This Month's Latest Tech News in Colorado Springs, CO - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Colorado Springs is rapidly becoming a national hub for AI innovation, regulatory leadership, and healthcare transformation in 2025. The state's precedent-setting Colorado Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, taking effect in 2026, imposes new transparency, disclosure, and risk management requirements on developers and users of “high risk” AI - even in healthcare settings - sparking debate over consumer protections and compliance readiness (Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act Impact on Healthcare).

Meanwhile, University of Colorado faculty and clinicians are pioneering AI-powered solutions to modernize diagnostics, personalize treatments, and streamline clinical workflows, while openly discussing the ethical, equity, and human-centered challenges this technology brings.

As Dr. Casey Greene shared,

“The standard of care should not be standardized care.”

These advances resonate nationally, as emerging AI technologies - like automated notetaking, disease detection algorithms, and remote health monitoring - make the 2025 Watch List of top trends poised to reshape healthcare delivery, but also demand vigilance regarding privacy, data quality, and explainability (2025 Watch List: Artificial Intelligence in Health Care).

The city's forward momentum is matched by its role as host to the upcoming Game Changers: AI & Space Track at the Space Symposium, where leaders will explore how AI drives both medical and aerospace breakthroughs (Game Changers: AI & Space Track).

Colorado is leading the nation in AI policy with the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (CAIA), the first comprehensive state law designed to regulate high-risk AI systems influencing pivotal decisions in sectors like hiring, finance, healthcare, and education.

Slated to take effect February 1, 2026, CAIA introduces strict transparency requirements, risk assessments, and mandates companies notify consumers when AI affects their outcomes, while empowering individuals to challenge biased AI-driven decisions with human review rights.

Despite its intent to curb algorithmic discrimination, the law faces mounting pressure from tech industry groups and state leaders who argue the rules are "too broad, too vague," potentially hindering innovation and putting Colorado jobs at risk, with the Colorado Technology Association advocating for at least a one-year delay or a new implementation date of 2027.

Attempts to relax or defer the law through Senate Bill 25-318, which would have exempted smaller businesses and clarified compliance, failed to pass, leaving the original timeline in place and prompting calls for a possible special legislative session.

As debate intensifies and Congress considers a federal moratorium on state-level AI regulation, experts highlight Colorado's law as a national test case - balancing fairness and consumer protection against economic growth and technical agility.

For a detailed breakdown of CAIA's requirements and timelines, see the official Colorado SB24-205 bill text; for an in-depth industry and policy analysis, read Forbes' summary on Colorado's AI law and failed amendments; and for broader context and stakeholder views, explore Denver7's coverage of Colorado's AI law and its uncertain future.

The 2025 SBI Breast Imaging Symposium in Colorado Springs placed artificial intelligence center stage, with major advancements showcased by leading innovators and underscored by lively debates on AI's role in clinical care.

Notable highlights included iCAD's ProFound Detection Version 4.0, which leverages AI to enhance the early detection of breast cancer through streamlined workflows and advanced lesion comparison capabilities, as detailed in iCAD's symposium reflection.

New data on AI-powered mammography, such as Hologic's Genius AI® Detection Solution, were presented and welcomed as steps toward improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized screening, with supporting results from a 5,000-patient retrospective study, according to Hologic's official release.

Importantly, patient perspectives were also in focus: a recent survey found that while 71% of patients support AI as a second reader in mammography screenings, less than 5% are comfortable relying on AI alone.

Concerns about personal interaction, data privacy, and bias remain prevalent, especially among certain demographic groups. As Dr. Basak E. Dogan emphasized,

“If patients are hesitant or skeptical about AI's role in their care, this could impact screening adherence and, consequently, overall health care outcomes.”

For a full overview of the symposium's educational sessions, AI debates, and networking highlights, visit the 2025 SBI Breast Imaging Symposium event page.

The convergence of technological advance and patient engagement marks a transformative moment for breast imaging and healthcare in Colorado Springs and beyond.

Southern Colorado's Calhan School District is leading the way in school safety by deploying ZeroEyes, an AI-powered gun detection system now integrated with the district's existing security cameras.

ZeroEyes, developed by a military-founded team and staffed by military and law enforcement veterans, instantly analyzes visual feeds for firearms, then routes flagged images to experts who verify threats and notify first responders in as little as three to five seconds.

The system does not utilize facial recognition or biometric storage, focusing solely on detecting weapons to protect privacy. As Superintendent Donovan Mitchell emphasized,

“While we are incredibly fortunate to have a close partnership with our local law enforcement, we know that in situations where every second counts, technology like ZeroEyes can make all the difference.”

The initiative, funded by Colorado's SAFER grant program, provides an extra layer of security without requiring new hardware, aiming to ensure that education remains the primary focus.

In light of over 120 gun-related incidents reported in Colorado last year, Calhan's adoption of ZeroEyes aligns with a broader trend towards advanced, rapid-response safety technology in schools nationwide.

For a detailed look at Calhan's approach, see the in-depth report on KKTV about AI-powered gun detection enhancing school safety, learn about the SAFETY Act designation and rapid detection process in MeriTalk Local Government's coverage of the AI gun detection system in Colorado schools, and read about community impact and funding on Yahoo News article on Calhan School District's AI safety partnership.

The University of Colorado Health AI Center is emerging as a national leader in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare, prioritizing real-world results over hype.

As highlighted by Dr. Casey Greene, founding director of the Center for Health AI, the focus is not on replacing clinicians but on enabling them to devote more time to patient care:

“I think what gets me excited is not AI replacing your doctor. It's helping your doctor spend more time with you and less time in the chart.”

Current advances at the Center span "quiet tools" such as AI scribes for drafting clinical notes and systems for early detection of patient deterioration, while looking ahead to innovations like predictive diagnostics for diseases such as Alzheimer's by leveraging data from electronic health records, wearables, and genomics.

Efforts extend to safeguarding privacy and data protection, with strong measures including the Health Data Compass and regulated, role-based access to sensitive information.

The Center has also launched initiatives like the Cliniciprompt software framework, which has boosted nurse and physician AI usage rates to over 75%, showcasing immediate improvements in clinical workflows and national recognition through research showcased at leading medical informatics conferences.

Concerned with ethical use, the program addresses bias, transparency, and disparities - prioritizing datasets representative of diverse patient populations to ensure equitable outcomes.

Additionally, projects such as AI-assisted screening for cervical cancer and infant eye disease signal AI's vital role in improving global health, especially in underserved settings by supporting consistent and timely diagnosis without replacing clinicians.

The Center for Health AI's unique approach - rooted in rigorous validation and collaborative deployment - continues to shape the future of medicine at CU Anschutz and beyond.

For a comprehensive look at how AI is transforming patient care while addressing bias and privacy, see the Center's results-driven vision in their latest feature on AI in healthcare.

The 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs cemented the city's role as a global hub for pioneering space and AI technologies, drawing over 10,000 participants from 60 countries for four days of high-impact discussions and networking.

A standout was the Game Changers: AI & Space Track at the Space Symposium, which spotlighted AI's game-changing influence on satellite tech, autonomous spacecraft, data analytics, and space debris management, featuring thought leadership from AWS, Planet, BlackSky, and emerging innovators.

Complementing the main program, the Innovate Pitch Competition hosted by the Space Foundation and Starburst offered a launchpad for cutting-edge aerospace startups, with Space Foundation VP Kelli Kedis Ogborn stating,

“Connecting next-generation capabilities to the space industry is not just an opportunity - it's a necessity. These innovations hold the key to unlocking breakthroughs that will drive exploration, expand space's economic impact, and reinforce national security objectives.”

The symposium also broke new records, hosting over 300 exhibitors plus 48 emerging companies, and generating an estimated $16 million in economic impact for the Pikes Peak region, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette coverage of the Space Symposium.

The convergence of top government, industry, and entrepreneurial leaders positions Colorado Springs at the forefront of the new AI-driven space economy.

The former Intel semiconductor facility at 1615 Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs is once again in the spotlight as it becomes a key target for data center and AI infrastructure redevelopment, following the abandonment of a $400 million solar factory plan last year.

Boasting 705,000 square feet of infrastructure, including 120,000 square feet of cleanroom space, this 30.88-acre site offers robust features such as 70 MW of existing power (expandable to over 90 MW), competitive electricity rates, fiber access, security systems, and advanced material handling - qualities that mark Colorado Springs as a premier investment location for high-tech manufacturing and next-generation data centers.

The redevelopment push aligns with a statewide movement to attract large-scale digital infrastructure, bolstered by incentive bills like Colorado's SB25-280: Data Center Development & Grid Modernization Act, which proposes generous tax exemptions and income credits for qualifying projects meeting energy and sustainability benchmarks.

Despite enthusiasm, some environmental advocates and consumer groups question the necessity and impact of such incentives, noting potential strain on Colorado's climate targets and public utility costs.

As demand for AI data centers soars - with nationwide AI infrastructure spending expected to grow up to 25% annually - Colorado Springs stands at the forefront of this evolving landscape.

For a comprehensive site overview and redevelopment details, visit DataCenterDynamics' report on the Intel fab listing.

To understand the broader legislative and economic drivers influencing regional data center growth, read Big Pivots' analysis of Colorado's ambitious data center incentive bill.

For insight into how Colorado fits into national and global data center and AI trends, consult Data Center Frontier's coverage on Colorado's AI data center boom and incentive strategies.

Tranquility AI has significantly bolstered its leadership and investigative expertise by appointing Kevin Clark, former Director of Crime Strategies & Intelligence for Colorado's 4th Judicial District Attorney, as Vice President of Analytics & Investigations.

Clark, who founded Colorado's first Crime Strategies Unit and has testified as an expert witness in over 60 trials, will spearhead efforts to educate and support law enforcement in harnessing the power of TimePilot, Tranquility AI's flagship AI-driven product for rapidly analyzing digital evidence.

TimePilot is designed to accelerate case resolution with actionable insights and smart-search tools, addressing challenges Clark encountered first-hand during his decades serving Colorado Springs and the Air Force.

As noted by Tranquility AI CEO Jim Penrose,

“Kevin brings an invaluable perspective... His passion for using technology to bring speed and accuracy to criminal investigations aligns perfectly with our mission…”

Clark's decorated career and hands-on knowledge of investigative hurdles will help position Tranquility AI as a driving force in responsible, efficient AI adoption within criminal justice.

For an in-depth look at Clark's appointment and vision, visit Tranquility AI's official press release, read additional coverage in the Yahoo Finance summary on Kevin Clark and Tranquility AI, and follow live company updates via Tranquility AI's official X page.

Small businesses across Colorado Springs are rapidly embracing generative AI tools to stay competitive as the digital landscape shifts from traditional search engines to answer engines and chatbots.

At recent events led by Jonathan Liebert, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, experts highlighted how generative AI now automates content creation, customer service, and marketing tasks, freeing up resources for growth and innovation.

In a discussion on the future of AI for small business, Liebert explained the rise of "Answer Engine Optimization" (AEO), a strategy for making business websites discoverable by AI-powered chatbots and large language models as search behaviors evolve.

According to Gartner Research, by 2028, Google's search volume is forecast to fall by 50%, with about 60% of online purchases already influenced by chatbot recommendations (see table below).

Liebert cautioned,

"In the age of AI, the competition will be businesses that know AI better, use AI tools faster, and capture more market share."

Local organizations are providing accessible online sessions, such as the Pikes Peak SBDC's Harnessing Generative AI for Small Businesses, to equip owners with practical skills in AEO, automation, and workforce training.

As part of Small Business Week, entrepreneurs are encouraged to learn how AI can reshape their operations, with event details and registration available via the BBB and Chamber of Commerce.

For more on regional support and educational opportunities during Small Business Week, visit the official Gazette coverage.

Trend / Metric	Current Status	2028 Forecast
Google Search Volume	Baseline	↓ 50%
Online Purchases via Chatbots	60%	Projected to rise

Colorado is taking a national lead in confronting the challenges of AI-generated deepfake explicit imagery with robust legislative action in 2025. In response to gaps in existing laws on revenge porn and child exploitation, state lawmakers advanced bills like SB25-288, providing victims of nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes - including minors - with rights to seek significant damages, and clarifying that consent must be “affirmative, conscious, and voluntary.” As explained by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez:

“Artificial intelligence is moving at light speed and working on policy to address its impacts can be an uphill battle... This will allow both adult and child victims of intimate deepfakes and explicit AI-generated materials to seek justice against perpetrators and bad actors.”

The new framework criminalizes the creation, possession, or distribution of obscene, realistic digital depictions and updates procedures for handling juvenile offenses, ensuring young people sharing images are treated appropriately under existing statutes.

Colorado's legislation is part of a growing national trend, with 41 states now adopting laws to address deepfake sexual content and 26 targeting political deepfakes; for a comparative view, explore this comprehensive deepfake policy overview in Colorado.

Disclosure in political communications is now mandated, with strict language and enforcement mechanisms, as documented in Colorado's candidate election deepfake disclosure law, and is accompanied by the possibility for civil action and penalties.

For a broader U.S. context on legislative trends and protections emerging against AI-exploitative content - including state-by-state actions and key enforcement themes - see the latest summary from the National Conference of State Legislatures' deepfake legislation tracker.

The 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs established the city as a global hub for discussions and demonstrations in space technology and artificial intelligence, drawing leaders from government, industry, and academia.

The event saw significant announcements, including Aitech's debut of AI-enabled satellite platforms and rugged supercomputers intended to enhance autonomous operations, space debris management, and advanced pattern analysis across orbits.

As Pratish Shah, U.S. General Manager for Aitech, noted,

“We are at a pivotal time in space to understand, benefit and secure our safety on earth where expanded AI capabilities will significantly augment applications across space defense, public safety and commercial applications.”

Security and resiliency were also center stage, with SEALSQ and WISeSat unveiling post-quantum satellite technology poised to offer quantum-resistant satellite IoT connectivity and safeguard communications from quantum computing threats.

In parallel, Sidus Space and Reflex Aerospace announced a U.S.-European joint venture focused on rapid, AI-powered satellite manufacturing and in-orbit data services.

The table below highlights three breakthrough innovations presented at the symposium:

Company/Partnership	Innovation	Application
Aitech's AI-enabled Space Supercomputers	AI-enabled space supercomputers (S-A2300, S-A1760 Venus)	Autonomous data processing, space situational awareness, debris avoidance
SEALSQ & WISeSat's Post-Quantum Cryptography Satellite Network	Post-quantum cryptography satellite network	Secure global IoT communications, critical infrastructure protection
Sidus Space & Reflex Aerospace's Rapid AI-Driven Satellite Manufacturing	Rapid AI-driven satellite design and manufacturing	Custom multi-orbit missions, on-orbit analytics, and national security

From next-generation satellite platforms and quantum-safe encryption to international public-private partnerships, the Colorado Springs Space Symposium underscored the region's pivotal role in shaping the intersection of AI and space for secure, innovative, and collaborative global progress.

From landmark public-private investments to next-generation education and creative sector growth, Colorado Springs is shaping the national trajectory of technology and AI in 2025.

The region is home to bold initiatives like the $500 million ONE Bow River National Defense Fund - the largest in the DoD's Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative.

As Chief Investment Officer Kevin O'Neil put it,

“In one of the most challenging fundraising environments in recent memory, we are thrilled with the overwhelming support we've received from investors on our first national defense fund.”

Such funding accelerates local firms like Bluestaq, specializing in key data infrastructure for defense and healthcare agencies (Colorado Springs defense innovation and investment).

Meanwhile, statewide grant programs awarded $7.3 million to 35 startups - several leveraging AI, quantum, and sustainability tech - reinforcing Colorado Springs' role as a hub for advanced industries (OEDIT Advanced Industries grants).

The city also witnesses the arrival of Okika Devices, whose new HQ and R&D center are expanding chip design and engineering opportunities while creating high-quality tech jobs for the local workforce (Okika Devices' semiconductor expansion).

Together with new schools dedicated to STEM and entrepreneurship, robust smart city projects, and support for creative innovators, Colorado Springs offers a model for responsible, cross-sector tech leadership - and a compelling opportunity for aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs.