Catalyze CU is a summer startup accelerator for teams with the most promising ideas and technologies developed at the university. The program—open to CU Boulder students, faculty and staff—runs for 12 weeks during the summer, beginning in mid-May and culminating in August.
Catalyze staff and mentors lead you through a customized assessment of your company, leading to a personalized experience including:
- weekly goal setting and accountability sessions
- skill and concept workshops
- networking events
- intentional mentor connections
- pitch coaching
- funding options
How It Works
To apply for Catalyze CU, your team or venture must meet the following requirements:
- At least one person on the founding team must have a valid BuffOne card.
- A startup team is not required (you can be a solo founder), but a team is highly recommended. The program asks a lot of each individual company, so more people makes for a more productive summer.
- The accelerator is live in person in Boulder, CO and a majority of team members must attend.
- Teams are provided funding, so it is ecpected that you have already or are ready to start a legal company.
Please review eligibility before applying.
To participate in Catalyze CU well, having a full-time job is not possible. Part-time work or classes can be possible, but the Catalyze CU program director(s) will want a clear plan on how time-management will work for the summer. Catalyze is a challenging and rewarding program, but you will get out what you put in. We provide a stipend per founder to help you be availabile to dedicate your time to the program.
If you have a vacation planned that takes places during the program, previously scheduled travel (vacation, conferences, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Let the Catalyze CU program directors know what the situation is, and they will determine what works best for you and Catalyze.
Catalyze CU is highly selective and you will be with a cohort of other high-performing startup teams. Catalyze does NOT take any equity while still providing some funding (in the form of a stipend), and we customize the experience to meet your venture's needs. The program also provides a materials budget for each team.
We level up the founding team startup skill set, helping you go from idea to impact and prototype to production. Catalyze alumni companies have a strong track record of being accepted to top-tier accelerators like Techstars, raising funding, winning grants and launching successful Kickstarters.
Watch this video below to hear from previous participants about their Catalyze CU experience:
The program starts in mid-May and culminates in early August. *Observing CU site holidays.
The accelerator is a full time commitment, but still leaves you time to work on your business in the best way you see fit. Attendance for the full program is required.
Monday - 1 hour Individual team meetings (can be via Zoom)
Tuesday - 10am to 3pm in person
Wednesday - Office hours based on need
Thursday - 10am to 3pm in person
Friday - dedicated work days