Lt. Governor Primavera Celebrates Expanded Aerospace and Defense Workforce Training Facility in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS - Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera joined Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and local leaders for a ribbon cutting celebrating Catalyst Campus' expanded aerospace and defense workforce training facilities in collaboration with Colorado's aerospace industry partners.

Through Colorado's Opportunity Now Tax Credit, Catalyst Campus is expanding approximately 15,000 sq. ft. to provide training in software and application development, modeling and simulation, AI and autonomy, data science and data engineering, sensors and edge computing, and cybersecurity.

"Colorado is a national leader in innovative aerospace technology and we have a strong and growing aerospace industry. Opportunity Now investments help Colorado employers build the skilled workforce to stay competitive and grow our economy. This new investment into Colorado's aerospace and defense economy is expected to help train and retain 700 jobs over the next 15 years. Catalyst Campus's expanded facility will increase workforce training in the aerospace and defense sectors, strengthening Colorado's position as a hub for national security technology innovation," said Governor Polis.

"It was an honor to participate in today's ribbon-cutting. With the support of the Opportunity Now Tax Credit, Catalyst Campus will continue to help create an Aerospace & Defense workforce trained for our future. By connecting workers, small businesses, and industry partners, this facility will help keep Colorado at the forefront of innovation and national security, ultimately ensuring more Coloradans can thrive," said Lt. Governor Primavera.

The ribbon cutting comes as Colorado Springs continues to see significant aerospace and defense investment, including growth tied to Space Force and national security operations in the region. Catalyst Campus connects government mission owners with small businesses and nontraditional industry partners to accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that address critical national security challenges.

"We created the Opportunity Now tax credit to support employer-led solutions like this that strengthen Colorado's workforce and economic competitiveness," said Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. "Catalyst Campus is creating clear pathways to good-paying jobs in aerospace and defense, while helping Colorado attract the talent and investment needed to fuel our economy."

"With support from the Opportunity Now Tax Credit, Catalyst Campus is doubling the size of our training facility to meet growing demand for skilled workers in aerospace, defense, and national security technology," said Kevin O'Neil, Catalyst Campus Founder. "This expansion will create more opportunities for Colorado workers, small businesses, and industry partners to advance technologies that support national security."

Colorado's Opportunity Now Tax Credit is currently open for applications, with Colorado businesses in aerospace, manufacturing, semiconductors, quantum, fusion, and other advanced industries eligible for support to fund equipment and facilities that expand workforce training and job placement.

Administered by OEDIT, the tax credit offers up to 50% of estimated qualified costs, with between $7.5 million and $15 million in tax credits available annually. Tax credits may be claimed once a qualified asset is placed into service, with certificates issued between January 2026 and January 2033. This year's application window closes July 20, 2026.

This tax credit builds on the success of Colorado's Opportunity Now grant program, which invested $92 million to strengthen the connection between employer needs, workforce training, and job placement across high-growth industries.

About the 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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