard of this one, and if not, you should.
It’s a six-month incubator and accelerator that’s totally free. Yes, free.
Smart Futures Lab focuses on smart city tech in the Aurora–Denver area. You’ll get access to:
- Prototyping labs
- 5G connectivity
- Co-working space
- Mentorship
- Government pilot programs
It’s a fantastic opportunity, but you’ll need to apply. Before you do, check off a few things:
- Protect your invention. Talk with a patent attorney (like us) to make sure you’ve at least filed your patent application before sharing your idea.
- Meet with a business attorney. Set up your company the right way, especially if you’ll be raising money later.
- Do your homework. Every accelerator is different. Make sure this one fits your goals.
Even though it’s number one on my list, it might not be number one for you. Still, it’s a great place to start.
As someone who built a firm from the ground up, I can’t say enough about the value of a co-working space. Just being around other founders, people who are also figuring things out, makes a huge difference.
2. Aurora–South Metro SBDC
Another great free resource.
SBDC stands for Small Business Development Center, and it’s backed by the SBA (Small Business Administration).
Here’s why it’s valuable: you’ll get access to mentors, real people who’ve built and run companies before. Many are retired executives who now want to share what they’ve learned.
You can book one-on-one mentoring, take workshops, and get practical business advice. I have an SBDC mentor myself here in Washington State, and it’s made a big difference.
Some well-known local businesses, like Rustic Nomads (a food truck) and Trunk Novo (a boutique retailer), got their start through the SBDC. Why not you next?
3. Colorado Life Science Incubation Program
If you’re working in life sciences or biotech, this one’s a must.
It’s designed for inventors and researchers ready to move from concept to commercialization. You’ll need to apply, and you’ll want your business plan and patent filings ready to go.
The program connects you with funding, lab space, and mentorship, everything you need to move faster toward market.
4. The Aurora Forge
Now this one’s exciting.
The Aurora Forge is a seed-stage incubator, meaning it helps startups in their earliest phase. It was founded by entrepreneurs, inventors, and industry pros who know exactly what you’re going through.
The Forge offers funding, but that’s not the main draw. The real value comes from mentorship, introductions, and connections that can change your trajectory.
You’ll get to pitch your idea, meet potential investors, and be part of a community that understands what it takes to build something from scratch.
5. CU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Located on the University of Colorado’s Aurora campus, this program connects you with students, researchers, and faculty working on real-world innovations.
It’s based at the Schultz Innovation Hub and offers funding, startup support, and academic partnerships.
One big perk: technology transfer opportunities.
If you connect with university researchers, you might be able to take their lab-tested ideas to market. They often look for someone like you, a driven entrepreneur ready to turn research into reality.
Final Thoughts
Those are my top five picks for inventors and entrepreneurs in Aurora.
Each one offers something unique, mentorship, funding, lab space, or simply a network of like-minded people.
If you’re serious about turning your idea into a business, start local. And if you’re ready to protect what you’ve built, schedule a free discovery call with us at Bold Patents. We’ll help you get your patent filed and your idea secured before you take your next big step.
Go big. Go bold.