#denvertech

Our President, Martin Pellicore, and VP of Operations, Ray Pellicore, attended the Beck Venture Center Startup Forum: Space Startups Panel.

Thank you to the panelists for an inspiring evening of innovation and forward-thinking ideas!

Hey Colorado! 🏔️ If you’ve been following the pulse of the Front Range lately, you know that "innovation" isn't just a buzzword—it’s the literal engine of our economy. As we move through 2026, the intersection of advanced IT and local business has reached a fever pitch. We aren't just reacting to tech trends anymore; Colorado is setting them.

From the quantum labs in Boulder to the aerospace hubs in Colorado Springs, advanced IT is the invisible force turning "what if" into "what’s next." Here’s a look at how high-level tech is reshaping our home turf.

The Quantum State of Mind

Did you catch the news about Infleqtion or Quantinuum? Colorado has officially cemented its status as a global leader in Quantum Computing. This isn't just for scientists in lab coats. Advanced IT infrastructure is allowing local finance, cybersecurity, and biotech firms to tap into quantum-enabled processing. We're talking about solving optimization problems in seconds that used to take years. In 2026, being "Quantum Ready" is the new competitive edge for Denver’s enterprise leaders.

AI with a Conscience: The Colorado Way

You can’t talk about IT in 2026 without mentioning the Colorado AI Act. While other states are still figuring out their stance, Colorado businesses are leading with Responsible AI. Local startups aren't just building "black box" algorithms; they’re utilizing advanced IT frameworks to ensure transparency and equity.

ClimateTech: Companies like EsterCycle and Green Steel Environmental are using AI-driven data analytics to revolutionize recycling and wastewater treatment.

Space Economy: With Denver becoming a "commercial space station" hub (shoutout to Voyager Technologies!), advanced IT is managing the complex telemetry and data processing required for life in low Earth orbit.

The Rise of "Agentic" Workflows

Gone are the days of simple chatbots. The current shift is toward Agentic AI—systems that don't just answer questions but actually execute tasks. Whether it’s an AI agent managing supply chains through the Eisenhower Tunnel or a personalized health platform like Kioga using postbiotics data, advanced IT is making our workflows smarter, not just faster.

Why It Matters for YOU

Whether you're a developer at a Series A startup or a business owner in Grand Junction, advanced IT is leveling the playing field. The barrier to entry for high-level computing has dropped, while the potential for impact has skyrocketed.

In the high-altitude world of Colorado business, the "old way" of doing things is officially gasping for air. As we move through 2026, a fundamental shift has occurred. It’s no longer about having an IT department that fixes laptops; it’s about an IT mindset that drives the entire company.

From the tech corridor in Denver to the aerospace labs in Colorado Springs, the state's most resilient players are moving away from "break-fix" models and toward Intelligent Infrastructure. Here is what that new mindset looks like on the ground.

1. From Maintenance to Orchestration

For years, IT was viewed as a utility—like electricity. You only noticed it when it went out. In 2026, successful Colorado firms treat IT as an orchestrator.

Instead of manual data entry or basic scheduling, companies are deploying Agentic AI—systems that can reason, plan, and execute workflows autonomously. Whether it's a Fort Collins brewery optimizing its supply chain or a Boulder SaaS startup automating its customer success, the goal is the same: let the smart systems handle the logic so the humans can handle the innovation.

2. The "Trust as Infrastructure" Strategy

With the Colorado AI Act (SB 24-205) now influencing how we deploy technology, "smart" now means "compliant." The new IT mindset focuses heavily on AI Governance.

Algorithmic Accountability: Local businesses are no longer just "using AI"—they are auditing it for bias and transparency.

Zero Trust Security: With cyber insurance requirements tightening in 2026, the "castle and moat" security model is dead. The new standard is Zero Trust: never trust, always verify. This proactive posture is becoming a badge of honor (and a massive competitive advantage) for Colorado SMBs.

3. Upskilling: The Human Side of the Stack

A smart system is only as good as the person steering it. Colorado’s workforce is currently undergoing a massive "digital literacy" pivot.

"In 2026, the highest-demand skill in the Centennial State isn't just coding—it’s AI Fluency. It’s the ability to work alongside digital agents to produce results that were previously impossible."

Companies that are winning are the ones investing in their people. They aren't just buying new software; they are creating environments where employees are empowered to use that software to do more meaningful work.

The Bottom Line

The "New IT Mindset" in Colorado is about Resilience. By integrating smart systems, businesses are becoming less vulnerable to market shocks, more efficient in their operations, and—most importantly—better equipped to serve their communities.

Colorado has always been a state that looks toward the horizon—whether it’s the literal peaks of the Rockies or the next big shift in the tech landscape. As we move through 2026, "staying competitive" isn't just about having a great product; it’s about how Intelligent IT acts as the backbone of your operations.

From the tech hubs of Denver and Boulder to the growing manufacturing sectors in Colorado Springs, businesses are realizing that traditional IT is no longer enough. To be truly future-ready, you need systems that don't just "work," but think.

The New Standard: Beyond Simple Automation

In the past, IT was the department you called when the Wi-Fi went down. Today, Intelligent IT—the fusion of AI, machine learning, and proactive cybersecurity—is the engine of growth.

Predictive Operations: Colorado’s manufacturing and logistics sectors are using AI-driven analytics to predict maintenance needs before a machine ever fails. This "Industry 4.0" approach is keeping local supply chains resilient against global headwinds.

The Compliance Edge: With Colorado’s AI Act (SB 24-205) taking center stage in 2026, "Intelligent IT" now includes governance. Local businesses are implementing smart monitoring systems to ensure their algorithms are transparent and free from bias, turning regulatory hurdles into a badge of consumer trust.

Resilience in the High Desert

The "Centennial State" faces unique challenges—from rapid population shifts to the increasing threat of wildfires and cyber-attacks. Intelligent IT provides the agility needed to pivot when the unexpected happens.

"Agility without reflection is just being reactive. The most effective Colorado leaders use intelligent systems to gain 'decision advantage'—turning raw data into a clear roadmap."

By leveraging Agentic AI (systems that can plan and execute complex workflows) and robust cloud infrastructures, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Colorado are finally playing on the same field as the giants. They are automating the "drudgery"—data entry, basic tier-1 support, and scheduling—to let their human teams focus on high-value innovation.

Why It Matters for the Colorado Workforce

The shift toward Intelligent IT is changing the job market, too. We’re seeing a massive move toward "DevOps" and cybersecurity roles. It’s no longer just about "learning to code"; it’s about learning to orchestrate intelligent systems.

For a Colorado business to be future-ready, it must invest in its people just as much as its processors. Upskilling your team to work alongside AI is the ultimate strategy for 2026 and beyond.

The Bottom Line

The business landscape in Colorado is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Companies across Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are leaving behind manual processes and embracing smart IT systems to stay competitive and drive growth. This evolution isn’t just about technology—it’s about transforming the way businesses operate, make decisions, and serve their customers.

The Shift from Manual to Automated

For decades, many businesses relied on manual processes: spreadsheets, paperwork, and time-consuming data entry. While these methods worked, they were prone to errors and inefficiencies. Colorado companies, especially those in fast-growing sectors like tech, healthcare, and logistics, realized that staying competitive required smarter systems. By implementing automated workflows and cloud-based platforms, businesses can now handle tasks faster, reduce mistakes, and free up employees to focus on strategic initiatives.

Data-Driven Insights for Better Decisions

One of the most significant advantages of smart IT systems is access to actionable data. Modern platforms allow Colorado businesses to track performance metrics, analyze trends, and anticipate challenges before they become problems. Retailers can predict inventory needs based on consumer patterns, service providers can optimize staff schedules, and manufacturing companies can monitor production efficiency in real time. With data-driven insights, decision-making becomes more precise, proactive, and impactful.

Enhancing Customer Experience Through Technology

Customer expectations are evolving just as quickly as technology itself. Today’s clients expect seamless, personalized experiences. Smart IT systems make this possible by integrating AI, CRM platforms, and communication tools that allow businesses to respond faster and more effectively. For Colorado companies, this means not only meeting customer expectations but exceeding them. A satisfied customer leads to loyalty, repeat business, and positive referrals—a critical advantage in competitive local markets.

Scalability and Future-Ready Solutions

Beyond efficiency and insight, smart IT systems offer scalability. Colorado businesses that invest in cloud-based solutions and modular software can grow without being limited by outdated infrastructure. Expanding operations, launching new services, or responding to market shifts becomes smoother and less disruptive. Future-ready technology ensures that companies are agile and resilient, able to adapt to whatever comes next.

Conclusion

AI has been all the buzz recently, but what can it actually do for your business today?

Join FEI Colorado and ERP Advisors Group for a breakfast with demos from NetSuite and Sage experts to showcase their current AI use cases for financial professionals.

Enjoy artisan coffee and a delicious complimentary breakfast as we dive into AI capabilities, the future of accounting software, and highlight how businesses can realize true value and close their books faster with AI.

We will cover:

Real-world financial applications of AI

How NetSuite is empowering customers with AI

How Sage is empowering customers with AI

What’s to come in the world of financial technology

If you are a financial executive in the Denver metro area, you won't want to miss this!

To register and learn more about the event, email [email protected].

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🔍 I just published a new blog breaking down the Top 10 Website Design Trends Denver businesses are loving this year — including insights on mobile-first design, accessibility, immersive storytelling, and more.