Compete

The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature program of the—is CU Boulder’s “flight simulator” for students and employees driven to create real-world impact through new startups, organizations and endeavors.

NVC gives aspiring problem-solvers and creatives a chance to build up these impactful ventures through entrepreneurial events and programming, community support, mentorship and—ultimately—the opportunity to compete for funding. Everyone is invited to compete, from majors and departments across the university, undergraduates to graduates, PhD candidates to postdocs, faculty to staff, and even high school students.

General Competition

The general competition of the New Venture Challenge (NVC) is a multi-round, multi-event entrepreneurial competition and signature program of, where teams can win up to $50,000and pitch to a live audience at the Boulder Theater.

Registration for the 2025 competition will open on November 1.

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Additional Competitions

Women Founders Competition

NVC and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurshiphost this additional competition for ventures founded by women, where teams can win up to $5,000.

Registration is closed for the 2024 competition.

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Deep Tech Competition

NVC and Venture Partners at CU Boulderhost this additional competitionfor ventures built around a scientific or technological innovation that has been developed using fundamental scientific disciplines, where teams can win up to $50,000.

Registration is closed for the 2024 competition.

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Student Ideas Showcase

CU Boulder students can enter the Student Ideas Showcase, part of the31st Annual Campus Sustainability Summit.Problem-solving ideas for climate and sustainability are eligible forup to $3,500 in cash prizes.

Registration is closed for the 2024 competition.

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High School NVC

The CU Boulder New Venture Challenge (NVC) is excited to bring entrepreneurial learning to Colorado high schools, culminating in the High School NVC competition in Boulder.

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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.

Build Your Team

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