2026 New Venture Challenge Finals Event Program
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2026 New Venture Challenge Finals at the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Theater
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tonight’s Emcee: Kristin Salada
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Schedule of Events
Opening remarks
- Justin Schwartz, Chancellor, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½
Program overview
- Stan Hickory, Director, CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative
Open Category Finalist Pitches
- Finalist Ventures: Aspect, Pantile and Watch Post
Live voting for the $5,000 Audience Choice Award
- Vote live to help choose the $5,000 Audience Choice Award!
Deep Tech Category Finalist Pitches
- Finalist Ventures: Ptarmigan Clockworks, Arkana Theraputics, Kioga
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards
Entrepreneurial Mentor Award
- Presenter: Maria Goergen, Co-president, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Venture Club
Recognizing an outstanding entrepreneurial mentor who demonstrates the ability to go above and beyond in mentoring CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ entrepreneurial students, faculty, staff and startup teams.
Frank Moyes Award
- Presenter: Sam Benton, Co-president, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Venture Club
Recognizing an outstanding faculty or staff member who have demonstrated exceptional interest and accomplishments in innovation and entrepreneurship during their time at CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.
Fletcher Richman Award
- Presenter: Maria Goergen, Co-president, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Venture Club
Recognizing an outstanding student who has demonstrated exceptional interest and accomplishments in innovation and entrepreneurship during their time at CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½.
Community Champion Award
- Presenter: Melanie Lo, Base 44
Recognizing a community member who has gone above and beyond to support the work of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative.
Spotlight on the 2026 High School New Venture Challenge
- 2026 Winning Venture: AquaPuck
Audience Choice AwardÌý
- Presenter: Stan Hickory
Open Category Awards
- 3rd ±Ê±ô²¹³¦±ð…â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦...........…Presenter: Shay Har-Noy
- Runner Up ……….............Presenter:ÌýAdeeb Khan
- 1st ±Ê±ô²¹³¦±ð…â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦..............Presenter:ÌýRithi Prabhu
Deep Tech Category Awards
- 3rd ±Ê±ô²¹³¦±ð…â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦...............Presenter:ÌýZeb King
- Buff Gold Prize…............Presenter: Sally Hatcher
- 1st ±Ê±ô²¹³¦±ð…â¶Ä¦â¶Ä¦...............…Presenter:ÌýKelly Coyne
Closing Remarks
- Stan Hickory
About the New Venture Challenge (NVC)
The New Venture Challenge (NVC)—a signature program of CU ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½â€™s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative—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!