This article was written by Ariana Pasquini.
The fourth annual Spark the Springs–presented by Sparks Willson and hosted by the El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC)–brought to life the “Roaring 2020s” with an extravagant celebration of entrepreneurship, connection and local business growth.
On October 30, 2025, more than 190 Colorado Springs community members came together for a night that recognized our thriving startup ecosystem. The event showcased local founders and innovators, featured an inspiring keynote from France Hoang and ended with a milestone moment: the first on-stage reveal of the $50,000 Torch Grant winner. This high-stakes unveiling added an electric energy to the entire night as finalists held their breath, and patrons theorized about the possible winner.
Attendees arrived dressed to the nines for the Roaring ’20s theme. Sequins, feathers, sharp suits and sparkling accessories filled the room as investors, community members, startup teams and supporters mingled in a lively networking space. Compliments on dazzling headpieces and playful banter flowed easily, setting the tone for an evening that felt both glamorous and welcoming. The event took place at the lavish Pinery on the Hill, which had the power to transport guests back in time.
The night kicked off with a small business showcase–thanks to sponsors at SVA Certified Public Accountants, EPIIC was able to highlight fifteen amazing local companies! With interactive demo opportunities, booths that housed local powerhouses in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, ventures from EPIIC’s other programs and the four remarkable Torch Grant finalists, there was something for anyone and everyone to check out.
As plates were served and conversation softened, the evening transitioned into an inspiring keynote from France Hoang, a veteran, entrepreneur and national security expert whose career reflects both strategic vision and remarkable impact. Rather than revealing the keys of his success, France shared what he felt was the stronger story–the story of his losses, and the reality and power of failure. He emphasizes that no entrepreneur nails it on the first try, but the common thread among them is simple: they keep going, even after that first failure. Following Hoang’s comedic, vulnerable and engaging keynote, guests participated in a brief Q&A before the program transitioned into the Torch Grant segment of the night.
The Torch Grant is offered to companies that have participated in EPIIC’s business accelerator, The Venture Attractor, which fuels regional economic growth by elevating founders, connecting resources and accelerating early-stage startups in sports and outdoors, health innovation, human performance, property technology and space technology. The Torch Grant builds on this mission by helping the most promising ventures scale and establish deep roots in Colorado Springs. This impact is made possible through the generous support of EPIIC’s sponsors and their 100% donor-funded grant: All Pro Capital, Classic Homes and legacy sponsor Jim Waldrop, who have shown continued commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs.
Four standout Venture Attractor companies advanced through two competitive rounds of formal pitching, including the Torch Grant Finals on October 29, to earn their place on the Spark the Springs stage.
Air-O-Sport, led by founder Mike Kinner, is creating a new inclusive sport designed to bring families and communities together—playable anywhere from the backyard to the beach.
Maple GRC, founded by Ian Ahmed, is transforming cybersecurity through an automated and continuous governance, risk, and compliance platform.
StructureBot, co-founded by Jim Scott and Cameron McRoberts, is harnessing advanced 3D printing and machine-vision technologies to build durable concrete homes faster and more affordably.
In the end, only one venture could take home the 2025 Torch Grant – and EPIIC is proud to recognize Lodgeit, founded by Lauren Little, as this year’s recipient! Lodgeit is dedicated to destigmatizing women’s vaginal health, beginning with its flagship product, the pHix—a holistic solution designed to help prevent and combat yeast infections while empowering women to take charge of their wellness.
Luke Doster, EPIIC’s Strategic Program Director, reflected on the event, stating, “Colorado Springs really has that ‘it’ factor. The level of support provided by our friends and partners all across the city makes events like this possible. Don’t be surprised when you see COS generating buzz nationwide. The people here are some of the best the world has to offer, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”
Spark the Springs continues to grow as a signature celebration of innovation in Colorado Springs, and EPIIC invites the community to be part of what comes next.
Learn more at www.epiic.uccs.edu or reach out directly to [email protected] to explore opportunities to support and participate in this expanding entrepreneurial community!