New Venture Challenge Finals
Come support the next big CU Boulder innovations
Join us at the Boulder Theater to see who will win the annual New Venture Challenge (NVC). CU Boulder’s top student, faculty and staff startups will pitch their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and you, a live audience, as we award more than $200,000 in funding!
Our 2026 NVC Finals program was packed with programming and entertainment including:
- Opening remarks by CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz
- Dynamic emcees Albus Brooks and Dianne Myles
- Entertainment by DJ Fa'Dorah
- Vocal performance by the In the Buff A Capella Group
- Special appearance by CU Boulder mascot, "Chip"
- Spotlight on the winning team of the 2026 High School New Venture Challenge—powered by FirstBank
- Presentation of the 2026 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards
- Live voting for the $5,000 Audience Choice Award
About the New Venture Challenge (NVC)
The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature program of CU Boulder’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative—is a launchpad for aspiring problem-solvers and creatives. Participants have the opportunity to build impactful ventures through entrepreneurial events and programming, community support, mentorship and the chance to compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding.