This Month's Latest Tech News in Colorado Springs, CO - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition
Last Updated: May 1st 2025

Too Long; Didn't Read:
Colorado Springs saw major tech milestones in April 2025, including passage of AI policy reforms, $100M data center tax incentives, and over $16M economic impact from the 40th Space Symposium. Advancements in AI-powered gun detection, medical imaging, and clean energy highlighted the city's rise as a national leader in technology and innovation.
April 2025 marked a turning point for Colorado Springs, underscored by policy innovation, infrastructure investment, and global collaboration in tech and AI. Legislators advanced updates to Colorado's landmark AI law, which will exempt small businesses for 15 months and delay broader enforcement, signaling a balanced approach between consumer protection and supporting AI startups (see HR Dive's coverage).
At the same time, Colorado's push for data center growth via Senate Bill 24-085 aims to position the state as a leading AI infrastructure hub by offering sales and use tax rebates for centers creating at least 20 jobs and $100M in investment.
This is projected to deliver $32.5M in annual local economic impact and support 157 jobs per center, as shown below:
Requirement | Detail |
---|---|
Minimum Jobs | 20 Full-Time |
Investment | $100 Million |
Annual Economic Impact | $32.5 Million |
Supported Local Jobs | 157 |
Notably, the 40th Annual Space Symposium brought together over 10,000 attendees from 60 countries, fueling global partnerships and a $16M boost to the local economy.
As Pratish Shah of AI-Tech noted,
“Through innovation, we create new uses that people don't even think of on day one... making things easier, faster, and less expensive for people to use.”
Colorado Springs is clearly solidifying its status as a thriving tech and AI nexus.
Table of Contents
- AI-Powered Gun Detection System Deployed in Colorado Schools
- Hologic Showcases Advanced AI Mammography at National Symposium in Colorado Springs
- GE HealthCare Launches Revolutionary Breast Cancer Detection Tech at SBI 2025
- 40th Annual Space Symposium Spurs Innovation and Economic Growth in Colorado Springs
- Aitech Unveils World's First AI-Enabled Picosatellite Constellation Platform
- Colorado's AI Law Continues to Draw National Attention and Industry Debate
- New Addition to Tranquility AI Brings Law Enforcement AI Solutions to Colorado
- AI Revolutionizing Medical Imaging: Early Cancer Detection Rates Soar
- Colorado's Position as a National Space and Tech Leader Grows
- AI and Tech-Driven Energy and Environmental Solutions Take Center Stage
- Conclusion: Colorado Springs' Evolving Role at the Nexus of AI and Technology
- Frequently Asked Questions
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AI-Powered Gun Detection System Deployed in Colorado Schools
(Up)Colorado Springs' commitment to school safety took a technological leap forward this month as the Calhan School District deployed ZeroEyes, an AI-powered gun detection system, across all its campuses.
Developed by military veterans, ZeroEyes uses artificial intelligence to scan existing security cameras and flag visible firearms, sending alerts to local staff and law enforcement within 3 to 5 seconds - a response time that can be critical during active shooter threats.
The system, fully integrated without the need for new cameras, prioritizes privacy by avoiding facial recognition or biometric data collection. According to Superintendent Dr. Donovan Mitchell, “Our goal is to ensure teachers can teach and students can learn without worrying about their safety…ZeroEyes is a key part of that.” The solution is part of a multi-layered security plan funded through the Colorado School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program, reflecting a broader trend of technological adoption following over 120 gun-related incidents in Colorado schools last year.
ZeroEyes' rapid growth underscores its national relevance, with deployments in thousands of buildings throughout 46 states - validated by a recent $23 million investment and recognition from the Department of Homeland Security for its proactive approach.
As CEO Mike Lahiff notes, “Calhan School District's commitment to safety is a powerful example for schools across the country.” For further details about the Calhan rollout, visit this comprehensive KKTV news report on AI gun detection in Colorado schools, learn about the ZeroEyes technology and national security designations from ZeroEyes' official company update on funding and deployments, and review broader local coverage in FOX21 News' community feature about Calhan School District's safety partnership.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Response Time | 3–5 seconds |
Integration | Existing cameras (no new hardware needed) |
Incidents Addressed (CO, past year) | 120+ |
“We don't want to recognize faces, we don't want to invade anyone's privacy. We want to tell you when there's an assault rifle outside of an elementary school.” - Sam Alaimo, co-founder of ZeroEyes
Hologic Showcases Advanced AI Mammography at National Symposium in Colorado Springs
(Up)Hologic spotlighted its cutting-edge Genius AI Detection 2.0 mammography solution at the 2025 Society of Breast Imaging Annual Symposium in Colorado Springs, revealing pivotal new research led by Massachusetts General Hospital.
The retrospective study analyzed 5,000 digital breast tomosynthesis screenings, finding that the AI correctly identified 90% of breast cancers detected by radiologists and, crucially, discovered 32% of cases initially missed by human review - especially excelling in identifying invasive ductal and lymph node-positive cancers.
The AI solution, launched in 2023, was shown to reduce false-positive markings per case by over 70% compared to previous computer-aided detection (CAD), enabling radiologists to reduce reading time by up to 24%.
Dr. Manisha Bahl, director of MGH's breast imaging fellowship, explained that
integration of AI could potentially reduce false negative rates in screening tomosynthesis, improving both quality and efficiency in breast cancer screening.
See performance metrics in the table below for a snapshot of Genius AI's impact.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Sensitivity | 94% |
Reduction in false positives | 70% (avg. 0.9 false marks/case) |
Additional cancer detection | +9% improvement (~1 extra cancer per 10 identified) |
Reduction in radiologist read time | 24% |
For an in-depth look at Hologic's breast imaging advancements, read the official press release on Hologic's new clinical findings, dive into expert commentary and study specifics in this Diagnostic Imaging interview with Dr. Manisha Bahl, and explore performance details directly from the Hologic Genius AI Detection technology overview.
GE HealthCare Launches Revolutionary Breast Cancer Detection Tech at SBI 2025
(Up)GE HealthCare spotlighted a major leap forward in breast cancer diagnostics at the 2025 Society of Breast Imaging Symposium in Colorado Springs, unveiling a suite of AI-powered technologies set to reshape early detection and patient care.
Innovations included the Pristina Via™ Mammography System, lauded for its zero-click acquisition, rapid image-to-image cycle times (up to twice as fast as competitors), and the lowest radiation dose in its class, as well as DeepHealth's SmartMammo™ AI, a cloud-based solution enhancing diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency for diverse populations and particularly benefitting women with dense breast tissue.
Completing the suite was the FDA-approved Invenia™ ABUS Premium, which, when combined with mammography, increases cancer detection rates by 35.7% for women with dense breasts.
As Pooja Pathak, Vice President and General Manager of Mammography at GE HealthCare, stated,
“We are committed to delivering innovative technologies and end-to-end solutions that address our customer's biggest challenge in breast cancer detection, which is to help clinicians provide efficient, accurate and personalized diagnosis to patients.”
Key features of these systems are summarized below:
Technology | Key Features | Impact |
---|---|---|
Pristina Via | Zero-click workflow, fastest DBT cycles | Enhanced comfort, reduced exposure |
SmartMammo AI | AI-aided lesion detection, real-time rendering | Improved diagnostic accuracy and workflow |
Invenia ABUS | AI, FDA-approved for dense tissue | +35.7% cancer detection with mammography |
40th Annual Space Symposium Spurs Innovation and Economic Growth in Colorado Springs
(Up)The 40th Annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs drew over 11,000 attendees from 60 countries, spotlighting Colorado's pivotal role in global space innovation and providing a substantial $16 million boost to the local Pikes Peak economy.
Industry leaders and experts convened at the Broadmoor to discuss advancements in aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, communications, and environmental applications, while the event doubled as a key platform for emerging companies thanks to initiatives like the Space Symposium Innovate Pitch Competition.
Innovations unveiled included scalable, cost-effective space tech with uses ranging from wildlife tracking to enhanced security. As Pratish Shah of AI-Tech noted,
“Through innovation, we create new uses that people don't even think of on day one… We enable that, and that comes through innovation, making things easier, faster, and less expensive for people to use.”
The event also elevated the region's national standing, supported by Colorado's ranking as the second largest hub for aerospace employment and third largest U.S. space economy.
Key event facts are summarized below:
Attendees | Countries Represented | Economic Impact |
---|---|---|
11,000+ | 60 | $16 million |
Aitech Unveils World's First AI-Enabled Picosatellite Constellation Platform
(Up)Aitech has officially introduced the world's first AI-enabled picosatellite constellation platform, IQSat™, at Colorado Springs' 40th Space Symposium, launching a new era of accessible, low-cost, and high-impact space-based intelligence.
Engineered to fit in the palm of a hand, IQSat is powered by Intuidex's Watchman for Space™ AI/ML technology, enabling real-time pattern-of-life and anomaly detection for a multitude of applications, including military intelligence, public safety, agriculture, and climate monitoring.
The highly flexible platform is designed for deployment in constellations ranging from just a few to thousands of satellites, bringing actionable insights - such as rapid disaster detection or threat tracking - within minutes, directly to users on Earth.
As noted by Aitech's U.S. General Manager, Pratish Shah,
“The new IQSat platform is integral to space accessibility by delivering low cost, rapid deployment constellations that provide access to actionable information quickly and frequently for infinite applications. Whether used for military and defense, environmental or agricultural applications, communications or scientific research, the flexibility, cost and availability of a solution like IQSat has not existed before – providing more accessibility to the power of space.”
IQSat is slated for mission development in late 2025, with first launches expected in early 2026, and will offer customers COTS-like flexibility, rapid prototyping, and a common payload interface for standardization and swift deployment.
For more on IQSat's technical and mission capabilities, visit the detailed coverage in SatNews: Aitech unveils world's 1st AI-enabled picosatellite constellation platform, review practical insights and key quotes from Electronics Weekly's report on AI-enabled PicoSat platform, and see SpaceNews' analysis of IQSat's AI-driven potential for global security and research at Aitech unveils IQSat, a picosatellite for AI applications.
Below is a table summarizing IQSat's core features and launch timeline:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Size | Palm-sized (10x10x30 cm) |
AI Capabilities | Real-time pattern-of-life, anomaly detection, and user-driven modeling |
Applications | Defense, agriculture, public safety, climate, science |
Mission Development | Q4 2025 |
First Launch | Q1 2026 |
Colorado's AI Law Continues to Draw National Attention and Industry Debate
(Up)Colorado's groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act is at the forefront of state regulatory efforts, capturing national attention and generating robust debate as the state legislature considers significant amendments just months before the law's original February 2026 start date.
The Act - widely recognized as the nation's most comprehensive AI regulation - requires employers and developers to proactively prevent algorithmic discrimination, conduct risk assessments, and provide transparency to consumers about the use of high-risk AI systems in consequential decisions like hiring, housing, healthcare, and finance.
However, proposed changes in Senate Bill 318 would delay enforcement to 2027, ease employer obligations, expand exemptions for small businesses and startups, and raise the threshold for consumers to contest AI-driven decisions.
As other states watch closely - over 45 introducing more than 550 AI-related bills this year - Colorado's approach remains a bellwether for consumer and workplace protections, setting a risk-based standard similar to recent European legislation.
Governor Polis has voiced concerns that the law, while pioneering, may stifle innovation and has called for further legislative refinement. Industry experts note that a risk- and role-based approach, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and active bias prevention, is becoming a model not only in Colorado but nationwide (Overview of Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act Requirements and Guidance, Analysis of the Debate Around Amending Colorado's AI Law, State-by-State AI Legislation Update 2025).
The table below summarizes key features and potential changes to Colorado's AI law:
Feature | Original AI Act | SB 318 Amendment |
---|---|---|
Effective Date | Feb 1, 2026 | Pushed to Jan 1, 2027 |
Employer Obligations | Extensive risk assessments and notification | Narrowed requirements; fewer notifications |
Startup Exemptions | Not exempt | More small businesses/startups exempted |
Consumer Rights | Contest if AI was a "substantial factor" | Contest only if AI was "principal basis" |
Governor Polis acknowledged, "the law's broad regulatory framework could stifle technological advancement in Colorado," urging lawmakers to revisit its scope and impact.
New Addition to Tranquility AI Brings Law Enforcement AI Solutions to Colorado
(Up)Tranquility AI, a leader in investigative technology, has announced the appointment of Kevin Clark - former Director of Crime Strategies & Intelligence for Colorado's 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office - as Vice President of Analytics & Investigations, bringing advanced AI-powered law enforcement solutions to Colorado.
Clark will spearhead the expansion and adoption of TimePilot™, Tranquility AI's flagship product, which leverages artificial intelligence to rapidly analyze vast troves of digital evidence, providing actionable insights and accelerating case resolution for investigators.
His extensive background includes founding the first Crime Strategies Unit in Colorado, expertise in digital forensics, and a decorated career in both law enforcement and the military.
CEO Jim Penrose praised the move, stating,
“Kevin brings an invaluable perspective to our team, having worked firsthand in law enforcement and the judicial system to solve some of the most serious crimes. His passion for using technology to bring speed and accuracy to criminal investigations aligns perfectly with our mission...”
Clark's experience is expected to drive innovative collaboration with law enforcement across the state, making Colorado Springs a focal point for next-generation public safety technology.
For a deeper look into Clark's trajectory and Tranquility AI's local impact, read the official press release on BusinessWire, explore additional coverage in the Joplin Globe's business report, or review Tranquility AI's growing presence in regional law enforcement news via Yahoo Finance's tech announcement.
AI Revolutionizing Medical Imaging: Early Cancer Detection Rates Soar
(Up)Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming medical imaging and early cancer detection, delivering significant improvements in accuracy and patient outcomes.
Recent international studies, including a landmark real-world trial of over 460,000 women, found that AI-supported mammography screening increased breast cancer detection rates by 17.6% compared to standard methods, without raising false positive recalls or unnecessary procedures (Nature Medicine: Nationwide real-world implementation of AI for cancer detection in population-based mammography screening).
Advanced AI algorithms now achieve up to 94% accuracy in early disease detection, often surpassing experienced radiologists in identifying tumors on scans and reducing diagnostic errors that affect millions annually (How AI Achieves 94% Accuracy in Early Disease Detection: New Research Findings).
At the recent Society of Breast Imaging Symposium in Colorado Springs, studies showed that AI tools identified nearly one-third of breast cancers previously missed by radiologists on 3D mammography, with the technology especially adept at detecting small, invasive or high-grade cancers (AI Detects Nearly One-Third of Breast Cancers Previously Undetected by Radiologists on DBT Imaging).
These advances are powered by deep learning neural networks capable of integrating multimodal data, flagging subtle patterns, and continuously improving with real-world use.
As summarized by lead researcher Dr. Nora Eisemann,
“AI-supported double reading was associated with a higher breast cancer detection rate without negatively affecting the recall rate, strongly indicating that AI can improve mammography screening metrics.”
The table below highlights key results from recent breast cancer AI screening studies:
Study | Detection Rate Increase | AI Accuracy | Recall Rate (per 1000) | PPV of Recall |
---|---|---|---|---|
PRAIM Trial | +17.6% | 94% | 37.4 (AI) vs 38.3 (Control) | 17.9% (AI) vs 14.9% (Control) |
MASAI Trial | +29% | 90% | N/A | N/A |
Colorado's Position as a National Space and Tech Leader Grows
(Up)Colorado's reputation as a national hub for innovation and leadership in the space and technology sectors is accelerating, with recent developments underscoring the region's growing influence.
Safran's opening of its 28,000-square-foot manufacturing and engineering hub in Parker focuses on producing advanced satellite propulsion systems, a move welcomed by state leadership for its promise of economic growth, industry collaboration, and job creation:
“This investment not only strengthens our state's position as a leader in aerospace innovation but also brings new opportunities for collaboration, economic growth, and advancements in space technology.”
Venture-backed startup True Anomaly, headquartered in Centennial, raised $260 million this month to expand its workforce and support up to four new space missions, reinforcing Colorado's status as a launch pad for military and commercial aerospace solutions.
Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic selected the Colorado Air and Space Port for the development and prototype testing of its Symphony engine, which is designed for overland supersonic commercial flight and represents a multi-million-dollar investment that puts the region “at the forefront of the aerospace industry.” For a snapshot of these developments, see the table below:
Company | Focus | Investment/Size | Notable Milestone |
---|---|---|---|
Safran | Satellite propulsion | 28,000 sq ft, 25+ hires | Parker facility opens 2025, shipments begin 2026 |
True Anomaly | Defense-focused satellites | $260M+ raised | 4 missions planned, 170→250 employees by 2025 |
Boom Supersonic | Supersonic engine R&D | $3–5M site investment | Symphony engine core tests at CASP in 2025 |
Discover more about Safran's Parker expansion on ColoradoBiz's in-depth coverage of satellite propulsion innovation, details about True Anomaly's growth and military space missions on SpaceNews' report on defense-focused Colorado startups, and insights into Colorado's role in Boom Supersonic's engine testing at the Air and Space Port in this official county announcement.
AI and Tech-Driven Energy and Environmental Solutions Take Center Stage
(Up)AI and advanced technology are transforming Colorado Springs into a leader in energy innovation, as public and private initiatives accelerate the region's clean energy transition.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Energy to Communities program, supported by up to $25 million in funding, is driving collaboration between the Colorado Springs Utilities Department and community partners to scale solar, grid-connected buildings, electric vehicle infrastructure, and virtual power plants.
According to a Honeywell survey on AI impact in the energy sector, 91% of U.S. energy executives believe AI will soon be pivotal for enhancing security, efficiency, and operations, with over 80% already actively piloting AI solutions.
The impact is also economic: a 2025 market report forecasts the global AI in energy sector to reach $58.66 billion by 2030, spanning applications like grid optimization and energy forecasting.
Major local projects, like Colorado Springs Utilities' $5.3 million U.S. Department of Defense grant for critical grid upgrades, underscore the region's commitment to reliability and resiliency.
As AI optimizes everything from predictive maintenance to energy storage, public officials highlight the magnitude of this shift; as Senior Public Affairs Specialist Steve Berry explains,
“We are undergoing a pretty significant energy transition... to progress towards a mix of predominantly natural gas and renewable energy.”Read more about Colorado Springs' expanding clean energy toolkit and its partnerships, targets, and future plans in the link provided below.
Conclusion: Colorado Springs' Evolving Role at the Nexus of AI and Technology
(Up)Colorado Springs is poised at the intersection of innovation and policy as the region continues to solidify its status in the national tech landscape, marked most recently by investments in space logistics startups and a push for tech-friendly regulations.
With the state's AI law undergoing revisions - allowing delays and exemptions for smaller firms - lawmakers are striving to balance consumer protection with a thriving startup ecosystem.
Simultaneously, the state is making a bold play for the AI data center market through Senate Bill 24-085, offering significant tax incentives to attract high-skilled jobs and technological investment, as detailed below:
Incentive Type | Details |
---|---|
State sales & use tax rebates | |
Eligibility | ≥ 20 full-time jobs, $100M investment, 3MW load |
Cap | 3 certifications/year, 10-year status |
Economic Impact | $32.5M/year, 157 jobs/data center |
Local advocacy and business organizations are also contributing to smart policy formation, with initiatives focused on responsible AI growth and the protection of both consumers and companies led by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.
As these efforts unfold, Colorado Springs demonstrates how a city can advance innovation while shaping national conversations on AI, data security, and digital opportunity - a trend supported by upskilling programs like Nucamp's Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp, equipping local talent to thrive in the evolving tech economy.
As the session draws to a close, the spotlight on Colorado Springs is only growing brighter, making this a pivotal moment for tech-minded professionals and entrepreneurs across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the key highlights from April 2025's tech news in Colorado Springs?
April 2025 saw major policy innovation, growing global collaboration in tech and AI, and economic investment in Colorado Springs. Highlights include ground-breaking AI regulations and amendments, incentives for large-scale data centers, the 40th Annual Space Symposium drawing over 11,000 attendees, and several advancements in school safety tech, medical imaging, energy innovation, and aerospace sector growth.
How is Colorado Springs using AI for school safety?
The Calhan School District deployed ZeroEyes, an AI-powered gun detection system, across all campuses. This integrates with existing security cameras to detect firearms and immediately alert staff and law enforcement, with a 3–5 second response time. The system avoids facial recognition or biometrics, prioritizing privacy while enhancing safety as part of a broader district security plan.
What are the recent advancements in AI-powered medical imaging presented at the Society of Breast Imaging Symposium?
Hologic's Genius AI Detection 2.0 and GE HealthCare's Pristina Via™, SmartMammo™ AI, and Invenia™ ABUS Premium were highlighted in Colorado Springs. Studies showed AI-supported mammography detected up to 32% of cancers previously missed by radiologists, increased detection rates by up to 17.6%, and reduced false positives and reading time - particularly benefitting women with dense breast tissue.
How is Colorado positioning itself as a national tech and space leader?
Colorado is expanding its role as a tech and space hub through incentives for AI data centers, the opening of new manufacturing and engineering facilities (like Safran and True Anomaly), major investments in aerospace startups, and hosting international events such as the Space Symposium. New satellite and space tech developments, including Aitech's AI-enabled IQSat™ constellation, further cement the state's leadership.
What changes are proposed in Colorado's AI regulation, and why are they significant?
Amendments to Colorado's Artificial Intelligence Act, considered the most comprehensive in the U.S., are set to delay enforcement until 2027, expand exemptions for small businesses and startups, and narrow employer requirements. These changes aim to balance consumer protection with fostering innovation, and are drawing national attention as a model for responsible AI regulation in the U.S.
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Ludo Fourrage
Founder and CEO
Ludovic (Ludo) Fourrage is an education industry veteran, named in 2017 as a Learning Technology Leader by Training Magazine. Before founding Nucamp, Ludo spent 18 years at Microsoft where he led innovation in the learning space. As the Senior Director of Digital Learning at this same company, Ludo led the development of the first of its kind 'YouTube for the Enterprise'. More recently, he delivered one of the most successful Corporate MOOC programs in partnership with top business schools and consulting organizations, i.e. INSEAD, Wharton, London Business School, and Accenture, to name a few. With the belief that the right education for everyone is an achievable goal, Ludo leads the nucamp team in the quest to make quality education accessible