Events and Opportunities
Whether you're just curious to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship or even ready to launch your next business, we have events and opportunities throughout the year to help you make the real-world impact that you envision. Keep up to date on upcoming events, opportunities and deadlines with our newsletters:Ìý
Signature Programs of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Connecting the CU Boulder campus with the Boulder community to developÌýinnovativeÌýideas and pitchÌýfor up toÌý$50,000 in venture funding.
Student entrepreneurs with diverse perspectives who embrace theÌýspirit of innovation and impact on campus and in the Boulder community.
A micro-funding opportunity for CU Boulder undergraduate and graduate students that provides up to $500 in funding for entrepreneurial ideas in the making.
A mini job fair that brings entrepreneurially-minded CU Boulder students and local Front Range startups together with a twist.
Join this collaborative event that's all about making positive changes in the world.ÌýWhether you haveÌýanÌýidea or are someone eager to help those ideas become real, this is the event you don't want to miss.
CU Boulder's entrepreneurial mentor network supports innovative activity on campus led by students, faculty and staff.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Events
Tuesday, July 29: —This is an informal group for anyone interested in the startup community, particularly those with an interest in technology.
Friday, Aug. 1: —Whether a researcher, entrepreneur, inventor or problem solver, the Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop at Venture Partners at CU Boulder can help you transform your concept into a successful venture.
Thursday, Aug. 7: —A monthly dinner founded to introduce a diverse set of CEOs (across backgrounds, stages and markets) to one another to share their experiences and receive outside perspectives.
Wednesday, Aug. 13: —A monthly opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and community members to explore Colorado startup journeys.
Wednesday, Aug. 13: —Discover new contracting opportunities and connect with local and national government agencies, national labs, corporate and advanced industries focused on certifications, registrations and the ins and outs of contracting.
Wednesday, Aug. 27: —F±ð²¹³Ù³Ü°ù¾±²Ô²µ a showcase of investment ready Colorado life sciences startups, a panel discussion from local VCs and valuable networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and mentors.
Sept 3-Oct. 10: Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program—This virtual, four-week program is designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem solvers to commercialize their innovations, helping teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation.
Sept. 16-18: —Formerly Denver Startup Week, this event brings together entrepreneurs, investors and innovators from across Colorado for three days of inspiration, learning and networking.
Applications
Friday, Aug. 1 (deadline): â€Ì§xclusively for technology-driven startups—designed to help you learn, grow and thrive in a collaborative, supportive community.
Sunday, Aug. 3 (deadline): —The Watson Institute's no-cost program supports both nonprofit and for-profit Denver metro area entrepreneurs. The comprehensive program provides award-winning training, dedicated mentorship, and sustained support to impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Monday, Aug. 4 (deadline): —Part-time, year-long program for founders solving unmet clinical needs.
Wednesday, Aug. Ìý13 (deadline): —A technology-scouting competition that fast-tracks clean-tech solutions into the oil and natural-gas value chain. Finalists will pitch live to leading operators, service companies, and investors—gaining exposure, feedback and potential partnership opportunities.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 (deadline): Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program—Offered as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps™ Hub: West Region, this four-week program is designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem solvers to commercialize their innovations, helping teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation.
Thursday, Aug. 28 (deadline): —Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is offering funding to help Colorado research institutions speed up applied research in advanced industries and commercialize products and services with the private sector. Projects can receive up to $150,000 in grant money.
Thursday, Aug. 28 (deadline):—Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is offering funding to help Colorado-basedÌýadvanced industriesÌýtechnology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000.
Friday, Aug. 29 (deadline): —A two-day immersive for postdocs, physician-scientists & faculty translating research into healthcare impact.
Friday, Aug. 29 (deadline): —A²Ô opportunity for early-stage device, diagnostic, digital health and imaging companies to display their technologies.
Monday, Sept. 8 (deadline):—A²Ô in-person workshop for first-time leaders and scientists new to management, designed to build the foundations of leadership by exploring the characteristics of leaders, effective communication and teamwork skills.
Monday, Oct. 13 (deadline): Research & Innovation Seed Grants—Grants of up to $60K for projects from all disciplines at CU Boulder, especially those involving inter- or multidisciplinary collaborationÌýand projects in emerging fields. Projects to establish or leverage external partnerships (e.g. industry, national labs, universities, community nonprofits, etc.) are also welcomed.
Applications open: –Student teams compete for more than $540,000 for successfully identifying a promising energy technology, assessing its market potential, and creating a business plan for commercialization.
Applications open: —A free expert-led cohort to help sustainability ventures. Participants will receive expert-led training, committed mentorship and pitch coaching.
Rolling application: –Grants that support rural entrepreneurs who are eager to level up their businesses but need a financial boost to get there.andÌýdelivering results.
Rolling Application: –Apply for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade's funding and trade show participation program.