Compete

Compete for funding

The New Venture Challenge

NVC offers a variety of opportunities for you to develop and share your ideas!

About the New Venture Challenge (NVC)

Ranked 15th among U.S. collegiate entrepreneurship competitions and a signature program of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, NVC is the heart of CU Boulder's entrepreneurship engine. During this multi-round, multi-event entrepreneurial competition, teams can win a share of more than $200,000 and pitch to a live audience at the Boulder Theater.

Who can participate?

Everyone at CU Boulder is invited to participate; students, faculty and staff. NVC participants can earn a micro-credential while gaining experience in creating a startup venture.

How Does it Work?

Participants can compete in one of two NVC categories:

  • Deep Tech Category – For ventures based on scientific or technological innovations developed using fundamental scientific disciplines.
  • Open Category – For ventures not meeting the Deep Tech criteria.
⚠ Registration for the 2026 New Venture Challenge is OPEN!

Learn More

Register NOW

Join a venture or find partners

Are you interested in joining a venture that is competing or looking for partners to join your competing venture? 

Learn more about how to build your team.

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Additional Opportunities

In addition to our CU Boulder competitions, you might be interested in the following external opportunities: