Denver Launches Search for Innovation Hub Operator

The 30,000-square-foot facility at Independence Plaza will offer new startup programs for growing businesses.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Remote Work

Denver Launches Search for Innovation Hub Operator

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Do you support using public funds to develop startup innovation hubs in your local community?

Denver officials are opening a competitive bidding process to select an operator for a new downtown innovation hub. The project, which occupies 30,000 square feet at Independence Plaza, aims to support local startups and growth-stage companies.

Why it matters

The initiative represents a push to revitalize downtown through the Mile High Innovation Program, providing new infrastructure for businesses to access professional development and startup resources. This investment aims to drive innovation-led growth within the city core.

The innovation hub project features $5 million in combined public funding, including a $3.5 million contribution from the Denver Downtown Development Authority. This initiative draws from the $40 million Open Denver fund, following a separate $4.5 million allocation for the facility's build out.

The players

Denver Downtown Development Authority

A public entity tasked with stimulating economic growth and infrastructure investment within the central business district.

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity

The city agency responsible for business attraction, workforce development, and managing competitive procurement for economic projects.

University of Colorado Denver

A public research university and real estate owner that acquired the Independence Plaza site for the hub project.

The details

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is managing the procurement process to identify an operator responsible for running programming at the 30,000-square-foot space. The facility is designed to serve as a hub for startups, offering growth-oriented resources and specialized programming. These services are integrated into the broader strategy to activate the Independence Plaza site purchased by the University of Colorado Denver.

June 2026: Innovation hub project first announced.
August 10, 2026: University of Colorado Denver completed its purchase of Independence Plaza.
October 29, 2026: Funding and operator procurement process officially announced.

Market Landscape

This project follows the pattern set by the Mile High Innovation Program to incentivize local commercial activity. It represents a significant expansion of city-backed support for physical co-working and business development spaces in the downtown core.

Small business owners and startups should monitor the upcoming selection of the hub operator to assess potential access to new growth resources and downtown programming. The procurement process will dictate the facility's eventual operating model and service offerings.

The takeaway

The move signals a transition from infrastructure acquisition to operational programming for the city's downtown revitalization efforts. Operators should monitor the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity portal for the final operator selection and program eligibility criteria.