The 2026 New Venture Challenge is in full swing

Registration for the New Venture Challenge (NVC) is closing this Friday, and the energy around campus has been incredible. The NVC continues to be one of CU Boulder’s most powerful experiential learning opportunities—connecting students with mentors, ideas with action, and innovation with real-world impact.

Engage with us

Our broader community also plays a critical role in making this ecosystem thrive. I’m excited to invite you to our Mentor Mixer on February 11, where you’ll have the chance to connect with student founders, meet fellow mentors and learn more about how to get involved this season.

Keep an eye out for an email about how to get involved—there will be many ways to engage in the weeks ahead, including pitch practice sessions, mentoring teams and serving as judges throughout the competition. 

Save the date for the NVC Finals

And please mark your calendar now to join us for the NVC Finals at the Boulder Theater on April 22—a celebration of student creativity, grit and entrepreneurial ambition.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the next generation of innovators! I hope to connect with many of you along the journey this spring.