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:Ìý
Signature Programs of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Connecting the CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß campus with the ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß community to developÌýinnovativeÌýideas and pitchÌýfor up toÌý$50,000 in venture funding.
Student entrepreneurs with diverse perspectives who embrace theÌýspirit of innovation and impact on campus and in the ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß community.
A micro-funding opportunity for CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß undergraduate and graduate students that provides up to $500 in funding for entrepreneurial ideas in the making.
A mini job fair that brings entrepreneurially-minded CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß students and local Front Range startups together with a twist.
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 ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß's entrepreneurial mentor network supports innovative activity on campus led by students, faculty and staff.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 9: —A half-day workshop to prepare founders to understand many of the terms and processes used by VCs and sharpen their venture strategy.
Wednesday, Dec. 10: —A monthly opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives and community members to explore Colorado startup journeys.
Wednesday, Dec. 10: —A half-day symposium bringing together leaders, investors and innovators from across Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem, centered on the EY Biotech and Medtech Reports, cornerstone analyses that reveal the realities behind industry headlines.
Wednesday, Dec. 10: —Bringing together leaders, investors and innovators from across Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem to discuss the current funding environment.ÌýÌý
Wednesday, Dec. 10: —An opportunity for entrepreneurs to practice giving presentations and get constructive feedback from the local startup community.
Thursday, Dec. 11: —Welcoming anyone new to the ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß 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 ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß.
Thursday, Dec. 11:Ìý—For anyone interested in technologies.
Thursday, Dec. 11: —J´Ç¾±²Ô industry leaders, venture capitalists, developers and members of the Quantum / AI community for a discussion focusing on funding trends, developer tools and architectural blueprints essential to transitioning research to market.Ìý
Friday, Dec. 12: —J´Ç¾±²Ô the Colorado startup community on the mountain! Open to founders, operators, investors and the startup-curious.
Tuesday, Dec. 16:Ìý—This is an informal group for anyone interested in the startup community, particularly those with an interest in technology.
Wednesday, Dec. 17: —Offering local entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their startups to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors, investors and peers.Ìý
Wednesday, Dec. 17: —An opportunity for entrepreneurs to practice giving presentations and get constructive feedback from the local startup community.
Thursday, Dec. 18: —Exploring the factors driving the tech initial public offering (IPO) revival, from macro shifts and regulatory developments to investor sentiment and sector trends. The conversation will take a forward-looking view of how companies are positioning for their next phase of growth and what to watch for heading into 2026.
Thursday, Dec. 18: —Welcoming anyone new to the Denver 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 Denver.
Tuesday, Dec. 30:Ìý—This is an informal group for anyone interested in the startup community, particularly those with an interest in technology.
Friday, Jan. 16: —J´Ç¾±²Ô the Colorado startup community on the mountain! Open to founders, operators, investors and the startup-curious. Upcoming Ski Days: Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 27 and April 17.
Applications
Monday, Dec. 15 (deadline): : —The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is accepting applications for co-exhibitors from Colorado cleantech and renewable energy companies to attend Smart Energy Week (March 17-19, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan). Recipients will also receive a travel stipend.
Monday, Dec. 15 (deadline): —The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is accepting applications for co-exhibitors from Colorado cleantech and renewable energy companies to attend the Mobile World Congress Trade Show (March 2-5, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain). Recipients will also receive a travel stipend.
Monday, Jan. 12 (deadline): Mathers Foundation Grant Program (µþ¾±´Ç²õ³¦¾±±ð²Ô³¦±ð²õ)—Seeking innovative, novel proposals with scientific merit and established proof of concept, which may not be fundable at the federal level.Ìý
Saturday, Jan. 31 (deadline): , a 12-month accelerator for entrepreneurs who see business as a bridge that connects people, strengthens communities and drives meaningful impact. Each founder receives the equivalent of up to $52,000 in direct support.
Sunday, Feb. 1 (deadline): —Based at the , Runway ushers recent PhDs in digital technology fields from an academic mindset to an entrepreneurial outlook.
Applications open: –Student teams compete for more than $540,000 for successfully identifying a promising energy technology, assessing its market potential, and creating a business plan for commercialization.
Applications open: —A free expert-led cohort to help sustainability ventures. Participants will receive expert-led training, committed mentorship and pitch coaching.
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.