The Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem at CU Boulder is a vibrant and rapidly growing community dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, launching high-impact ventures, and solving real-world problems. Anchored by the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, this cross-campus effort unites students, faculty, staff, and alumni across disciplines to provide access to world-class resources, mentorship, and support.
At the heart of this ecosystem is the New Venture Challenge (NVC), CU Boulder’s premier venture competition that has helped launch over 1,200 startups and awarded more than $1.75 million in funding and prizes over its 18-year history. The NVC offers structured support, expert coaching, and the chance to pitch for significant investment—culminating in a high-profile finale that attracts investors, industry leaders, and the broader entrepreneurial community.
Beyond NVC, CU Boulder’s ecosystem includes programs such as Embark, which connects alumni with university-owned intellectual property for commercialization; Startup Summer, a program placing students in startup internships with robust training; and a growing CU Boulder Angel Network that facilitates alumni investment in CU-affiliated startups. The campus also hosts numerous hackathons, accelerators, mentorship programs, and innovation labs, including the Idea Forge, Catalyze CU, and Lab Venture Challenge.
CU Boulder’s I&E efforts are deeply collaborative, involving partnerships with the Alumni Association, Venture Partners at CU Boulder, and colleges across campus—from Engineering to Business to Arts & Sciences. Together, these partners provide a pipeline from idea to impact for both technical and non-technical founders.
By building a connected, inclusive, and interdisciplinary innovation ecosystem, CU Boulder empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers—while contributing to Colorado’s economy and reinforcing the university’s role as a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
