UCCS Bachelor of Innovation Program

While it derives a healthy percentage of its economy from technology, Colorado Springs, as some may know, is not well known for having the most innovative and creative tech jobs. Due to a heavy government influence and social conservatism, legacy businesses have moved in, causing old technology to hold sway and a workforce mindset that likes to stay the course. Namely, Java and .NET shops which, in my opinion as someone who has experienced the conditions firsthand, are the new COBOL.

While I love many aspects of living here, this stagnancy is the reason I have a negative view of the city’s future in technology and explains why I am up against some heavy resistance for the goals and dreams I have for improving the quality of tech jobs within this city. Yet having made connections in the community that share my understanding, I can say that there is hope.

Today, I met with Dr. Edward Cho, Dr. Bob Sebesta, and Dr. Richard Wiener in an effort to share some of my ideas for the city and offer help, guidance, and mentoring where apt. We are all of the same mindset, which is to couple academia with innovators/entreprenuers and investors. A shining example of how well this can work out is Boulder, CO (a.k.a the San Francisco of the Rockies). The good news is UCCS is already working to make this happen via Bachelor of Innovation program.

So what does this mean for moving forward? Well, the first steps are simple:

1. Kevin and I from the Not Just Ruby (NJR) group are to meet with all UCCS faculty soon to explain our vision within two weeks. We would do it sooner, but Kevin is on his honeymoon at the moment.
2. Kevin and I will speak to faculty and students during a two-hour lecture luncheon about professional development, entrepreneurship, development hunger and passion, and real-world experience. It’ll be a great chance to educate faculty and students while answering questions and receiving feedback.
3. The NJR and hopefully the Colorado Springs Entrepreneur (CSE) group, along with any other groups out there, will work with UCCS to foster new startups, retain local talent, and channel money back into the city.

All of this revolves around thinking local (much like what Kate and I are doing with our Local Dish startup). We can be self-sustainable and make life better for everyone if we all work together. …but it doesn’t happen by hand waving and hot air. It happens by getting things done. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight but its a start in the right direction.

I’ll be sharing the results of these efforts and more on this site as things unfold.

No comments yet.

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.