Promo Kit—Lab Venture Challenge Showcases

This page contains all the information available to help you promote this opportunity to your network and community. If you have questions or suggestions, please reach out to Daniel Leonard, senior marketing and communications specialist for Venture Partners at daniel.leonard@colorado.edu.Ìý

Event Information

Enjoy great food, make new connections and see what’s next!

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.Ìý

Past pitches have included everything from next-generation batteries to cancer treatments and LVC has funded 117 projects that have gone on to launch 70 startups and raise more than $691 million, including Arkana Therapeutics, Mesa Quantum and Forge Nano—CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï'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!ÌýÌý

“In a sentenceâ€Ìý

At the Lab Venture Challenge Showcases, CU’s bold innovators pitch live for a share of more than $1 million. This is your front-row seat to the next wave of breakthroughs.

Event DetailsÌý

When:

  • Physical Sciences: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6-8:30 p.m.Ìý
  • Biosciences: Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
  • Add to Calendar:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Where:ÌýDairy Arts Center, °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï

Who:ÌýAll Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

How:ÌýTickets Are Free

Learn More and Register: ()Ìý

°Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Venture Partners at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï

Set in the heart of our university's bold, innovative community of scholars and learners, Venture Partners at CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï brings the university's world-class researchers together with business, startup and entrepreneurial communities to translate groundbreaking solutions into economic and social impact.

Promotional Assets

Digital Flyer

Print-Ready Flyer

Presentation and Digital Sign Slides

Announcement Article

Social Media Posters

Tag us!

Ready-to-Share Social Media Posts

CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï Calendar Listing

If you would like this event to appear on your community calendar or CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï website, please contact daniel.leonard@colorado.edu

Sample Emails

Inviting People to the Showcase

Subject line options:
  • CU's Next Breakthroughs Take the Stage
  • You’re Invited: Lab Venture Challenge Showcases at the Dairy Arts Center
  • Innovation, Food and Networking: Join Us at LVC
Email body:

Hi [First Name],

[include a note about the last time you saw them, interacted with them, etc. ! crucial so they do not pass over it !]

You’re invited to the University of Colorado’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Showcases at the Dairy Arts Center in °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï. These events bring together CU innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and community members for an evening of breakthrough ideas, great food and valuable connections.

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 gone on to launch 70 startups and raise more than $691 million, including Arkana Therapeutics, Mesa Quantum and Forge Nano — CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï's 11th unicorn spinout.ÌýÌý

The physical sciences showcase is on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and the biosciences showcase is on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center in °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï. Get your tickets here!

We would love to see you there to celebrate innovation and connect with CU’s entrepreneurship community.

Best,
[Signature]

Asking for Help Promoting

Subject Line Options:
  • Help Us Spread the Word: Lab Venture Challenge Showcases
  • Share CU's Innovation Showcases
  • Support Innovation: Promote LVC
Email Body:

Dear [First Name],

[include a note about the last time you saw them, interacted with them, etc. ! crucial so they do not pass over it !]

We’re preparing for this year’s Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Showcases at the Dairy Arts Center in °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï. These events are a chance to enjoy great food, connect with CU’s innovation and entrepreneurship community and watch CU researchers pitch their most promising projects for a share of over $1 million in total awards. LVC has helped launch dozens of CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï startups that have raised hundreds of millions in follow-on funding, and this year promises to be just as inspiring.

The showcases will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center. We'd love it if you could join us. Get your tickets here!

If it fits your messaging, we could use your help sharing the event with your network. You can share the above link directly, orÌýÌý. We have also prepared a promotional kit with sample posts, newsletter blurbs, flyers and more if that would be useful.

Thank you for helping us spread the word about this opportunity to see CU’s next wave of breakthrough startups.

Warm regards,
[Signature]