Register for CU Innovation Day 2026, spotlighting science, art and entrepreneurship
CU Innovation Day, in partnership with Colorado Startup Week, returns Monday, Sept. 14, at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
The annual event brings together researchers and creative leaders from across the CU system, alongside partners for a day of conversations and connections with founders, funders and ecosystem builders who are driving Colorado’s innovation economy.
Attendees will discover high-potential startups, artists and research coming out of CU’s four campuses. Some 50 themed exhibits will fill Inspiration Hall, where art, science and startups share the space.
CU Innovation Day highlights include:
- A keynote from Bryan Leach, founder of Ibotta
- Founder spotlights from CU Boulder, CU Anschutz, CU Denver and UCCS
- A panel exploring CU and the future of the arts in the Rocky Mountain West, featuring Jeff Levine, head of audience development and experience at the Sundance Film Festival, and leading CU creatives
- Happy hour with featured innovators and community partners
CU Innovation Day
- When: Noon-5 p.m. (lunch 12:30-2 p.m.) Sept. 14
- Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
- RSVP
- Learn more about CU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative
For a preview of what to expect, read some of CU’s startup stories as featured on Colorado Public Radio.
Student opportunities
We’re looking for enthusiastic students to serve as Innovation Docents at CU Innovation Day on Sept. 14. This is a great role for students who are curious, reliable and love connecting people to ideas. It should be a great networking opportunity for a range of students. They can apply here by Aug. 29.