Supporting Renewable Energy
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Cleantech in Boulder
Boulder has developed a nationally recognized cleantech ecosystem focused on renewable energy, energy storage, electrification, water technologies, sustainable materials, and climate software. The city's innovation economy is strengthened by a concentration of startups, established companies, research institutions, and federal laboratories that collaborate to develop and commercialize solutions for global energy and environmental challenges. Combined with a strong entrepreneurial culture and access to technical talent, Boulder continues to attract companies advancing the transition to a more sustainable economy.
| Clean Tech in the Boulder MSA | |
|---|---|
| Number of Firms | Map the Top 50 | 118 |
| Number of Employees | 1120 |
| Employment Concentration (1.0=US average) | 2.88 |
Source: QCEW 2026Q2 via Lightcast
Advantages for Cleantech
Boulder offers many local advantages that make it a top location for cleantech, including:
The ability to recruit and retain highly-educated talent.
Boulder MSA has the most highly educated population in the nation, and Colorado is the second-most highly educated state in the nation. Local universities, including CU-Boulder and Colorado School of Mines, offer programs that support the cleantech industry.
Access to federal research laboratories and private R&D activities.
Key federal labs and offices in Metro Denver include:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- National Center for Atmospheric Research
- National Wind Technology Center
- U.S. Dept of Energy
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Geological
Proximity to energy-related higher education programs, including through the University of Colorado Boulder.
Colorado ranks high for the number of science and engineering graduate students and R&D expenditures per capita. The Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) is the only university in the nation to offer baccalaureate through doctorate degrees in all key energy fields. In addition, University of Colorado Boulder has a number of programs that support the cleantech industry.
Strong entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.
Boulder ranks as one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the United States with talented individuals driving innovation in all industries, including cleantech.
Cleantech in Metro Denver
Colorado has emerged as a leading cleantech hub, with strengths in renewable energy, energy storage, clean transportation, sustainable manufacturing, and climate technologies. Backed by a collaborative network of innovative companies, research institutions, and a skilled workforce, the state continues to develop and scale solutions that support a cleaner, more resilient economy.
Colorado's cleantech ecosystem is strengthened by nationally recognized research institutions, including the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), which accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation energy technologies.
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder has a number of programs that support the cleantech industry, including:
- The Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), a joint institute between the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) addressing important, complex problems in energy that require a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional approach. Its mission is to expedite solutions that transform energy by advancing renewable energy science, engineering, and analysis through research, education, and industry partnerships.
- Membership in the Colorado Renewable Energy Collaboratory, which is a partnership among NREL and the state’s premier research universities.
