About
Catalyze CU is a summer startup accelerator for teams with the most promising ideas and technologies developed at the university. The program—open to CU Boulder students, faculty and staff—runs for 12 weeks during the summer, beginning in mid-May and culminating in August.
Catalyze staff and mentors lead you through a customized assessment of your company, leading to a personalized experience including:
- weekly goal setting and accountability sessions
- skill and concept workshops
- networking events
- intentional mentor connections
- pitch coaching
- funding options
Questions? Please contact Catalyze CU Program Director and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Entrepreneur-in-Residence Karen Crofton at catalyzecu@colorado.edu.
How It Works
To apply for Catalyze CU, your team or venture must meet the following requirements:
- At least one person on the founding team must have a valid BuffOne card.
- A startup team is not required (you can be a solo founder), but a team is highly recommended. The program is very intensive and it is likely that you will need a cross-functional skill set to participate.
- The accelerator is live in-person in Boulder, CO and a majority of team members must attend.
- Teams are provided funding, so it is expected that you have already or are ready to start a legal company.
CatalyzeCU is an intensive program; it is not a class with a set timeframe. Launching a company is very difficult and time frames to accomplish goals can vary.
To participate in Catalyze CU, it is not possible to have a competing full-time job. Part-time work or classes can be possible, but the CatalyzeCU program director(s) will want a clear plan on how time-management will work for the summer. CatalyzeCU is a challenging and rewarding program, but you will get out what you put in. We provide a stipend per founder to help you be availabile to dedicate your time to the program.
Previously scheduled travel (vacation, conferences, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Let the CatalyzeCU program directors know in your application what the situation is, and they will determine if it is possible to still participate.
Catalyze CU is highly selective and you will be with a cohort of other high-performing startup teams. Catalyze does NOT take any equity while still providing some funding. We customize the experience to meet your venture's needs and expect full participation.
We level up the founding team startup skill set, helping you go from idea to impact and prototype to production. Catalyze alumni companies have a strong track record of being accepted to top-tier accelerators like Techstars, raising funding, winning grants and launching successful Kickstarters.
The program starts in mid-May and culminates in early August. *Observing CU site holidays.
The accelerator is a full time commitment, but still leaves you time to work on your business in the best way you see fit. Attendance for the full program is required.
Monday | 1 hour individual team meeting (in-person or on zoom) |
Tuesday | 10am-3pm in-person work session |
Wednesday | Office hours based on needs |
Thursday | 10am-3pm in-person work session |
Friday | Dedicated work day |
Please contact Catalyze CU Program Director and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Entrepreneur-in-Residence Karen Crofton at catalyzecu@colorado.edu for all questions and concerns.