Join us for the 2026 New Venture Challenge and build your network, collaborate with mentors to refine your ideas and form your startup team to pitch for a share of $220,000 in funding at the NVC Finals! Open to all CU Boulder students, faculty and staff. Learn more and register NOW!

About the New Venture Challenge
NVC—a signature program of the University of Colorado Boulder's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative—is a launchpad for aspiring problem-solvers and creatives. During this multi-round, multi-event entrepreneurial competition, teams can win a share of $220,000 and pitch to a live audience at the Boulder Theater. Learn More

Who can participate? Everyone at CU Boulder is invited to participate: current students, faculty, staff and alums who are within one year of graduation. NVC participants can earn a micro-credential while gaining experience in creating a startup venture.

How Does it Work?

Participants can compete in one of two NVC categories:

• Deep Tech Category – for ventures built around a scientific or technological innovation that has been developed using fundamental scientific disciplines
• Open Category – for ventures not meeting the Deep Tech criteria

✳️ Application deadline: Feb. 6, 2026. Register Now
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