The Insider: Researchers, Inventors and Creators Edition—March 2026

Upcoming Opportunities and Events at the University

Creative Futures Fellowship

��Pre-Application Workshop Deadline Tuesday, March 17
��More dates March-Sept.
��Projects must be led by faculty, staff or students eligible to serve as Principal Investigators

The new ��ñ�� Creative Futures Fellowship is designed for faculty researchers, inventors and creators in the��arts, humanities and social sciences. This fellowship offers grants of $5,000-$25,000, along with support and community, to��transform new ideas, creative works and social innovations into positive impact beyond ��ñ��. Eligible projects must be faculty-led and focused on delivering tangible outcomes that strengthen communities, advance positive social change or create economic opportunity.

Offered by Venture Partners

View of Earth from space with the sun rising over the planet’s horizon, casting bright rays across a star-filled sky.

National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Regional Meeting and Symposium: Quantum and Space, the Next Frontier

��March 23-24, Limelight Hotel, Boulder, Colorado
��All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

The convergence of quantum technologies and space applications presents both fundamental engineering challenges and transformative opportunities as laboratory-demonstrated systems transition to operational environments. Quantum-enabled capabilities promise orders-of-magnitude improvements in precision, resilience and performance for missions ranging from autonomous satellite operations to Earth observation, secure communications and scientific discovery.

Hosted by the ��ñ�� College of Engineering & Applied Science

Rocky Mountain landscape with snow-dusted peaks rising above a valley of golden aspen trees, a small lake in the foreground and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds overhead.

��March 30-April 3, ��ñ��, Boulder, Denver and Online
��All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

As Colorado emerges as a leader in clean technology, this four-day gathering will spotlight innovative solutions and catalyze bold climate action across sectors. Discover cutting-edge technology, forge strategic partnerships and shape the next wave of green innovation. The inclusion of Colorado in the title is intentional, reflecting a commitment to highlighting the state's scale, diversity and beauty, along with the broad range of expertise and talent distributed across it. Solutions are built collaboratively—across startups, cities, utilities, campuses and communities—and Climate Week 2026 is designed to showcase that collective effort.

In Partnership With and Select Events Hosted by ��ñ��

Starting Blocks Customer Discovery Workshop

��Application Deadline Thursday, April 2
��April 9-23, Virtual Opportunity
��All Are Welcome—CU Affiliation is Not Required

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.

Offered by Venture Partners and NSF I-Corps^TM Hub West

More Opportunities and Events