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Developing and funding innovative ideas

About the New Venture Challenge

The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature program of CU Boulder’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative—is a launchpad for aspiring problem-solvers and creatives. Participants attend year-round events, network and collaborate with mentors to refine their ideas and form startup teams to pitch for a share of $200,000+ in funding at the NVC Finals.

NVC Impact

1,400+

CU Boulder ventures participated in NVC

$ 2.15 million

total funding awarded
(as of 2026)

$ 53.5 million

raised by competition alumni
(since 2022)

About NVC

Learn about our 2026 winners

Compete in NVC

Governor Polis on Entrepreneurship

Why Participate in NVC?

"NVC gives participants first-hand experience pitching and positioning their business, working on a startup team, and, perhaps most importantly, connecting with Boulder's world-class network of entrepreneurial mentors. For me, the feedback and support I got during NVC was critical to a pivot of my first business, which, six years later, grew to over 150 people and was acquired by a $26B publicly-traded company."

—Devon Tivona (CompSci,'14), Pana (acquired by Coupa), NVC 6 Championship finalist

"NVC was an amazing opportunity to not only build a business from the ground up, but also gain invaluable experience with pitching a venture to investors. We also gained incredible mentorship. Our mentors filled in gaps where necessary in our business development and gave helpful advice for the competition and post-competition. We're extremely grateful for NVC!"

—Rebecca Jacobs (MechEng'21), ToobTek, NVC 14 Championship finalist

"NVC is the best thing that CU Boulder does for students, and the value from NVC is worth as much—if not more—than four years' worth of classes."

—Carter Brown (Fin'21), GoGuide, NVC 14 participant

"Presentation is everything, especially in my line of work as a software consultant. If people don't understand the what's, how's and why's of a product, it is doomed to failure. NVC's robust network of mentors, classes, training and support led me to getting a job that I love. Though I am not starting a business right now, I have a suspicion that it will be in my future.

—Zayna Pieper (EngrPlus,'20), Frenz, NVC 12 Championship finalist

"NVC was an invaluable learning experience for myself and my team. It pushed us to critically think about every aspect of our business and recognize the importance of feedback. The feedback we received helped us realize the trajectory of our business and where we should be putting our time and energy moving forward!"

—Thomas Savage (Bus'21), LGBT50, NVC 14 Championship finalist

"I'm so grateful for the wonderful learning experience through NVC. CU Boulder's robust innovation network is truly incredible, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it!"

—Danielle Carroll (AeroEngr, EngrMgmt'21), Orbital Biodesign, NVC 14 Championship finalist