Learn about our 2026 winners!
The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature programÌýof the —is a launchpad for aspiring problem-solvers and creatives. Participants have the opportunity to build impactful ventures through entrepreneurial events and programming, community support, mentorship and the chance to compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding!
The 2026 New Venture Challenge (NVC) culminated in a final showcase on April 22 with a live audience cheering on Ä¢¹½Ó°Òô Boulder’s next exciting innovations. Six ventures competed for $336,000 at the event filled with big ideas, entrepreneurial passion and record-setting prize money.
- First Place: Arkana Therapeutics ($150,000)
- Second Place: Kioga ($75,000)
- Third Place: Ptarmigan Clockworks ($50,000)
- First Place Prize: WatchPost ($40,000)
- Second Place Prize: Pantile Investments ($10,000)
- Third Place Prize: Aspect ($6,000)
Past Winners
Participants represent majors and departments from across the university. From undergraduates to graduates, PhD candidates to postdocs, and faculty to staff, everyone is invited to pitch their idea.
With a world-class community of entrepreneurs, startupsÌýand established businesses in our backyard, Boulder is one of the best places to launch ideas because it resides at the intersection of a top research university, an internationally recognized startup communityÌýand one of the nation’s best cities in which to live.
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