Denver Grain Start-Up Earns Top Honor at Colorado State Researchers Recognition Ceremony

Note to Editors: A photo of George Seidel is available with the news release at http://www.newsinfo.colostate.edu/.

Keen Ingredients, based in Louisville, Colo., was named "Start-up Company of the Year" by Colorado State University at its recent annual Researchers Recognition Dinner and Award Ceremony.

Founded in 2004, Keen Ingredients specializes in making products derived from quinoa, a grain-like seed commonly produced and consumed in South America. The company has a full line of quinoa-based products including Keen Flour, Keen Flakes, Quinoa Starch and Quinoa Oil.

Mark Wdowik, CEO and President of CSU Ventures, presented Keen Ingredients with a $15,000 check for the award. Keen President Laurie Scanlin and Vice President Claire Burnett are graduates of Colorado State.

"Laurie and Claire have worked in numerous positions in the food industry," said Tara Marostica, director of marketing for Colorado State University Research Foundation (CSURF) and CSU Ventures. "Both are excellent role models and mentors for our current undergraduate and graduate students."

This was the first year the "Start-up Company of the Year" award was given at the Researchers Recognition Dinner. CSU Ventures, CSURF, the Office of Economic Development and the Office of the Vice President for Research sponsored the award.

The Researchers Recognition Dinner has been held annually since 1983 to honor and congratulate Colorado State University faculty and staff members who have participated in efforts to further technology.

As in previous years, the "Researcher of the Year" award was given. This year, the award was presented to George Seidel, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Seidel’s work involves improving and mainstreaming embryo-related technologies in livestock production. Seidel’s semen-sexing technology has made a significant impact on the livestock industry.

The technology has helped to create efficient production of cattle, horses and other species as well as providing a multi-million dollar payment and an ongoing royalty stream.

"Dr. Seidel is unrelenting in the pursuit of new knowledge," Marostica said. "He teaches through example and has positively impacted graduate students, colleagues, scientists and visitors over his career."

The Researchers Recognition Dinner and Award Ceremony also honored individuals who had patents issued during the past two years. More than 20 issued patents were recognized. All received plaques to commemorate their efforts.

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