 |
| Terry Lowe |
 |
| Kady Zinke |
GOLDEN, Colo., June 27, 2014 – Gov. John Hickenlooper recently announced Colorado School of Mines research would receive a $30,000 Proof of Concept award as part of the state’s Advanced Industry Accelerator Grants.
Mines Research Professor Terry Lowe, of the George S. Ansell Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, has developed a hybrid polymer/metal-lattice energy-absorbing device for sportswear to reduce trauma. The technology will be used by anti-injury active wear manufacturer, KADYLUXE™, founded by Kady Zinke, an entrepreneur and former professional dancer.
“We’ve discovered that the energy-absorption concept can reduce injury in up to 70 different sports such as football or hockey, and can also be applied in other impact sensitive environments including vehicles, high-value shipping containers, and padding in gyms,” said Lowe.
Zinke noted, “We’re excited about the opportunity to incorporate Colorado-originated technology into our current active wear products, making dance and sports safer for all. Additional products are already on the drawing board that will be feasible with the new impact absorption concept.”
Twelve total grants – six Proof of Concept and six Early Stage Capital and Retention – will be awarded to Colorado organizations for more than $1.5 million. Proof-of-Concept grants are open to Colorado research universities, federal labs located in Colorado and other private, nonprofit and for-profit labs with valid technology transfer offices. These grants are for pre-commercialization research and commercialization preparation.
The Advanced Industry Accelerator Programs were created in 2013 to promote growth and sustainability in Colorado’s seven identified advanced industries by driving innovation, accelerating commercialization, encouraging public-private partnerships, increasing access to early stage capital and creating a strong infrastructure that increases the state’s capacity to be globally competitive. The programs encompass three distinct grant programs: Proof of Concept, Early Stage Company and Commercialization Infrastructure.
To see the full list of grantees, visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade website.
Contact:
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines / 303-273-3541 / kgilbert@mines.edu
Kathleen Morton, Communications Coordinator, Colorado School of Mines / 303-273-3088 / kmorton@mines.edu