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ApplicationsÌýOpen:ÌýNSF I-Corps Hub West programs Ìý| ÌýRegistration Open: Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase
What Can We Do Together?
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
ÌýÌýMarch 30-April 3 ÌýÌýÌýÂ鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder, Boulder, Denver and Online ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder
Creative Futures Fellowship
ÌýÌýApplication Opens Wednesday, April 1 ÌýÌýÌýMore dates March-Sept. ÌýÌýÌýProjects by Faculty, Staff or Students Eligible to Serve as Principal Investigators
The new Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder 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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. 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
ÌýÌýTuesday, April 7, 5-8 p.m. ÌýÌýÌýUniversity of Colorado Law School ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌý
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)
From Lab to Launch: Founder and Funder Perspectives on SBIR/STTR
ÌýÌýWednesday, April 8, 9:30-11 a.m. ÌýÌýÌýIn Person in Boulder or Virtually Via Zoom ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
The Legal Tech Startup Variety Show focuses on the intersection of law, technology and entrepreneurship and bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and the legal and entrepreneurial frameworks that enable it. This event features a cross-section of early-stage startups and established firms with emergent ideas.
Offered by the Silicon Flatirons Center
New Venture Challenge Finals
ÌýÌýWednesday, April 22, 6-9 p.m. ÌýÌýÌýBoulder Theater (2032 14th Street Boulder) ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation is Not Required ÌýÌýÌýRegister Now
See entrepreneurship in action at the 19th annual New Venture Challenge (NVC)! Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’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 Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz. Come support Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder's next big innovations as we award more than $270,000 in funding!
Offered by the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program
ÌýÌýApplication Deadline Tuesday, May 5 ÌýÌýÌýMay 12-June 23 ÌýÌýÌýVirtual Opportunity ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation 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—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation 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
Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop
ÌýÌýApplication Deadline Friday, July 24 ÌýÌýÌýJuly 31-Aug. 14 ÌýÌýÌýIn Person, Boulder ÌýÌýÌýAll Are Welcome—Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAffiliation 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