Catalyst Incubator
This 16-week program empowers early-stage student founders at CU Denver to transform a validated business idea into an investment-ready venture.
Discover the structure, resources, and support you need to build a startup that lasts through the Catalyst Incubator at the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship.
This program will help you refine your validated business idea and get after your ideal customers, funding opportunities, a customized go-to-market strategy, and operational success. Each week consists of either a two-hour workshop led by an expert guest speaker or a one-hour meeting with your team’s dedicated mentor. It all leads up to Demo Day in March, where all participating teams will pitch their refined businesses and share a minimum viable product (MVP) to potential investors.
Benefits of participating:
- Weekly expert-led workshops & mentor meetings
- Free use of open workspace
- Equity-free membership
- Peer-to-peer accountability
- Networking opportunities
- Pitch to investors to secure funding
Applications are due by midnight on Thursday, Oct. 8th.
Timeline & Application Requirements
To qualify and participate in this program, all individuals and teams must:
- Submit a detailed business plan,
- Legally establish a business entity,
- Interview after applying,
- Attend biweekly workshops on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.,
- Meet with a mentor every other week for the entirety of the program, and
- Attend the in-person Demo Day in March
Please note that we cannot support businesses incompatible with the mission of the University of Colorado Denver.
Important Dates
Thursday, Oct. 8: Applications Due
Interviews will be scheduled during the week of Oct. 12-14
Thursday, Oct. 15: Cohort Announced
Monday, Oct. 19: Program Starts
October – March: Biweekly Workshops & Mentor Meetings
March 9 or 12: Demo Day