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From University Innovation to Real-World Impact

Venture Partners at CU Boulder supports university researchers, inventors and creators in translating their groundbreaking discoveries into new solutions, businesses and partnerships that address the world's greatest challenges.

 

 

Applications are open for the NSF I-Corps Hub West programs and Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator.

What Can We Do Together?

The Venture Partners Impact

2021 Innovation & Economic Prosperity Award 
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU®)

Ranked 1st for Startup Creation

—2025, Read More

Launched a Record-Setting 36 Startups

—2024, Read More

Ranked #18 for Patent Activity

—2024, Read More

 

$ 8 billion

impact on national economy (from 2018-2022)

$ 5.2 billion

impact on statewide economy (from 2018-2022)

$ 3.5 billion

in capital funding raised by startups commercializing CU Boulder technology (since 2018)

798+

license and option agreements signed (since 2014)

220+

startup ventures spun out of university technology

1484+

inventions disclosed (since 2014)

Subscribe to E-Newsletters

The Insider is a series of newsletters from Venture Partners featuring the latest headlines, news, events, opportunities and emerging university innovations in three editions:

Inventors and Researchers (Monthly) | Community (Monthly) | Investors (Quarterly)

View the latest Insiders  Subscribe to The Insider

Latest News and Announcements

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator

Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator

  Application Deadline Friday, Dec. 5
  Feb.-June 2026, Virtual Opportunity
  Teams commercializing CU-owned deep tech intellectual property

An accelerator for research teams building deep tech startups coming out of the University of Colorado campuses in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Denver. Deep tech startups, or new companies based on technological innovation in science or engineering, face unique challenges because of their disruptive nature, intensive research and development, and significant capital requirements. Ascent understands the needs and pathways for deep tech startups to find early success.

Offered by Venture Partners

I-Corps Hub West

Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop

  Application Deadline Thursday, Jan. 15
  Jan. 22-Feb. 5, Virtual Opportunity
  All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

Do you have an innovation that could make a difference? Whether a researcher, entrepreneur, inventor or problem solver, this workshop can help you transform your concept into a successful venture. Over three weeks, gain a deeper understanding of the commercialization process, test your ideas with real potential customers and accelerate your journey toward bringing your idea to market. This workshop is for anyone from a research or community institution—not just CU—motivated to bring their ideas to life, secure funding and create lasting impact.

Offered by Venture Partners and NSF I-CorpsTM Hub West

I-Corps Hub West

Research-to-Market (R2M) Customer Discovery Program

  Application Deadline Tuesday, May 5
  May 12-June 23, Virtual Opportunity
  All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

This four-week program helps teams through customer discovery and finding a market for their innovation. Derived from the National Science Foundation's I-Corps™ program, R2M leverages the nationally recognized Lean LaunchPad and Business Model Canvas methodologies specifically designed for researchers, entrepreneurs, inventors and problem solvers from any research or community institution.

Offered by Venture Partners and NSF I-CorpsTM Hub West