Teams of top innovators from the University of Colorado will pitch to a panel of judges and a live audience for a share of more than $1 million in grants for their early-stage projects in bio- and physical sciences with compelling market potential. 

Past pitches have included everything from next-generation batteries to cancer treatments, and LVC has funded 117 projects that have launched 70 startups and raised more than $691 million, including Arkana Therapeutics, Mesa Quantum and Forge Nano—CU Boulder’s 11th unicorn spinout. Explore the 2026 Finalists Here

These grants are funded in partnership with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Program. These are the can’t-miss showcases of the year to see CU’s next wave of breakthrough innovations!