April 22, 2020

From Big to Small: How Colorado Springs’ Companies are Fighting Against COVID-19

It’s no secret that Colorado Springs boasts a business-friendly environment primed for innovation. The area is home to companies operating in the biotechnology, medical and diagnostic device fields, as well as several healthcare providers and forward-looking research institutions, many of which are pitching in to fight the effects of COVID-19. These efforts emphasize the region’s supportive entrepreneurial community. Keep reading to find out how these companies are using their resources to help combat the virus.

Companies get creative in the fight against COVID-19

Colorado Springs’ businesses are making a point to shift gears and help the community in any way they can. For instance, the health care community is working together to share medical supplies and flatten the curve. This includes Centura Health’s Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, UCHealth Memorial Health System and Children’s Hospital Colorado, as well as health information technology firms. Additionally, a variety of other companies are stepping up in light of the crisis:

  • Pyxant Labs Inc. is a leading high-end bioanalytical laboratory in Colorado Springs. The lab ensures the safety and effectiveness of new drugs under development, and is currently testing blood and tissue samples for companies developing therapies and possible coronavirus vaccines. In addition, BCell Solutions and HemoGenix are working on research that could help treat patients with the virus.
  • Qualtek Manufacturing, Inc., a Colorado Springs-based specialty metal manufacturer, started ramping up production of a key part for ventilators with plans to ship 50,000 in the next month. The company also submitted a price quote for an aluminum part for another ventilator line that will hopefully begin production soon. Qualtek added six employees to its 45-person workforce to ramp up production of the two products and is excited to help during this challenging time.
  • Liberal arts school in Colorado Springs, Colorado College, has faculty members who are teaming together to produce up to 10,000 face shields to donate to local health care and public safety workers. Volunteers have raised around $4,000 on its “Join us in Making PPE Face Shields” GoFundMe webpage, and is asking for more donations from anyone who wants to help. They are also working with the staff at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy to boost production.
  • Lee Spirits, Colorado Springs maker of gin, whiskey, and liqueurs started making hand sanitizer about a month ago, producing about 1,000 2-ounce bottles. The company donated most of its sanitizer production to El Paso County Public Health, sold some to UCHealth Memorial Hospital & assisted living facilities and gave the rest away to consumers.
  • When the pleas for PPE began, the team at Titan Robotics immediately got involved by using their 3D printing capabilities to make face shields for medical workers.

Tech and Innovation in Colorado Springs is working hard to flatten the curve. To learn more about resources available during this time, visit our resource page or www.supportthesprings.com. For any questions, concerns, or to get involved – contact us.