City to Select Operator for Mile High Innovation Program

City to Select Operator for Mile High Innovation Program

Published on October 28, 2026

Denver - The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA or DDA) today announced that it has unanimously approved up to $3.5 million through the DDDA's $40M Open Denver fund for the city to engage an operator to manage the new Mile High Innovation Program at Independence Plaza. The operator will be selected through the city's competitive procurement process, led by Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO). The Mile High Innovation Program will support startup and scale-up acceleration programs and activation at the downtown innovation hub, anchored by the University of Colorado Denver.

Details about the competitive procurement will be shared publicly, announced at a later date. DEDO will also provide $1.5 million in additional funding to support the innovation hub operations and programming.

"There is no better way to activate downtown than by filling it with dreamers and doers," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "This innovation hub will provide the leaders of tomorrow with the resources and support they need to turn their ideas and startups into the businesses that will one day power this city."

Earlier this year, the DDDA approved $4.5 million in funding for the University of Colorado, Denver to build out a 30,000-square-foot downtown innovation hub. The University of Colorado, Denver completed its purchase of Independence Plaza on August 10.

"This investment is a critical piece to ensure that we are bringing a world-class operator to support startups and founders that will spur new businesses and innovation downtown for years to come." said Adeeb Khan, Executive Director of Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. "We believe that we are taking Denver's startup ecosystem to the next level with the downtown innovation hub buildout, the relationship with the CU Denver, and this funding to support programming that will bring it all to life. We look forward to supporting the ideas, the businesses and the jobs that will result from this investment."

Resources:

• Map and descriptions of all DDDA approved projects
• General info: denvergov.org/dda

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About the Denver Downtown Development Authority

The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDA), approved by voters in 2008 and 2024, is building a vibrant downtown Denver through strategic and catalytic investments that promote economic growth and revitalization. Guided by a Plan of Development, the DDDA has a seven-member Board of Directors that includes the current City Council President, and other members are appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston for four-year terms. Learn more about the DDDA at denvergov.org/DDA.

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