Lab Venture Challenge
The Lab Venture Challenge funds and trains CU researchers to turn scientific innovations into commercial ventures in Colorado’s advanced industries, culminating in a pitch competition for commercialization support.
Funder: University of Colorado Boulder
Due Dates: July 17, 2026 (Invention Disclosure) | July 24, 2026 (Draft Budget/Pre-award Contact) | August 21, 2026 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 per project (up to 24 months for physical sciences, 36 months for biosciences); 25% match required (provided for CU Boulder applicants).
Summary: Supports CU researchers in commercializing innovations through entrepreneurial training and proof-of-concept funding.
Key Information: Only CU Boulder/UCCS and select CU Denver researchers eligible; invention disclosure required before application.
Description
The Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) is an annual program at the University of Colorado Boulder designed to accelerate the commercialization of university research. It provides up to $125,000 in funding and entrepreneurial training to help researchers transform scientific discoveries into impactful business ventures. The program is open to eligible investigators from CU Boulder, UCCS, and select fields at CU Denver, and focuses on projects with strong scientific merit and clear commercial potential in Colorado's advanced industries. LVC culminates in a pitch competition where finalists present their innovations to a panel of business leaders, investors, and commercialization experts.
