The Insider: Deep Tech Partners Edition—March 2026

University Opportunities and Events

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National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Regional Meeting and Symposium: Quantum and Space, the Next Frontier

��March 23-24 ��Limelight Hotel, Boulder, Colorado ����All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

The convergence of quantum technologies and space applications presents both fundamental engineering challenges and transformative opportunities as laboratory-demonstrated systems transition to operational environments. Quantum-enabled capabilities promise orders-of-magnitude improvements in precision, resilience and performance for missions ranging from autonomous satellite operations to Earth observation, secure communications and scientific discovery.

Hosted by the ��ӽ紫ý College of Engineering & Applied Science

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��March 30-April 3 ��ӽ紫ý, Boulder, Denver and Online ����All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

As Colorado emerges as a leader in clean technology, this four-day gathering will spotlight innovative solutions and catalyze bold climate action across sectors. Discover cutting-edge technology, forge strategic partnerships and shape the next wave of green innovation. The inclusion of Colorado in the title is intentional, reflecting a commitment to highlighting the state's scale, diversity and beauty, along with the broad range of expertise and talent distributed across it. Solutions are built collaboratively—across startups, cities, utilities, campuses and communities—and Climate Week 2026 is designed to showcase that collective effort.

In Partnership With and Select Events Hosted by ��ӽ紫ý

From Lab to Launch: Founder and Funder Perspectives on SBIR/STTR

��Wednesday, April 8, 9:30-11 a.m. ��In Person at BaseCamp (Pearl East Innovation Campus, 4909 Pearl East Cir, Boulder) or Virtually Via Zoom ����All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

Join this discussion on translational research funding, with a focus on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Get a practical overview of the programs—including updates on recent developments—learn how to refine your funding strategy, and explore the resources at the Center for Translational Research (CTR) to support your next steps. Bring your questions for a panel of founders who have received SBIR/STTR awards and a federal program manager overseeing their agency’s SBIR/STTR portfolio.

Offered by Venture Partners and the Center for Translational Research (CTR)

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New Venture Challenge Finals

��Wednesday, April 22, 6-9 p.m. ����Boulder Theater (2032 14th Street Boulder) ����All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

See entrepreneurship in action at the 19th annual New Venture Challenge (NVC)! ��ӽ紫ý’s top student, faculty and staff startups will pitch their business ventures to a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience. Event highlights include opening remarks by ��ӽ紫ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz. Come support ��ӽ紫ý's next big innovations as we award more than $270,000 in funding!

Offered by the ��ӽ紫ý Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative

Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase

��Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 4:30-7:30 p.m. ��Byron R. White Stadium Club, Folsom Field ����All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

The Ascent Deep Tech Community Showcase brings together researchers, investors and community supporters to highlight innovative deep tech startups spinning out of the University of Colorado. Attendees will have a chance to see pitches from each of the Ascent 2025 cohort startups, followed by a networking happy hour to learn more.

Offered by Venture Partners

Opportunities Outside the University

Featured Opportunities

*Tuesday, May 19, Sept. 15 (deadlines) | —Supporting projects that build on early translational work to refine ideas, improve solutions and reduce barriers to moving research from the lab into real-world use.

*Tuesday, May 19, Sept. 15 (deadlines) | —Supporting translational efforts that demand one or more partnerships for technology development and deployment.

*(Rolling Deadline |—Offers up to two additional years of funding on a current NSF award to support high-risk, use-inspired research and early translation efforts not included in the original project.

Receiving Applications | —An incubation program to mature technologies in North American universities towards commercialization.

More Opportunities

Thursday, March 19 | —A webinar spotlighting Colorado-based water-tech startups transforming university research into real-world impact.

Tuesday, March 31 (deadline) | —Gain visibility and connect with investors, partners and talent in Boulder's ecosystem.

March 31-April 2 | —Connecting cutting-edge startups with forward-thinking investors to accelerate partnerships and drive quality deal flow across the energy innovation ecosystem.

Thursday, April 9 | —A live pitch event spotlighting women founders in Colorado, featuring six finalist startups pitching to local investors for cash and in-kind prizes, with networking and food and drinks from women-owned businesses.

May 4-8 | —A conference-style event with sessions at local venues in downtown Boulder that educate attendees and provide professional networking opportunities.

Sept. 14–18 | —A community-driven weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in Denver, bringing together founders, investors, creatives and changemakers for hundreds of sessions, panels, workshops and networking events designed to connect and inspire Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 | —Bringing the most promising life sciences companies from the Rocky Mountain West together with leading investors and strategic partners.

*Need support with your CU translational funding grant? Contact our Center for Translational Research.

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