A Fruita-based firm that’s developed software to reduce mobile data consumption has been approved to participate in a state tax incentive program.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Sky Peak Technologies for the Rural Jump-Start Program.

Sky Peak Technologies plans to open a new office in Fruita and hire at least five software developers. The company is working with Colorado Mesa University to recruit talent.

The firm has developed proprietary software to reduce mobile data consumption and costs for mobile operators. Earlier this year, the company won the Greater Colorado Pitch Series held in conjunction with West Slope Startup Week.

The Rural Jump-Start Program offers participating companies a 100 percent credit on income and sales taxes for four years with an opportunity to extend that for an additional four years.

Participants are also eligible for special cash grants. 

Businesses must add a minimum of three net new jobs in high-paying, highly skilled fields. In Mesa County, businesses also must form partnerships with CMU through mentorship and internship opportunities as well as community involvement.

Sky Peak Technologies is the fourth company approved to join the Rural Jump-Start Program in Mesa County since August. 

The other three companies are:

Valkyrie Recovery Systems, a firm providing parachutes and other fabric devices to slow down and safely land rockets, aerial vehicles, payloads and satellites designed to re-enter the atmosphere. Launched this year in Grand Junction, the company expects to double its staff in 2022 as well as bring in interns from the CMU engineering program.   

Lyttle’s Fleet, a manufacturer that relocated to Grand Junction from California. The firm provides upfitting for large vehicle manufacturers, installing truck beds and handling other finishing work. The company has several large contracts under way.

SCOR’D, a company that’s developed an application connecting consumers with socially responsible companies. The firm is looking for office space and employees to run and improve the technology.

Three more companies were approved earlier this year to participate in the Rural Jump-Start Program — Eco Super Structures, Hayden Data and Acom Unlimited.

Since the program started in 2015, 25 companies have participated in the program in Mesa County.