With this year’s Startup Week in full swing, Colorado’s entrepreneurs are buzzing with networking events, workshops and informative lessons. But what does startup week really mean for those of us who aren’t directly involved in the excitement? Learning about Colorado’s successful ventures is one of the best ways to support the startup community. Grace Skis, Soundwall and Occipital are three companies that continue to create innovative products within three uniquely different markets, all with the Rocky Mountains as their backdrop.

1) Grace Skis

Encouraging big mountain adventure, each set of Grace Skis employs small-batch manufacturing with the well-seasoned skier in mind.

What it is: Grace Skis features handcrafted designs that cater to both sidecountry and backcountry terrain. The meticulous production process allows the uniquely designed bamboo veneers to stand out amongst major winter sports brands. Though not recommended for beginner skiers, Grace Skis are perfect for riders who have spent more than one winter winding down the slopes in Breckenridge or Telluride.

How it works: The Grace difference incorporates environmentally respectful practices. This includes the uses of biofuel epoxy, which is much less harmful than traditional epoxy. The laser etching technology allows for clean, precise designs that also eliminate the production of excess waste throughout the manufacturing process.

 

Why you should know: Similar to the growing popularity of niche micro-breweries, small-batch ski manufacturers are on the rise. And since these companies cater to the needs of skiers in their geographic location, Grace Skis are built to last in the demanding terrain of The Rockies.

 

2) Soundwall

Seamlessly combining music, art and wireless software technology, Soundwall reinvents the modern speaker and plays high-quality sound in any room.

 

What it is: Choosing a piece of art is the first step in creating a custom Soundwall. Whether you want to display the work of a classical master or transform a photograph of your own, the Soundwall builders can convert any digital image of at least 200dpi into a singing masterpiece. The Soundwall Art Collection boasts thousands of options, including partnerships with notable galleries like Art.com and Driftwood Images. The company also features work by local Colorado artists such as Max Rowe, Christopher Etges and Max Adams.

How it works: The speaker is controlled through a customizable, card-sized computer called the Raspberry Pi. A low-cost device, the Raspberry Pi holds major computing potential for controlling everything from robots to alarm systems. The Soundwall plays from any AirPlay capable device, and all iOS devices and Androids equipped with iTunes 11 or later can stream Spotify and Pandora.

 

Why you should know: Unlike other wireless speakers that stand on their own or are hidden behind a household object, the Soundwall is both a speaker and a piece of art itself. Soundwall even offers a “paint” option for the more ambitious buyers. Customers who choose this are mailed a blank Soundwall and given the choice to paint their own image.

3) Structure Sensor

Occipital’s 3D imaging sensor bridges the gap between imagination and reality by capturing accurate dimensions of surrounding objects.

 

What it is: The Structure SDK was created by software developer Occipital, a startup responsible for creating computer vision applications. Structure is an external attachment which makes it possible to capture 3D images from a mobile device or iPad, providing endless opportunities for mappers, gamers, and app developers alike.

How it works: The imaging device has an infrared sensor that detects a surrounding object or environment. Once detected, a 3D image that can be rotated and manipulated can be viewed on the attached tablet. Color is retained by the iPad’s camera, which creates potential for hyper realistic images. Available applications transfer these images to PC and Mac, where they can be edited and combined with other applications.

 

Why you should know: The relatively low-cost sensor opens up a world of possibilities for interaction between objects in the digital world and those in the physical world. Although the device appears to be most useful for app developers in its primary stages, those involved in the booming 3D printing industry will find it incredibly useful for their work.

 

 

Contrary to public belief, Denver startup week isn’t just for entrepreneurs. The success of the increasingly popular event relies on all Denverites, who will be proud to learn that the masterminds behind Grace Skis, Soundwall, and the Stucture sensor walk the streets alongside them.​