Mines-connected startups recognized by Jeffco EDC

Three startups founded by Colorado School of Mines faculty and alumni were recognized at The Gateways, an annual celebration honoring the businesses, leaders, projects and partnerships driving economic growth and community impact across Jefferson County. 

HapWare, co-founded by Mines alumnus Jack Walters ‘23, MS ‘24, was named Entrepreneur of the Year, while ZeroTwelve, founded by Lori Tunstall, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, received the Sustainability Project of the Year award. Both companies are recipients of investments from Mines Venture Fund II, the university’s seed-funding platform supporting innovative technology startups. 

Doorbotics, co-founded by Mines teaching professor Jeff Ackerman and alum Sevy Swift ‘19, was also recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year honoree. Colorado School of Mines was named an honoree for Community Partner of the Year. 

The awards were presented Nov. 5 by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening the county’s economy through business growth, job creation and investment. 

HapWare: Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

Founded in 2025 by Walters and haptic researcher Bryan Duarte, HapWare is developing wearable technology that helps people with disabilities interpret nonverbal communication. Recently named one the TIME Best Inventions of 2026, HapWare grew out of a Capstone Design project in which Duarte, who is blind, served as the client for Walters’ student team. 

In accepting the award, Walters credited the collaborative community at Mines and opportunities he had to innovate as a student. 

ZeroTwelve: Sustainability Project of the Year Winner

ZeroTwelve is commercializing technology developed at Mines that could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, one of the world’s most widely used construction materials. In the summer of 2026, ZeroTwelve completed its first municipal pilot project in partnership with the City of Golden, using its carbon-negative Z12 biochar concrete for a local residential retaining wall, curb and gutter installation. The project demonstrated the technology’s potential for everyday construction applications and marked an important step toward broader commercial adoption. 

Doorbotics: Entrepreneur of the Year Honoree

Arvada-based Doorbotics is developing Theodoor, a robotic door-opening system for people with mobility challenges. The technology aims to make everyday spaces more accessible, helping individuals navigate their homes and other environments with greater ease and independence.