The Insider: Researchers, Inventors and Creators Edition—October 2025

A lively conversation between Brad Feld (Managing Director, Foundry Group; Techstars co-founder; and author of Give First) and Brad Bernthal (Executive Director of Silicon Flatirons and Associate Professor at Colorado Law). Feld’s latest book, Give First, traces how a deceptively simple idea born in Boulder—i.e., that entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors would freely give their time, expertise, and connections without predefined terms of exchange—grew into a global startup norm.

Offered by Silicon Flatirons

This program is designed for bold and ambitious innovators looking to solve climate issues with next-generation technologies. This seven-week seminar series will bring experts to campus to discuss the next big business opportunities in climate tech. It is a prerequisite for BCV's "Venture Discovery" class in Spring 2026.

Offered by Boulder Climate Ventures

Now in its third year, the Startup Variety Show is one of the best ways to connect with Colorado’s Front Range innovation scene. It brings together ̽����Ƶ researchers, federal lab innovators, startup founders and technologists from established companies—all on one stage. The show highlights the region’s most creative minds and the ideas shaping what’s next.

Offered by ̽����Ƶ Silicon Flatirons

Join us at the Boulder Dairy Arts Center for the Lab Venture Challenge (LVC) Community Showcases, where teams of top innovators from CU will pitch to a panel of judges and a live audience for grants of up to $125,000—$750,000 in total funding—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 helped launch 64 new startups that have gone on to raise more than $350 million, including Darwin Biosciences, Manifest Technologies (prev. Vitro3D) and Mesa Quantum.

Offered by Venture Partners and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

Do you have an innovation that could make a difference? Whether a researcher, entrepreneur, inventor or problem solver, this workshop can help you transform your concept into a successful venture. Over three weeks, gain a deeper understanding of the commercialization process, test your ideas with real potential customers and accelerate your journey toward bringing your idea to market. This workshop is for anyone from a research or community institution—not just CU—motivated to bring their ideas to life, secure funding and create lasting impact.

Venture Partners and NSF I-Corps^TM Hub West