Opportunities and Events
Signature Venture Partners Programming
A partnership with top research universities across the Western U.S.Ìýto reduce the time and risk associated with translating promising ideas and technologies to the marketplace.
ÌýÌýApplications Now Open
A campus-wide resource for both existing and aspiring university-originated startups seeking non-dilutive funding—to translate their university inventions into a startup company.
ÌýÌýAccepting Support Requests
ÌýÌýApril 8: Lab to Launch Event
WithÌýmyriad CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß technologies ready to make a real-world impact, Embark seeks motivated entrepreneurs ready to launch new companies.
A competition for CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß's top innovations showingÌýhigh commercial potential,Ìýa clear path to a compelling marketÌýandÌýstrong scientific support.
An accelerator for research teams building deep tech startups coming out of the University of Colorado campuses in ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß, Colorado Springs and Denver.
ÌýÌýCommunity ShowcaseWednesday, June 24, 2026
A collaboration among the Intermountain West region's leading research universities and federal laboratories, showcasing the best companiesÌýfrom the region’s innovation ecosystem to investors and the business community.
New! Creative Futures Fellowship
The new CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Creative Futures Fellowship is designed for faculty researchers, inventors and creators in theÌýarts, humanities and social sciences. This fellowship offers grants of $5,000-$25,000, along with support and community, toÌýtransform new ideas, creative works and social innovations into positive impact beyond CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß. Eligible projects must be faculty-led and focused on delivering tangible outcomes that strengthen communities, advance positive social change or create economic opportunity.
ÌýÌýPre-Application Workshop Deadline Tuesday, March 17
Upcoming Opportunities and Events at the University of Colorado
Creative Futures Fellowship
ÌýÌýPre-Application Workshop Deadline Tuesday, March 17 ÌýÌýÌýMore dates March-Sept. ÌýÌýÌýProjects must be led by faculty, staff or students eligible to serve as Principal Investigators ÌýÌýÌýRegister for Pre-Application Workshop
The new CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Creative Futures Fellowship is designed for faculty researchers, inventors and creators in theÌýarts, humanities and social sciences. This fellowship offers grants of $5,000-$25,000, along with support and community, toÌýtransform new ideas, creative works and social innovations into positive impact beyond CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß. Eligible projects must be faculty-led and focused on delivering tangible outcomes that strengthen communities, advance positive social change or create economic opportunity.
Offered by Venture Partners
National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Regional Meeting and Symposium: Quantum and Space, the Next Frontier
ÌýÌýMarch 23-24 ÌýÌýÌýLimelight Hotel, ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
The convergence of quantum technologies and space applications presents both fundamental engineering challenges and transformative opportunities as laboratory-demonstrated systems transition to operational environments. Quantum-enabled capabilities promise orders-of-magnitude improvements in precision, resilience and performance for missions ranging from autonomous satellite operations to Earth observation, secure communications and scientific discovery.
Hosted by the CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß College of Engineering & Applied Science
ÌýÌýMarch 30-April 3 ÌýÌýÌýCU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß, ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß, Denver and Online ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌý
As Colorado emerges as a leader in clean technology, this four-day gathering will spotlight innovative solutions and catalyze bold climate action across sectors. Discover cutting-edge technology, forge strategic partnerships and shape the next wave of green innovation. The inclusion of Colorado in the title is intentional, reflecting a commitment to highlighting the state's scale, diversity and beauty, along with the broad range of expertise and talent distributed across it. Solutions are built collaboratively—across startups, cities, utilities, campuses and communities—and Climate Week 2026 is designed to showcase that collective effort.
In Partnership With and Select Events Hosted by CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß
Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop
ÌýÌýApplication Deadline Thursday, April 2 ÌýÌýÌýApril 9-23 ÌýÌýÌýVirtual Opportunity ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýApply Now
Do you have an innovation that could make a difference? Whether a researcher, entrepreneur, inventor or problem solver, this workshop can help you transform your concept into a successful venture. Over three weeks, 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 anyone from a research or community institution—not just CU—motivated to bring their ideas to life, secure funding and create lasting impact.
Offered by Venture Partners and NSF I-CorpsTM Hub West
From Lab to Launch: Founder and Funder Perspectives on SBIR/STTR
ÌýÌýWednesday, April 8, 9:30-11 a.m. ÌýÌýÌýIn Person at BaseCamp (Pearl East Innovation Campus, 4909 Pearl East Cir, ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß) or Virtually Via Zoom ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
Join this discussion on translational research funding, with a focus on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Get a practical overview of the programs—including updates on recent developments—learn how to refine your funding strategy, and explore the resources at the Center for Translational Research (CTR) to support your next steps. Bring your questions for a panel of founders who have received SBIR/STTR awards and a federal program manager overseeing their agency’s SBIR/STTR portfolio.
Offered by Venture Partners and the Center for Translational Research (CTR)
New Venture Challenge Finals
ÌýÌýWednesday, April 22, 6-9 p.m. ÌýÌýÌý¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Theater (2032 14th Street ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß) ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
See entrepreneurship in action at the 19th annual New Venture Challenge (NVC)! CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß’s top student, faculty and staff startups will pitch their business ventures to a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. Event highlights include opening remarks by CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Chancellor Justin Schwartz. Come support CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß's next big innovations as we award more than $270,000 in funding!
Offered by the CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program
ÌýÌýApplication Deadline Tuesday, May 5 ÌýÌýÌýMay 12-June 23 ÌýÌýÌýVirtual Opportunity ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýApply Now
This four-week program helps teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation. Derived from the National Science Foundation's I-Corpsâ„¢ program, R2M leverages the nationally recognized Lean LaunchPad and Business Model Canvas methodologies specifically designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem solvers from any research or community institution.
Offered by Venture Partners and NSF I-CorpsTM Hub West
Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase
ÌýÌýWednesday, June 24, 2026, 4:30-7:30 p.m. ÌýÌýÌýByron R. White Stadium Club, Folsom Field ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
The Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase brings 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.
Offered by Venture Partners
Opportunities Outside the University of Colorado
Featured Opportunities
*Tuesday, May 19, Sept. 15 (deadlines) | —Supporting projects that build on early translational work to refine ideas, improve solutions and reduce barriers to moving research from the lab into real-world use.
*Tuesday, May 19, Sept. 15 (deadlines) | —Supporting translational efforts that demand one or more partnerships for technology development and deployment.
*(Rolling Deadline |—Offers up to two additional years of funding on a current NSF award to support high-risk, use-inspired research and early translation efforts not included in the original project.
Receiving Applications | —An incubation program to mature technologies in North American universities towards commercialization.
More Opportunities
Monday, March 16 (deadline) | —A 10-part cohort series specifically designed to help emerging science and technology companies in the State of Colorado.Ìý
Thursday, March 19 | —A webinar spotlighting Colorado-based water-tech startups transforming university research into real-world impact.
Tuesday, March 31 (deadline) | —Gain visibility and connect with investors, partners and talent in ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß's ecosystem.
March 31-April 2 | —Connecting cutting-edge startups with forward-thinking investors to accelerate partnerships and drive quality deal flow across the energy innovation ecosystem.
Thursday, April 9 | —A live pitch event spotlighting women founders in Colorado, featuring six finalist startups pitching to local investors for cash and in-kind prizes, with networking and food and drinks from women-owned businesses.
Friday, April 10 (deadline) | —connect with leading investors and strategic partners seeking the most promising life sciences innovations from across the Rocky Mountain region.
May 4-8 | —A conference-style event with sessions at local venues in downtown ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß that educate attendees and provide professional networking opportunities.
Friday, May 8 (deadline) | —An annual executive immersion program providing a platform to develop leaders ready to succeed in the world-changing advanced energy landscape.Ìý
Sept. 14–18 | —A community-driven weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Denver, bringing together founders, investors, creatives and changemakers for hundreds of sessions, panels, workshops and networking events designed to connect and inspire Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2 | —Bringing the most promising life sciences companies from the Rocky Mountain West together with leading investors and strategic partners.
Rolling Applications
*—PromotingÌýgrowth and sustainability in Colorado’s advanced industries that increase the state's global competitiveness.
—EncouragingÌýinvestments in Colorado advanced industry businesses by incentivizing investors with state income tax credits.Ìý
—Unshackled Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused exclusively on immigrant-founded startups.
—Evergreen Climate Innovations' 501vc® Investment Fund invests $250,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region of the United States.
—Expanding the capacity of builders and developers to construct and market zero emissions (all-electric) homes.
*—Funding is granted through many different agencies across the federal government and in various areas of innovation.
—Empowering entrepreneurs by providing access to mentorship, capitalÌýand a global network to help them succeed and scale their startups.
Various Deadlines
—A curated pipeline of vetted opportunities aligned with industry and national priorities from Catalyst Partners, government requirements and industry targets.
—Empowering the federal government and the public to participate together in equitable forms of innovation through prize competitions.
*Need support with your translational funding grant? Contact our Center for Translational Research.
Employment Opportunities
For more opportunities, please check back soon or subscribe for updates.
ÌýÌýAre you a CU startup with an employment opportunity to share with the CU community? Send it to vpnews@colorado.edu for posting here. Also, you canÌýpostÌýto CU ¶¶Òõ´«Ã½ÔÚÏß's recruitment platform HandshakeÌýand/orÌýjoin the Startups2Students career fair.