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When first enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder, his path seemed clear: a business degree, a career in finance, and a life in the corporate world. But life, as it often does, had different plans. What began as a finance degree at the Leeds School of Business evolved into an entrepreneurial journey that now places him at the heart of Colorado’s deep tech startup ecosystem, with a focus on turning cutting-edge university research into a viable businesses.

Nick is a graduate of the Leeds School of Business, where he also earned a certificate in entrepreneurship and small business management through the Deming Center. Post-graduation, he stayed connected with his alma mater, mentoring undergraduates through the Professional Mentorship Program and serving on the GOLD Board. When he discovered a unique program through CU Boulder’s Venture Partners, that his entrepreneurial career began to grow.

Venture Partners at CU Boulder runs a program called Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator. The program matches entrepreneurs with technologies developed at the university that have commercial potential. These technologies, spanning multiple industries, are ripe for innovation but require savvy entrepreneurs to take them to market. The process involves selecting a promising technology, creating a commercialization plan, and then competing for an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) role within the Venture Partners ecosystem.

For Nick, Embark was an ideal opportunity to scratch the entrepreneurial itch he had felt since his days as a student. Through these valuable programs and connections, he found himself drawn to the possibilities of sustainable technologies- particularly those with the potential to address the growing environmental challenges facing industries today. One such opportunity came in the form of Carbon-Storing Hempcrete, a biocomposite material designed to revolutionize the construction industry.

A Greener Tomorrow

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the construction industry is seeking innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. Enter Carbon-Storing Hempcrete, a groundbreaking biocomposite building material that doesn’t just reduce carbon emissions, it actively sequesters CO2. At the helm of this early-stage venture is an entrepreneur with a vision: to integrate this carbon-negative material into modern construction and change the way we think about building.

Carbon-Storing Hempcrete, as it’s tentatively named, is a composite of three primary ingredients: hemp shiv (the woody core of the hemp plant), hydrated lime, and water. To manufacture this, after a block is formed they put it into a chamber with increased CO2. That CO2 can be sourced from flue gas, direct capture, or carbon capture. During this process carbonation happens at an accelerated rate, and that is what differentiates this from traditional hempcrete. This is the core of the intellectual property behind this innovation.

"It’s not just about sustainability, this material also has insulative properties, which makes for higher-performing buildings."

Nick acknowledges that the business is still in its infancy, and they are actively working to form partnerships that will allow for scaling production. However, he is confident in the technology's potential.

One of the most interesting aspects of this innovation is its adaptability. While hemp shiv is the primary material today, Nick envisions the possibility of using other agricultural by-products in the future. This flexibility could make the material more resilient to supply chain issues and broaden its application across various industries.

As Nick continues to work on refining the branding and scaling the venture, one thing is clear: Carbon-Storing Hempcrete has the potential to change the face of sustainable construction. By sequestering carbon and improving building performance, this material offers a glimpse into a greener future for the construction industry.

“We’re just getting started, but the potential here is massive. I think we’re on the cusp of something that could have a huge impact on both the environment and the construction industry as a whole.”

Looking ahead, Nick sees great potential for his company and its carbon-storing technology. While more lab testing is needed to validate key hypotheses, he believes the green building market is ripe for growth. Consumer interest in sustainable materials is strong, though cost remains a concern. However, Nick points out that the insulation properties of Carbon-Storing Hempcrete can offer significant energy savings, making it appealing to both eco-conscious buyers and those looking to save on utility costs. With new building codes making hempcrete easier to use, Nick is focused on ensuring the technology is accessible to those who need it most.

Uncertainty and Taking Action

Nick's entrepreneurial path is marked by action, uncertainty, and persistence: qualities he believes are essential for anyone aspiring to start their own business. Reflecting on his journey, Nicks advice to those who feel lost in their entrepreneurial pursuits: Take action even if you feel lost.

“Everybody feels lost. So take action.”

For a time, Nick admits he found comfort in his career, but the "entrepreneurial itch" never faded. "That itch won’t go away unless you take action," he emphasizes. It was only by diving into the world of startups that he found the fulfillment he sought. He urges others to do the same.

Nick’s own personal definition of entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a company. "It's not just about making a company successful," he says. To him, entrepreneurship is a mindset, one focused on pursuing your goals, being resourceful, and building a team to help navigate the challenges ahead. "It’s about taking the journey forward and making things happen."

His words reflect the reality that entrepreneurship is less about knowing all the answers and more about embracing the journey of discovery.