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. Stay up to date on upcoming events, opportunities and deadlines with our newsletters:Ìý
Signature Programs of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Connecting the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder campus with the Boulder 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 Boulder community.
A micro-funding opportunity for Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder 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 Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder 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.
Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder'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 | —Connect with investors, learn from founders and refine the skills and tools needed to kick off fundraising or complete a round.
Friday, June 26: —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.
Monday, June 29: —A free, six-week course for both first-time and experienced entrepreneurs to learn about venture capital deals, early-stage startup financing and securing funding.
Tuesday, June 30: —A²Ô opportunity to meet, ask questions, gain insight and learn more about Techstars' Mentorship-Driven Accelerators.
Wednesday, July 1: —A quarterly, interactive networking discussion that’s tailored to entrepreneurs from all industries.
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.
Thursday, July 9: —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.
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: —For Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAnshutz 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.
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. 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.
Applications
Sunday, June 28 (deadline): —Designed for entrepreneurs impacting refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally. Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute.
Sunday, June 28 (deadline): —For ventures in any sector based in Colorado.
Monday, June 29 (deadline) | —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): —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 CPÂé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØSociety on the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØDenver campus.
Thursday, July 2 (deadline): —A 12-week virtual program designed specifically for rural founders ready to scale their businesses with the right tools and mentorship.
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
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.
Wednesday, July 17 (deadline): Lab Venture Challenge—Top innovations from the Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØ, 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.
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 Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder 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.




