A seminar series designed to upskill and support underrepresented tech founders in the Denver area.
TechUp Seminars at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) are opportunities for local tech entrepreneurs to gain the latest skills and training needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Taught by Jake Jabs Center faculty and seasoned entrepreneurs, these seminars cover how to better optimize and grow your tech-based venture. Learn both the foundational business knowledge and innovative skills needed to commercialize tech-based products and services in Denver and beyond.
You can choose to attend any of the eight available topics (offered both in person and online), and completing five seminars will earn you a noncredit certificate in entrepreneurship. Topics span the many stages of tech entrepreneurship, from ideation and market research to commercialization and growth. Each seminar topic will be offered in multiple sessions throughout the year on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at various times.
This seminar series is part of the larger TechUp program. It is meant to provide community space and resources for BIPOC and underserved tech entrepreneurs, addressing their unique barriers to commercializing and driving adoption of the technology that they create.
What You'll Get:
- Two to three hours of experiential learning specifically tailored to tech-focused ventures led by BIPOC founders
- A noncredit certificate in entrepreneurship after completing at least five (5) seminars
- Guidance from some of Denver’s best entrepreneurs, industry experts, and venture capitalists
- Connections to local mentors, instructors, and like-minded peers to grow your network
- Preparation to apply and compete in the TechUp track for THE CLIMB | Startup Pitch Competition
- The opportunity to apply to the Rutt Bridges Venture Fund for startup funding
Upcoming Seminar Topics & Dates
Wednesday, June 5
9:00 to 11:30 AM | New Venture Leadership | Register
12:00 to 2:30 PM | Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
Tuesday, June 11
12:00 to 2:30 PM | Lean Digital Marketing | Register
Wednesday, June 12
9:00 to 11:30 AM | New Venture Operations | Register
Tuesday, June 18
12:00 to 2:30 PM | Market Research | Register
Thursday, June 20
9:00 to 11:30 AM | Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Thursday, June 27
9:00 to 11:30 AM | Business Planning and Pitching | Register
12:00 to 2:30 PM | New Venture Project Management | Register
Tuesday, July 2
9:00 to 11:30 AM | Mission-Driven and Social Entrepreneurship | Register
12:00 to 2:30 PM | Lean Digital Marketing | Register
Wednesday, July 10
5:30 to 8:00 PM | New Venture Leadership | Register
Thursday, July 11
9:00 to 11:30 AM | New Venture Operations | Register
Tuesday, July 16
5:30 to 8:00 PM | Business Planning and Pitching | Register
Wednesday, July 17
12:00 to 2:30 PM | Funding Sources and Entrepreneurial Finance | Register
Wednesday, July 24
12:00 to 2:30 PM | New Venture Project Management | Register
Thursday, July 25
5:30 to 8:00 PM | Market Research | Register
Requirements & Eligibility
These seminars are scheduled to run for two and a half hours on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the year. Some will be offered in person and some will be offered virtually (via Zoom). While there is no cost to attend, advanced registration is required.
You must be an entrepreneurial professional with an active venture, startup, or small business that leverages technology. Specifically, these seminars are best suited for those who identify in one or more of the following groups:
- Black or African American
- Asian
- Hispanic or Latinx
- Indigenous/Alaskan Native
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- LGBTQ+
- Women
- People with Disabilities
More About TechUp
The Jake Jabs Center’s TechUp Seminars are part of an EDA grant-funded program offered in partnership with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO), Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network (BEN), and the Colorado Thought Leaders Forum (CTLF). It is a multitiered build-to-scale program focused on tech entrepreneurship, mentorship, education, ideation, business incubation, and other opportunities specifically for underrepresented, tech-focused founders across the Denver metro area.
To learn more about other phases of the program, please check out Access Mode and the Denver ScaleUp Network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These seminars are offered free to all participants.
Each seminar is scheduled to run for 2.5 hours in the morning, afternoon, or evening on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the year.
Yes. You will receive a non-transcripted credential after completing at least five (5) TechUp seminars.
You must register in advance for each TechUp Seminar you wish to attend via Startup Space.
For more information, please email us at jakejabs.center@ucdenver.edu.