Autonomous AI agents hold the promise to reshape the way we work, but can we make them work reliably? We've all seen the amazing demos of AI products only to find they fall down in the real world.
In this talk, we will explore reinforcement learning techniques to make agents more reliable of the time, giving us a solid base to build enterprise ready products on.
Boards can be a force-multiplier to any startup's success. Done poorly however, Boards can also damage if not destroy value in a startup. How does one Build and Manage a Board for maximum probability of success? This session will steer right into the provocative aspects of what it takes both to Build a great Board, and then to manage that Board to get the most out of them. We'll discuss what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid potholes and landmines.
Walter is the CEO of Sovrn, a company that provides products and services to thousands of media companies, online publishers and creators. With more than 30 years of business and operations management, Walter has been an investor as a Partner and Principal for two very successful... Read More →
What if every student could read at their level… in the same story?
Literacy shapes opportunity—but the gap is growing. - 65% of 4th graders read below grade level - Nearly 70% of 8th graders still struggle with literacy - A typical 5th-grade classroom spans 11+ reading levels - Students who fall behind by 3rd grade are four times more likely not to graduate - Adults with low literacy earn up to 42% less over their lifetimes
Meanwhile, teachers are stretched thin. They face overwhelming student variability, limited time, and outdated tools that make true differentiation nearly impossible.
Ojje, a Boulder-based startup, is building a smarter solution. In this session, founder and CEO Adrian Chernoff—the inventor behind electric cars at GM, digital health apps at Johnson & Johnson, rides at Disney Imagineering, and medical robots at NASA—shares the thinking behind Ojje: a digital reading platform designed to prepare students for lifelong success.
Ojje delivers a story-driven experience where every book includes 15 reading levels, available in English and Spanish, with leveled text, visuals, and audio—all integrated into one adaptive experience. Students get exactly what they need. No switching. No overwhelm.
Built with safe, responsible AI, Ojje generates high-quality, science-of-reading-aligned content. Teachers can also create their own narrative or informational materials in minutes—saving hours of prep time. A growing library of community-generated content ensures every classroom can access more of what works.
What You’ll Learn: - The pain points teachers face—and how Ojje helps solve them - How Ojje personalizes reading without increasing teacher workload - How AI and design work together to support better outcomes - What it takes to build a mission-driven startup with the potential to reach millions
This is a story about literacy, technology, and impact—built right here in Boulder. Don’t miss it.
Founder & CEO Adrian Chernoff has 91 patents and 25 product awards. His Innovations have shaped industries - from NASA and Walt Disney Imagineering to General Motors and Johnson & Johnson. Now, he's focused on helping teachers and students improve literacy outcomes.
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT SOVRN1600 Pearl St. #200
When most startups think about raising capital, they immediately look to venture capital or angel investors—but there are powerful alternatives that allow founders to grow without giving up equity. In this session, we'll explore Revenue-Based Funding (RBF) as a flexible, founder-friendly financing option designed for businesses with steady revenue who want to scale on their terms.
We'll cover:
What Revenue-Based Funding is and how it works. How RBF compares to traditional equity financing. A practical checklist to determine if your business is ready for RBF.
This session is designed to help founders discover new funding strategies that align with sustainable growth and long-term ownership. Whether you're bootstrapping, crowdfunding, or preparing for your next stage of growth, you'll leave with actionable insights to fund your startup—without pitching a single investor.
I’ve worn some hats over the years: tax prep, mortgage banking, and contract review, to name a few. Some might call that a jack of all trades, but each role taught me something about how businesses work behind the scenes. One thing that’s always come naturally to me is working... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT SOVRN1600 Pearl St. #200
This session will highlight programs run by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) that support Colorado startups and investments in those startups. We’ll cover OEDITprograms that provide entrepreneur education, startup grant capital, tax credits to angel investors, and public matching for private investment.The panel will include program representatives from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) for a high-level overview of the programs/incentives available to founders and investors. Proposed panelists:Luz Gonzalez - CO State Advanced Industry Investment Tax CreditRama Harris - CO Advanced Industries Accelerator ProgramCrystal Walsh - CO Venture Capital AuthorityAli Karp - CO Quantum Tax Credits
Luz has worked in the space where social impact meets entrepreneurship, nationally and internationally, for the last decade. Luz currently supports Exponential Impact, a leading tech accelerator for Colorado Startups, as well as Denver Angels, one of the leading startup funding organizations... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT SOVRN1600 Pearl St. #200
Securing funding through grants is a pivotal skill for nonprofits, researchers, and organizations looking to bring their ideas to life. This session, "Mastering the Grant Writing Process," will provide participants with a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of grant writing. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, this session will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to craft compelling proposals that stand out to funders.
In this interactive and hands-on workshop, we will explore the key components of a successful grant proposal, from the initial idea to the final submission. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how to research and identify the right funding opportunities, how to structure a persuasive narrative, and how to align their organization's goals with the funder's priorities. We will also delve into frameworks for budgeting, writing clear objectives, and demonstrating measurable outcomes to ensure your proposal effectively communicates your project's impact.
Furthermore, attendees will learn how to avoid common pitfalls that often lead to proposal rejections and how to strengthen their application by incorporating compelling evidence, strong storytelling, and data-driven insights. Real-world examples and case studies will be shared to highlight successful approaches, and there will be opportunities for peer feedback and Q&A.
By the end of this session, participants will leave with the tools and confidence to approach grant writing strategically and effectively. Whether you’re seeking funding for a new project, research, or organizational development, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to increase your chances of securing the funding you need to make your vision a reality.
