Lab Venture Challenge
Forecasted
Lab Venture Challenge supports University of Colorado researchers with proof-of-concept research, business development and entrepreneurial training to move bioscience and physical science innovations toward market.
Funder: University of Colorado Boulder
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Invention disclosure) | July 2027 (Contact pre-award administrator) | August 2027 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 total costs, including match; up to 24 months for physical sciences or 36 months for biosciences
Summary: Proof-of-concept funding, commercialization support and entrepreneurial training help eligible University of Colorado researchers bring innovations to market.
Key Information: Primary applicants must be eligible CU professors or postdocs who qualify as grant Principal Investigators.
Description
The Lab Venture Challenge (LVC), run by Venture Partners at CU Boulder, helps university discoveries move toward commercial applications through proof-of-concept research, business development support and entrepreneurial training. It supports early-stage bioscience and physical science innovations with strong scientific evidence, a commercial need and a clear path to a compelling market.
Proof-of-concept funding addresses critical experimental questions that validate technologies for commercial use. Business development support helps teams explore customers and markets, protect intellectual property and prepare for commercialization. Finalists receive pitch coaching and present their innovations to business audiences at community showcases. Funding comes from Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Accelerator program, Venture Partners and a share of CU Boulder’s intellectual property licensing revenues.
