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: Sign Up Now
Signature Programs of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Connecting the CU Boulder campus with the Boulder community to develop innovative ideas and pitch for up to $336,000 in venture funding.
Student entrepreneurs with diverse perspectives who embrace the spirit 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 series of mini job fairs that connect entrepreneurially-minded CU Boulder students to high growth companies in Colorado.
Join this collaborative event that's all about making positive changes in the world. Whether you have an idea 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
June 22-July 2, Virtual and in Telluride, CO | Telluride Venture Network's Climate Solutions Investment Bootcamp—Connect with investors, learn from founders and refine the skills and tools needed to kick off fundraising or complete a round.
Wednesday, June 24: Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase—Bringing together researchers, investors and community supporters to highlight innovative deep tech startups spinning out of the University of Colorado. Attendees will have a chance to see pitches from each of the Ascent 2026 cohort startups, followed by a networking happy hour to learn more.
Wednesday, June 24: What’s Next: A Roadmap for Bringing Your Creative Business to Life (virtual)—Explore how to get clear on your business direction and build momentum in a way that feels aligned with your creativity and capacity. Hosted by Startup Colorado.
Friday, June 26: Scaling Your Business Requires Scaling Your Mind (virtual)—Discover a practical framework to address the root causes of founder burnout and learn to treat inner work as a true business growth strategy. Hosted by Startup Colorado.
Wednesday, July 1: Startup Colorado Lean Coffee (virtual)—A quarterly, interactive networking discussion that’s tailored to entrepreneurs from all industries.
Wednesday, July 8: Golden Startup Coffee—A monthly opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and community members to explore Colorado startup journeys.
Thursday, July 9: Welcome to Boulder—Welcoming anyone new to the Boulder 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 Boulder.
July 20-22, Golden, CO | Colorado Cleantech's Colorado Fusion Week—From strengthening the industry’s foundation to tackling immediate workforce needs, this convening will focus on what it takes to move forward together.
Wednesday, Aug. 5: Perfect Your Pitch—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. 30—Oct. 2: 2026 Rocky Mountain Life Sciences Investor & Partnering Conference—Connecting investors, strategic partners, founders and ecosystem leaders in a focused, relationship-driven environment designed to support meaningful capital engagement.
Applications
*Wednesday, June 24 (deadline) | U.S. Department of War (fmr. Defense) Solicitations—43 new topics in this 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) | Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) | Commercial Solutions Opening (CSOs)
Sunday, June 28 (deadline): Western Union Global Fellowship—Designed for entrepreneurs impacting refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally. Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute.
Sunday, June 28 (deadline): Watson Institute's Flagship Fellowship—For ventures in any sector based in Colorado.
Monday, June 29 (deadline) | Department of Education Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Solicitations—Three solicitations are open for submission, offering up to $250,000 for 9-month Phase IA and IB projects to develop or enhance education technology prototypes, and up to $1,000,000 over two years for Direct to Phase II projects to scale evidence-based innovations and prepare for commercialization.
Wednesday, July 1 (deadline): Risk-A-Thon Denver—Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPCUs) and risk management professionals will work directly with selected startups during an intensive six-hour risk analysis session, followed by a live pitch competition. Hosted by the Colorado and Pike's Peak chapters of the CPCU Society on the CU Denver campus.
Thursday, July 9 (program begins): Inclusive Impact Catalyst Program—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): BMO Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute—Supporting economic development, financial inclusion or small business growth in your Denver community.
Wednesday, July 17 (deadline): Lab Venture Challenge—Top innovations from the University of Colorado Boulder, 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.
Thursday, July 16 (deadline): Mining Cleantech Challenge—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 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.
July 27, Nov. 4, March 4 (deadlines) | U.S. National Science Foundation’s Pilot Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs—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—Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security: Supports startups and small businesses in transforming high-risk technologies into products and services that drive innovation, economic growth and jobs. Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation: 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 Boulder and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program.
Rolling Application: Activator: 25-26 Cohort—An open-access, equity-free biotech accelerator for early-stage founders.
Rolling Application: Startup Colorado Community and Entrepreneurship Grants–Grants that support rural entrepreneurs who are eager to level up their businesses but need a financial boost to get there.and delivering results.
Rolling Application: OEDIT Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit—For investors and advanced industries businesses in the amount of 25% to 35% per investment up to $100,000.
Rolling Application: Global Business Development's 2025 Trade Shows–Apply for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade's funding and trade show participation program.