Funding Opportunities and Support
Venture Partners at CU Boulder provides funding opportunities and resources for researchers, inventors and creators at the University of Colorado Boulder, Denver (except CU Denver biosciences who should work with CU Innovations) and UCCS campuses who want to take their innovations to the next level. Our Center for Translational Research (CTR), programs like Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) and Destination Startup, and partnerships with campus entities like the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) help advance a path to market for those seeking to commercialize their discoveries.
Venture Partners Funding Support
Pitch your innovation to the local business community and receive up to $125,000 to further develop it into a market-ready offering.
Your partner for applying for and securing non-dilutive funding to translate your innovation into real-world impact, including SmallSBIR/STTR grants, Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade (OEDIT) advanced industries funding, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and more.
CU Boulder's deep tech startup creator for matching entrepreneurs with breakthrough innovations and the funding to turn them into new businesses.
Showcase your innovation to national and regional investors and the business community for partnership and funding opportunities.
A private venture capital fund that invests in startup companies connected to CU Boulder.
Explore what we can do together
But what is "commercialization?"
The path to commercialization—also known as "research translation" or "tech transfer"—can be challenging, so Venture Partners unites industry partners, entrepreneurs and investors to help researchers, inventors and creators at the University of Colorado bring their groundbreaking discoveries into the marketplace.
Additional Resources
CU System
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Inspiring leadership, creativity, and collaboration: an initiative that focuses on generating substantial real-world impact.
CU Boulder and CU Anschutz
AB Nexus Research Collaboration Grant Program
Supports interdisciplinary research activities that leverage expertise across the CU Anschutz and CU Boulder campuses.
CU Boulder
Research & Innovation Office
Focused on creating global impact by cultivating and supporting collaboration, transformation and leadership.
UCCS
Office of Research
Supporting the research agenda at UCCS and committed to fostering research and creative excellence among our entire campus.
CU Denver
Office of Research Services (ORS)
Promoting a dynamic and productive community of researchers, artists and scholars.
CU Boulder
RIO Proposal Writing Support
Services through the CU Boulder Research & Innovation Office that help increase the competitiveness of grant proposals.
CU Boulder
Office of Contracts & Grants
Partners with faculty, staff and students to obtain and manage external support for sponsored activities.
CU Boulder
New Venture Challenge (NVC)
A pitch competition that gives aspiring student, faculty and staff entrepreneurs the chance to build a startup and win funding.
CU Boulder
Deming Center Venture Fund
Supports emerging companies in Boulder and surrounding communities, managed by a cross-disciplinary team of CU Boulder graduate students in the Leeds School of Business.
CU Boulder
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Here to connect you with the resources and programs you need to turn your ideas into impactful ventures.
National Science Foundation
Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine
A groundbreaking initiative, set to catalyze a series of significant outcomes that will reshape the landscape of climate technology and regional economic development in Colorado and Wyoming.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT)
Advanced Industries Accelerator Programs
Programs designed to support job creation and innovation in your field as a business operating in one of Colorado’s seven advanced industries.
Innosphere Ventures
Supporting founders and CEOs who are building science and technology companies.
Kairos Ventures
Investing in and supporting the world’s leading scientific discoveries and commercialize them into viable businesses as quickly as possible.
Osage University Partners
Investing in startups developing pioneering technologies in partnership with the top universities and research institutions in the US and abroad.
Rockies Venture Club
Accelerating economic development by educating and connecting investors, entrepreneurs and corporate partners.