Four key startup trends heading into 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, four key trends are impacting startups and students like you, who might just make a career in innovative companies!
Increase in artificial intelligence
As with everything around us, artificial intelligence is increasingly at the forefront of many startups. AI is not only a core part of the product of many emerging companies, it can be a companion in the journey. Founders are using AI to help cover gaps in knowledge and skills, to boost efficiency and to set up business practices ready for technology still to come. At Startups2Students events, we’ve heard from founders who are utilizing AI to support marketing efforts, edit business plans, discover clients and conduct research in their field.
Next Step: Test out and build your AI skills through tools like LinkedIn Learning which is free to current CU Boulder students, staff, and faculty!
CU Boulder and Colorado are even stronger startup hubs
One of the huge perks of being a Buff is the world-class entrepreneurial scene we have at CU Boulder and in Colorado. In case you missed it, CU Boulder is ranked #1 for launching startups based on university discoveries. The City of Boulder and Colorado are world-renowned for startup accelerators, venture capital, and access to innovative institutions. Techstars is returning to Boulder and investment in Colorado startups is surging even while broader trends may look different.
Next Step: Find many different resources both on and off-campus via the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative.
Growing opportunities on Handshake and at career events
CU Boulder’s job board, Handshake, has nearly 400 local companies tagged as startups with new businesses added all the time. There are hundreds of startups outside of Colorado regularly posting as well with dozens of new positions every week at companies under ten years old. At Startups2Students this past year, CU Boulder hosted over 30 local companies. Mark your calendars for our next event on January 29.
Next Step: Log onto Handshake and find the collection “Colorado Startups” under the jobs section and search for “Startups2Students” in the events tab.
Hiring based on skills and experience
A full resume with transferable skills has always been helpful in finding employment and this is even more true today. With a tightening job market in 2025, participating in opportunities like internships, research, entrepreneurship and student employment is important to help you stand apart from the crowd. Building and refining your skills can take your resume to the next level and help you convey to startups why you are the right fit.
Next Step: Check out the variety of experiential learning opportunities offered at CU Boulder by starting with Career Services and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Take time over breaks as your classes wind down to explore the resources shared above. Breaks are a great time to recover, rejuvenate, and when ready, tackle the kind of self-development and exploration that a busy semester can make difficult!