Part of the recipe for success in any robust startup scene is a major university, and that’s why CU Boulder is proud to be part of Boulder Startup Week as the University Track sponsor. The University not only helps prepare and educate over 33,000 talented students, but we have $500B of sponsored research happening on campus, which translates into lots of problem solving and potential for tech transfer and commercialization (aka new startups). In fact, did you know we reached a new record of 47 licenses last year!
Sarabeth Berk, Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Initiative, is super excited to be leading the University Track and collaborating with colleagues across campus to design amazing sessions for BSW. The I&E Initiative took root in the 2017-18 academic year with the aim of providing more entrepreneurial experiences for anyone, and we’re living that goal.
The Boulder startup community may have noticed the explosion of the New Venture Challenge this year where we gave $75k to the winning student venture and hosted a knockout championship event at the Boulder Theater, our first time crossing campus lines. I think you’ll agree that the University is taking great steps to bridge campus interests with Boulder startups and entrepreneurs, and the I&E Initiative is helping drive this effort.
For BSW 2018, the University Track is where academics collide with entrepreneurs (in startup speak, this is where theory meets practice). We have a great variety of sessions that will challenge perceptions and open important dialogues. Here are a few highlights to spark your interest:
- Startup Family Feud: BSW edition– this will be live gameshow where all the trivia comes directly from the Boulder startup ecosystem. Come test your knowledge and see two “startup families” (local entrepreneurs and personalities) compete against one another. Complete the poll to provide your answers to the trivia questionshttp://bit.ly/BSWfamilyfeud.
- What They Don’t Teach You About Entrepreneurship in School– Ventures who went through Catalyze CU, our campus accelerator program, will talk about lessons they’ve learned as student entrepreneurs.
- Product Design Critique- Student designers in a product and strategic communications program will provide free, hour-long consults, you must sign-up in advance.
- New Venture Challenge 2.0: Leveling up- What should it be? Now that NVC has tripled in size, we could use your creative thinking as to how to improve this program.
- Co-conspirators meeting– Come have a free lunch with us at The Taj and talk about how the University and the community can be more conspiratorial together. Limited space available. Must register in advance.
- Secrets and Pitfalls to Taking your Venture Global– How do you take your company global and startup abroad? This session will answer your burning questions.
See a full listing of the University Track sessions
We can’t wait for another great BSW where we connect the campus and Boulder community.
