High Altitude Ideas: How Denver Embodies Darwin’s Spirit of Discovery

When Charles Darwin unveiled "On the Origin of Species" on November 24, 1859, he propelled humanity up a new intellectual peak, demonstrating that truth often demands ascending steep and uncharted paths.

 

Denver resonates deeply with this ascent.

 

Founded by individuals who conquered both literal and metaphorical mountains, the city's essence is one of continuous upward momentum—be it through innovation, entrepreneurship, or community development.

 

In September 2024, Denver hosted the nation's first major city-led AI summit, the DenAI Summit, drawing around 1,000 attendees, including tech luminaries like Reid Hoffman and Eric Schmidt. This initiative underscores Denver's commitment to positioning itself as a hub for technological innovation.

 

Similarly, the Denver Tech Center has experienced rapid growth, adding nearly 12 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, and flex space since 2011, solidifying its status as a rising tech hub in Colorado.

 

Darwin posited that progress unfolds over extensive periods.

 

Denver exemplifies that progress is achieved through deliberate, incremental steps.

 

Whether it's the surge in women-owned businesses, with a 25% increase from 2022 to 2023, or the launch of the Colorado Hub for Health Impact in February 2024 to attract health innovation companies, the city is in a constant state of evolution—purposeful and dynamic.

 

As November ushers in cooler air and the year's end approaches, Denver enters a period of reflection, aligning with Darwin's philosophy: assess past achievements, refine strategies, and prepare for the next phase of growth.

 

One book transformed science by unveiling evolution.

 

One city thrives by embodying it.

 

Denver doesn't resist change.

 

It embraces and ascends it.