State of Colorado and United Kingdom Celebrate One Year of Strengthened Trade and Investment Cooperation

Memorandum of Understanding spurs collaboration in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, quantum technologies, space technology tourism and artificial intelligence

DENVER - Today, one year after signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen economic ties between Colorado and the United Kingdom, Governor Jared Polis welcomed British Consul General Richard Hyde to Colorado's state capitol to mark continued progress in advancing cooperation on trade, investment and innovation. Signed in January 2025, the MoU established a framework to deepen collaboration between the State of Colorado and the UK across the industries driving growth in both economies.

"In Colorado we are proud of our long-standing strong relationship with the United Kingdom. Our partnership is creating lasting economic benefits in Colorado's key sectors like clean energy, agriculture, and quantum technologies. A big thanks to our partners and friends in the U.K. for supporting investments into Colorado businesses and helping to expand good-paying jobs across our state," said Governor Polis.

Over the past year, the partnership has facilitated greater collaboration between public and private stakeholders across clean energy, quantum technologies, space technology tourism and artificial intelligence. Work has also focused on strengthening dialogue to reduce barriers to trade and investment and reinforce the longstanding economic relationship between Colorado and the United Kingdom. Consul General Richard Hyde is visiting Denver and Boulder this week to mark the MoU's anniversary and further collaboration.

"The first year of the agreement has demonstrated the depth and potential of the U.K.-Colorado relationship," said Consul General Richard Hyde. "By bringing together our governments, businesses and research communities, the MoU has helped unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration in priority sectors. We are proud of the progress we made so far and remain committed to strengthening ties that deliver tangible benefits for both economies."

This week, Consul General Richard Hyde is attending a working group to discuss further partnership under the MoU. He will also meet with key partners driving quantum industry collaboration, including CU Boulder, Quantinuum, and Infleqtion.

Marking its first anniversary, the implementation of the MoU has delivered significant progress. Delegations have travelled between Colorado and the U.K. to promote business opportunities for quantum companies and increase partnerships between Colorado and U.K. quantum ecosystems. Joint policy roundtables have explored shared issues and opportunities around data center deployment and clean energy. This momentum has extended to U.K.-Colorado engagement at flagship trade, space and technology spaces like the 40th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, World Trade Day in Denver and London Tech Week, enabling greater market access and partnership opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Alongside these collaborations, a complementary MoU was signed to further strengthen targeted regional partnerships: a tech deal to create a 'Quantum Growth Bridge' between the West of England and America's Mountain West, supported by Elevate Quantum, the University of Bristol, and West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The MOU celebrated this week was supported by British Consulate-General Chicago, the U.K. Government Office in Denver and the Global Business Development division of OEDIT. Fostering greater international cooperation strengthens global awareness of Colorado, positions the state's businesses to benefit from international opportunities, and fosters the strategic growth of industries key to strengthening and diversifying Colorado's economy.

Over the coming year, work under the MoU will continue across key sectors, with future engagement focused on identifying new opportunities to strengthen business ties, research collaboration, and commercial opportunities.

Building on a successful first year, these initiatives highlight Colorado and the United Kingdom's shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation and fostering innovation across key sectors. This milestone year, coinciding with America's 250th and Colorado's 150th anniversary of statehood, celebrates the shared progress and future of transatlantic collaboration.

About OEDIT's Global Business Development Division

Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state's national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire-and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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