Annual Awards Celebration

We can’t wait to see you tonight in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for Colorado BioScience Association’s 22nd Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics.

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22nd Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics

Thursday, November 13, 2025, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Seawell Ballroom | Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver, CO

Know Before You Go

• Due to record attendance at this year’s event, we are beginning our cocktail hour at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate guest check in and arrivals.

• Check-in is on the first floor in the entrance to the Seawell Ballroom.

• Dietary restriction will be indicated at registration checkin-in. Please indicate any allergies to your server directly.

• Dress Code: Cocktail or Business Attire

Go glam if you choose! Feel free to dress up in cocktail attire or choose business attire. Either way, we look forward to a special evening of networking, celebration, and inspiration.

Agenda

4:30 p.m. Guest Arrival and Cocktail Reception

6:00 p.m. Welcome and Dinner

6:40 p.m. Awards Presentation

7:30 p.m. Keynote Presentation – Aron Ralston

8:30 p.m. Program Commencement

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. By attending this event, you consent to your image/likeness, voice, and/or name being used in photographs and/or film, and any reproductions or adaptations thereafter, by Colorado Bioscience Association for utilization in any and all print and digital media in perpetuity.

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CBSA Announces Finalists for 22nd Annual Awards Celebration

Enliven Therapeutics and Umoja Named Company of the Year Finalists; Ambrosia Biosciences, EnteroTrack, RheumaGen, and VitriVax Selected as Rising Star Finalists; Enveda Honored with 2025 Deal of the Year Award

Denver – Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) announces the finalists for its prestigious annual awards, recognizing the companies and leaders driving health innovation across Colorado’s thriving life sciences ecosystem. Hundreds of life sciences leaders will gather for an evening of impact, inspiration, and connection at the 22nd Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics. The high-profile event takes place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

“Colorado’s life sciences community continues to deliver transformative innovations that change lives,” said Elyse Blazevich, President & CEO of Colorado BioScience Association. “Even in a time of challenge and uncertainty at the federal level, our state’s life sciences ecosystem demonstrates remarkable momentum. Our finalists embody the collaboration, ingenuity, and perseverance that define Colorado’s success story. They are building companies of impact and advancing discoveries that strengthen our position as a national hub for health innovation.”

Company of the Year Finalists

Sponsored by Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Umoja Biopharma | Louisville

Umoja Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing in vivo cell and gene therapies from research to vector manufacturing at its Louisville facility. In September 2025, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to Umoja’s investigational CD19 in vivo CAR T cell therapy UB-VV111 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The company was recognized on the 2025 Endpoints 11 and Fierce Biotech Fierce 15 lists and raised $100 million in Series C financing co-led by Double Point Ventures and DCVC Bio, with participation from ARK Invest, Cormorant Asset Management, MPM Capital, Qiming Venture Partners USA, RTW Investments, Alexandria Venture Investments, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, CaaS Capital, Emerson Collective Investments managed by Yosemite, K2 HealthVentures, Myeloma Investment Fund, University of Minnesota Endowment, and other prominent life science investors.

Enliven Therapeutics | Boulder

Enliven is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to help people not only live longer, but live better. Enliven aims to address existing and emerging unmet needs with a precision oncology approach that improves survival and enhances overall well-being. Enliven’s discovery process combines deep insights in clinically validated biological targets and differentiated chemistry to design potentially first-in-class or best-in-class therapies.

Enliven raised $230 million in a June 2025 public offering and reported encouraging Phase 1 data for its lead candidate, ELVN-001, for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The study achieved a 47% major molecular response (MMR) rate, with nearly one-third of patients reaching MMR within 24 weeks.

Rising Star of the Year Finalists

Ambrosia Biosciences | Boulder

Founded in 2024 by Nick Traggis and Boulder Ventures, Ambrosia Biosciences builds on Boulder’s deep talent and expertise in small-molecule drug discovery. The company develops orally delivered therapies for obesity and metabolic disorders, translating the expertise of a deeply experienced medicinal chemistry team from Array BioPharma and Pfizer. Ambrosia raised $25 million in Series A funding, with investments from Boulder Venture Partners, BVF Partners, and Merck, and operates from the former Array facility in Boulder. The company plans to initiate clinical trials by 2027.

EnteroTrack | Aurora

EnteroTrack, founded by Robin Shandas, Ph.D., and Glenn Furuta, M.D., at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, is revolutionizing how gastrointestinal conditions are monitored. From its home at Fitzsimons Innovation Community, the company developed the EnteroTracker®, a minimally invasive device that collects upper GI samples without the need for endoscopy. Validated in eight clinical trials with more than 800 patients, EnteroTracker has demonstrated comparable accuracy to endoscopic biopsies at a fraction of the cost. Medicare coverage for the Esophageal String Test expands access for patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

RheumaGen | Aurora

RheumaGen is advancing a new class of HLA gene-editing therapies to treat autoimmune diseases. Founded by Richard Freed, Brian Freed, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., and brothers Brian and Ryan Hart, the company launched with a $15 million Series A round co-led by SPRIM Global Investments and William Taylor Nominees. RheumaGen is conducting IND-enabling studies for its lead program in refractory rheumatoid arthritis and advancing a pipeline for multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. The company recently partnered with SiVEC Biotechnologies to leverage its BactPac™ platform for in vivo delivery of HLA gene-editing therapies.

Vitrivax | Boulder

VitriVax is a formulation technology company engineering innovative solutions to maximize global accessibility and utility of human vaccines, vaccines that save lives and protect our world from preventable disease. Earlier this year, the company announced a new grant of up to $5M from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), enabling VitriVax to leverage its Atomic Layering Thermostable Antigen and Adjuvant (ALTA®) technology for a single-dose rabies vaccine.

Deal of the Year 

Sponsored by BioMed Realty

During the high-profile celebration, CBSA will also honor Colorado’s Deal of the Year, Enveda’s rise from Seed to Series D in five Years. The Boulder, Colorado-based biotech’s AI-driven drug discovery platform is rapidly uncovering new medicines in nature. Enveda reached unicorn status this year after announcing its $150 million Series D financing. The round was led by Premji Invest, with participation from Baillie Gifford, Lux Capital, and Kinnevik among other prominent investors. Earlier in 2025, an investment from Sanofi brought Enveda’s Series C round to $150 million.  

Legislators of the Year and Additional Honorees

This year, CBSA will also honor four Colorado policymakers as Legislators of the Year for their commitment to advancing life sciences in the state and engagement on legislation critical to our life sciences community.

• Sen. Scott Bright (R, District 13 – Adams, Weld)
• Sen. Julie Gonzales (D, District 34 – Denver)
• Rep. Sheila Lieder (D, District 28 – Jefferson)
• Rep. Lori Garcia Sander (R, District 65 – Larimer, Weld)

Additionally, the evening will recognize a number of companies and individuals who are driven to support the growth of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem and the health of patients around the world. Their names will be revealed during the event.

Excellence in Manufacturing

Sponsored by Brownstein

The new Excellence in Manufacturing Award honors a company advancing the science of life-saving medicines. 

Educator of the Year

Sponsored by Fisher Scientific

Honors an outstanding educator shaping the future of Colorado’s life sciences workforce.  

Institute Leadership

Sponsored by Biodesix

The Institute Leadership Award recognizes an organization demonstrating exceptional leadership in talent development and a strong commitment to preparing learners for high-demand careers in life sciences.

Business Partner of the Year

The Business Partner of the Year award honors a partner whose collaboration, advocacy, and leadership have strengthened the community and advanced Colorado’s position as a leading hub for health innovation.

“Each year, the awards celebration brings our community together to shine a spotlight on innovation and collaboration,” said Matt Teter, Vice President of Partnerships at Colorado BioScience Association. “This event reflects our collective drive to grow Colorado as a top-five life sciences hub and celebrates the people and companies who make that vision real. We’re honored to welcome Aron Ralston, whose remarkable story of resilience and ingenuity will inspire our community as we continue advancing breakthroughs for patients.”

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Contact Matt Teter, Vice President of Partnerships, with questions or for more information on a variety of available sponsorship opportunities, which include a table of eight. Become a sponsor today.

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2024 Annual Awards Celebration

Colorado BioScience Association Applauds State’s Leading Life Sciences Innovators at 21st Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC Biologics

2024 Award Winners

Colorado BioScience Association celebrated the Colorado companies, organizations, and individuals who are forging Colorado’s life sciences frontier with their work to save and change lives at the 21st Annual Awards Celebration Presented by AGC in November at the Denver Center for Performing Arts’ Seawell Ballroom. Life sciences leaders gathered to celebrate ecosystem successes under sparkling lights, a setting that matched the ecosystem’s excitement.

Company of the Year: Edgewise Therapeutics

The 2024 Company of the Year is Edgewise Therapeutics, a Boulder-based leader in muscle disease research. The company is developing therapies for muscular dystrophies and serious cardiac conditions. Recognized for its patient-centered approach and recent $240 million funding round, Edgewise Therapeutics exemplifies the groundbreaking potential of Colorado’s life sciences sector.  

A finalist for the award was Paragon 28.

Rising Star of the Year: AOA Dx

The Rising Star of the Year award went to AOA Dx, a female-founded company that relocated to Denver in 2024. AOA Dx is transforming early cancer detection with its AI-driven diagnostic platform, achieving over 90% sensitivity and specificity for ovarian cancer. The company’s recent $17 million seed round highlights its trajectory in tackling one of the most challenging diseases affecting women worldwide. 

Finalists for the award were:  Ambrosia Biosciences and PhotonPharma.

Educator of the Year, Sponsored by Fisher Scientific: Lacee Sherman, Infinity Middle School

Lacee Sherman, Infinity Middle School, was recognized for nurturing students’ love of science at a critical age. After participating in Colorado BioScience Institute’s Classroom program called Research Experience for Teachers, she integrated what she learned at STAQ Pharma into classroom experiences. 

Institute Leadership Award: Zaragoza Briseno, Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager at TriSalus Life Sciences

Zaragoza Briseno, Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager at TriSalus Life Sciences, was recognized for serving as a corporate champion who actively supports Colorado BioScience Institute’s classroom, campus, and career programs. He seamlessly integrates The Institute’s programs into his company’s culture and workforce planning.    

Business Partner of the Year: Primavera Group

Primavera Group, was honored for the team’s instrumental role in advancing Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem. As a long-term partner to CBSA and the marketing communications leader for the Colorado Hub for Health Impact national economic development campaign, Primavera Group has elevated Colorado’s national profile through strategic brand leadership, storytelling, and positioning, drawing new companies, top-tier talent, and investors to the state. 

Legislators of the Year: Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez

CBSA’s legislators of the year have a deep understanding and appreciation for the global and human impact of the ecosystem’s discoveries and development efforts. Throughout the year they consistently advocated for the sector and work for legislation that fosters health innovation. 

Volunteer of the Year: CBSA’s Membership Committee

CBSA’s Membership Committee, was recognized for building an inclusive community with networking events for life sciences professionals.   

Building Momentum Award Presented by BioMed Realty: Colorado Hub for Health Impact Leaders​

The leaders who support Colorado Hub for Health Impact, including Afshin Safavi of Colorado Health and Tech Centers, Steve VanNurden of Fitzsimons Innovation Community, Raymond Gonzalez and Daniel Ryley of Metro Denver EDC, Jill Mendoza of the Town of Superior representing the U.S. 36 Collaborative, and April Giles, of the End Drug Shortages Alliance and the CBSA Board of Directors Development Committee. They led more than 20 partners supporting Colorado Hub for Health Impact, the national economic development campaign attracting new companies, talent, and investment to Colorado. 

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