Who we are

As an entrepreneur, you play an integral role in contributing to our community’s well being and shaping its future.  We know from first-hand experience that starting or running a startup company isn’t easy. That’s why we’re happy to do our part in supporting you and your endeavor.  Welcome to the Colorado Springs Technology Incubator (CSTI)!

The Incubator is a non-profit organization run by accomplished entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. CSTI combines the expertise of investors, startup pros with "been there, done that experience",and community leaders to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into brilliant reality.  Led by Dr. Ric Denton, a Silicon Valley veteran with extensive experience in taking early stage companies from concept to multimillion dollar businesses, the incubator team and our extensive local and international network provides an array of services, all designed to help entrepreneurs accelerate innovation and company growth.

“Thanks to the Incubator, new businesses have a safe, supportive haven where they can learn, grow and flourish.  At the Incubator, entrepreneurs are surrounded by like-minded individuals and plenty of professionals who have ‘been there already’ to help guide them through the tough times and help them integrate all aspects of their business."

Alan Davis, Entrepreneur, Investor, CEO of OFFTOA

Did You Know?

Startup companies in incubators have a higher success rate than those developing without the critical business assistance provided by incubators. More than 65% of incubator-based early-stage companies are likely to receive third party financing, compared to less than 10% of early-stage companies not based in an incubator.

Need Funding?

For qualifying companies, we can provide access to early-stage capital through organizations like   High Altitude Investors (HAI), a Colorado Springs-based angel investor network.   HAI is administered by the Colorado Springs Technology Incubator. The Incubator also offers a path to capital from state governments, economic-development coalitions, commercial banks and other investors.

  Dr. Ric Denton, Chairman, CEO, and President of CSTI

Dr. Ric Denton is a Silicon Valley veteran, where he witnessed first-hand the transformative power of entrepreneurship. He has extensive experience in taking early-stage startups from conception to multi-million dollar organizations. Over his +30-years career, he has led the development, funding and commercialization of numerous new products in the areas of biotechnology, digital imaging, dental and digital flight control. As CEO of the Colorado Springs Technology Incubator, Ric assists entrepreneurs with product development, funding, corporate governance, and strategic partnerships. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in physics from the University of California in Santa Barbara. When Ric is not helping entrepreneurs fund and launch new companies, you can find him in the Petriz Foundation Conference Room, imagining a thriving entrepreneurial community. 

You can reach Ric at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

  Mary Fox, Operations Director

Mary has over 25 years in business and academic arenas, incorporating organizational expertise and administrative support for higher education institutions:  University of Maryland, Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University),  The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).  She also served as general manager/business development officer for executive suites in Denver and Colorado Springs. As Operations Director, Mary is responsible for the Incubator’s financial administration, facility management and vendor relation. Her undergraduate studies were in Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Maryland. In addition, she is the Editor and Publisher for Fox Meadow Publishing.  You can reach Mary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Al Brown, Technology & Strategic Planning Advisor

Al Brown has 35+ years in the aerospace and defense industry primarily working with military and defense systems. His focus has been in opportunity identification, capture management, program management, market analysis, competitive intelligence, business development, and systems engineering. Specific areas of responsibility include: market analysis, competitive assessments, and strategic planning for Space/Ground and Logistics Systems; instructor for capture management classes; in international business development; and systems engineering and operations. Following retirement from Lockheed Martin in 2008, he has continued to provide consulting services in the areas of Proposal Management and Strategic Planning. At the Incubator, Al advises client companies in the areas of value propositions and strategic planning and leads workshops addressing various go-to-market topics. His education includes a BSEE from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from the University of Utah.You can reach Al at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dorothy Silvanic, CSTI IPT Program Manager

Dorothy Silvanic is a 25 Year Air Force veteran.  She is an experienced logistician and project manager, and has commanded at the squadron and group level.  She was selected to command the United States Air Force's largest fighter maintenance group and excelled at building a high performance 2,300 member team.  Under her leadership, the 48^th Maintenance Group conducted multiple, simultaneous, geographically separated combat deployments, prepared for the wing’s first Operational Readiness Inspection Phase I and II inspection, earned the Air Force’s only “Outstanding” rating on those inspections and successfully responded to Presidential directives by performing a 72 hour, home-station combat generation and launch. Additionally, she served at the US Air Force Academy as a Group AOC, understands the Academy culture, and for these reasons makes an excellent liaison in interacting with the Academy's faculty researchers. You can reach Dorothy at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Our Board of Directors

Dr. Ric Denton, Chairman, CEO, and President of CSTI

Alan Steiner, CSTI Chairman Emeritus, (retired Hewlett-Packard senior executive)
Laura McGuire, CSTI Secretary, CEO of Vinea Group

Duncan Stewart, US Air Force Academy Liaison to CSTI
Chris Blees, President/CEO of BiggsKofford
Jeff Cooper, Managing Director of New Ventures Resources
Chris Odell, CEO of Lamina Systems, (retired Chairman of Fluke Networks/Danaher Corporation)
Tammy Fields, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance
DeAnne McCann, Economic Development Manager, El Paso County Budget & Economic Development Administration
Stephannie Finley, Executive Director, University Advocacy and Partnerships, UCCS University Advancement Division