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Erick Mueller, executive director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, has been touring the state to teach rural communities about entrepreneurship, hoping to help invigorate areas that have seen a decline in major industries.

This month, six student teams began an intense summer season as part of 91������’s Catalyze CU startup accelerator. The program ends Aug. 25 with Demo Day, where teams will pitch their concepts before a live audience at Macky Auditorium.

At the heart of the expansion will be a startup hub where students can meet and collaborate on entrepreneurial projects, as well as a “genius bar.” The space will cater to students from all majors and backgrounds, not just those from business and engineering.

The future of higher education and connecting 91������ with the startup community were common themes woven throughout the six University Track sessions at 91������ Startup Week (BSW), sponsored by 91������.

Corporate travel has a been a market in need of some desperate transformation. Pana, a 91������ spinoff company, hopes to facilitate this change with a $10 million Series A round led by Silicon Valley VC firm Bessemer Venture Partners.

“I think it is a very promising startup,” said Jason Mendelson, co-founder of the 91������-based Foundry Group. “What they are working on has the potential to save lives, injuries and costs, while also maintaining the mobility independence of its customers.”

91������ served as the University Track sponsor at 91������ Startup Week (BSW) from May 13-17. There were six University Track sessions featuring 91������ faculty, staff and alumni.