Events and Opportunities
Whether you're curious to learn more about innovation and entrepreneurship or 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.Ìý
Stay up to date via our newsletters Ìý
Signature Programs of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Connecting the CU Â鶹ӰԺ campus with the Â鶹ӰԺ community to developÌýinnovativeÌýideas and pitchÌýfor up toÌý$336,000 in venture funding.
Student entrepreneurs with diverse perspectives who embrace theÌýspirit of innovation and impact on campus and in the Â鶹ӰԺ community.
A micro-funding opportunity for CU Â鶹ӰԺ undergraduate and graduate students that provides up to $500 in funding for entrepreneurial ideas in the making.
A series of mini job fairs that connect entrepreneurially-minded CU Â鶹ӰԺ students to high growth companies in Colorado.Ìý
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 Â鶹ӰԺ's entrepreneurial mentor network supports innovative activity on campus led by students, faculty and staff.
Want to promote your event?
If you’d like to promote your event in the feed below, please contactÌýkaren.reid@colorado.edu or simply tag your event using the Innovation & Entrepreneurship group in .Ìý
Off-Campus Opportunities
Events
Wednesday, July 8:Ìý—A monthly opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and community members to explore Colorado startup journeys.
Wednesday, July 8: —Learn about the Activate Fellowship, a two-year program designed specifically for scientists and engineers who are ready to commercialize transformative hard tech.
Wednesday, July 8: —A half-day workshop to prepare founders to understand many of the terms and processes used by VCs and sharpen their venture strategy.
Thursday, July 9: —Welcoming anyone new to the Â鶹ӰԺ tech and startup scene. Colorado Startups will answer your questions, direct you to resources and help make introductions where appropriate. Plus you’ll meet other community members and individuals new to Â鶹ӰԺ.
Friday, July 10: —Startup Colorado's virtual networking conversation focusing on current projects, story sharing and pooling resources Ìýto help reach the "next step" on the long entrepreneurial road ahead.
Wednesday, July 15: —Featuring four practical ways to improve commercial performance and accelerate business growth.
Wednesday, July 15: —For CU Anshutz investigators or external collaborators with projects in cell and gene therapies; biologics and small molecules that reprogram cells in situ; diagnostics and tools; devices and implants; and platform technologies.
July 20-22: —Bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, policymakers, students, utilities and business leaders to explore the technologies, partnerships, workforce and policies shaping the future of fusion energy.
July 21-23: —Access the raw advice, tactical frameworks, and real-world lessons delivered by leading mentors, investors and founders.
Wednesday, July 22: —Engage with others in Colorado’s life sciences community and spark dynamic relationships with fellow innovators.
Thursday, July 23: —Learn about upcoming 5-week Capital Bootcamp, where Colorado business owners will receive technical assistance to complete their application for state funding programs.
Friday, July 31: —Do you like being outside? How about on a Friday morning when the trails aren’t packed? Startup Hikes is a series designed to help you meet and get to know other local startup founders, operators, investors, and community members. Whether you’ve been in Colorado forever or just moved here, see some familiar faces and meet new ones. Upcoming Hikes: Aug. 21, Sept. 18.
Tuesday, Aug. 4: —A half-day workshop to prepare founders to understand many of the terms and processes used by VCs and sharpen their venture strategy.
Wednesday, Aug. 5: —Whether you’re preparing for a Pitch Competition or simply want to sharpen your business storytelling, this session will help you refine your message and deliver it with clarity and impact. Hosted by Startup Colorado.
Sept. 14-18: —Bringing together over 10,000 founders, investors, creatives and changemakers for a week of learning, inspiration, and connection. Free.
Sept. 30—Oct. 2: —Connecting investors, strategic partners, founders and ecosystem leaders in a focused, relationship-driven environment designed to support meaningful capital engagement.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1: —A small, in-person gathering hosted by Startup Colorado for women who are building, leading, creating, and supporting businesses in rural Colorado. Limited to 20 participants.
Saturday, Nov. 7: —Bringing together acquisition entrepreneurs, students, investors, service providers, faculty and other participants in the ETA ecosystem to connect and share best practices.
Applications
Thursday, July 9 (program begins): —A no-cost, three-month program is designed for traditionally underserved Denver tech founders who are preparing for funding and growth.
Sunday, July 12 (deadline): â€ÖÀ³Ü±è±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±²Ô²µ economic development, financial inclusion or small business growth in your Denver community.Ìý
Sunday, July 12 (deadline extended):Ìý—Designed for entrepreneurs impacting refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally. Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute.
Thursday, July 16 (deadline): —Connecting breakthrough technology companies with leading mining organizations seeking solutions to some of the industry's most pressing challenges. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to present directly to mining companies, investors, and industry leaders while receiving valuable feedback and partnership opportunities.
Friday, July 17 (deadline): Lab Venture Challenge—Top innovations from the Â鶹ӰԺ, Denver and Colorado Springs compete for grants of up to $125,000. LVC supports projects that address a commercial need, have a clear path to a compelling market and have strong scientific support.
Monday, July 20 (deadline): —Offering a 50% fully refundable tax credit to support investments in equipment, construction, capital projects and land that strengthen Colorado's talent pipeline.
Friday, July 24 (deadline): Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop—Gain a deeper understanding of the commercialization process, test your ideas with real potential customers and accelerate your journey toward bringing your idea to market. This workshop is for for anyone from a research or community institution—not just CU—motivated to bring their ideas to life, secure funding and create lasting impact. Offered as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps™ Hub: West Region.
Friday, July 24 (deadline): —Includes one-year free lab bench and membership at Biolabs LA at the Lundquist Institute, access to Lundquist Institute shared amenities and services, and access to Amgen’s and Biolab LA's network of scientists, business experts and mentors.
July 27, Nov. 4, March 4 (deadlines) | —Supports startups and small businesses developing scientific tools and technologies that advance discovery and strengthen the U.S. research enterprise.
July 27, Nov. 4, March 4 (deadlines) | U.S. National Science Foundation’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs—: Supports startups and small businesses in transforming high-risk technologies into products and services that drive innovation, economic growth and jobs. : Supports startups and small businesses developing scientific tools and technologies that advance discovery and strengthen the U.S. research enterprise.
Friday, Aug. 21 (deadline): Lab Venture Challenge (LVC)—LVC supports projects that address a commercial need, have a clear path to a compelling market and have strong scientific support. Grants of up to $125,000 are funded by Venture Partners at CU Â鶹ӰԺ and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program.
Rolling Application: —A²Ô open-access, equity-free biotech accelerator for early-stage founders.
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: —ForÌýinvestors and advanced industries businesses in the amount of 25% toÌý35% per investment up to $100,000.
Rolling Application: –Apply for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade's funding and trade show participation program.