Innovation in real time: 2026 CU I&E Awards spotlight smart solutions
Every year, CU employees rethink, redesign and reimagine how we work. The CU Innovation & Efficiency (CU I&E) Awards celebrate those forward‑thinking improvements that save time, reduce waste, boost clarity and strengthen the university’s operations.
The 2026 program is officially open, and this year’s submissions already are capturing the spirit of ingenuity across CU’s campuses.
Here are three of the many new submissions to this year’s program:
- MechE MS Thesis Incentive & Milestones
A milestone‑based framework that clarifies the thesis process, improves communication and ties student progress to funding. The structure boosts accountability and has already saved the department over $100,000 in one year. - Sustainable Lab Equipment Reuse Marketplace
An internal marketplace that rehomes usable lab equipment instead of sending it to landfills. The system cuts waste, reduces purchasing costs and ensures valuable items stay in circulation. - Automating Advancement Report User Guides
A Copilot‑powered tool that converts business intelligence report metadata into ready‑made user guides. Documentation that once took days is now completed in hours, improving accuracy and freeing staff for higher‑value work.
Explore all current project submissions here.
In 2025, the top award went to Sustainability in Simulation Operations at CU Anschutz. Which campus will win top honors this year?
Up to $1,500 in cash prizes will be awarded by our judging panel.
Showcase your innovation and help shape CU’s next big improvement.
- Office of University Controller