Innovate CSU Week

April 13 - 15, 2026

A Week Dedicated to Creativity, Innovation, and Impact at Colorado State University

For three days, Colorado State University comes together to celebrate the ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial spirit shaping our campus and community.

Innovate CSU Week is a cross-campus initiative uniting student founders, faculty researchers, industry partners, and the Northern Colorado innovation ecosystem. From student pitch competitions to research commercialization and biotech breakthroughs, each day spotlights a different dimension of innovation at CSU.

Whether you are launching a startup, advancing research, exploring commercialization, or simply curious about what is being built at CSU, there is a place for you this week. All events are open to anyone to attend for FREE, so don’t miss out!

Monday, April 13

I4E Startup Showcase
Hosted by the College of Business Institute for Entrepreneurship
Register to Attend the I4E Startup Showcase Here!
What is the I4E Startup Showcase?

The I4E Startup Showcase (formerly the Venture RAMS Business Showcase) features six CSU student founders pitching their ventures in a live, fast-paced format. This event gives selected students the opportunity to present in front of a panel of judges and an audience made up of the CSU and Northern Colorado entrepreneurial communities. The showcase provides valuable exposure, feedback, and connections for student entrepreneurs while bringing together campus and community leaders to support emerging ventures.

  • 1st Place: $5,000
  • 2nd Place: $3,000
  • 3rd Place: $1,500
  • Himes People’s Choice Award: $1,500
  • Temple Grandin Impact Award: $1,000
  • Business for a Better World Award: $1,500
Agenda Highlights:

• 4:30PM – 5:00PM: Networking Happy Hour
• 5:00PM – 5:05PM: Welcome + Keynote
• 5:05PM – 6:15PM: Student Pitches
• 6:15PM – 6:30PM: Awards + Closing

  • Monday, April 13, 2026
  • 4:30PM - 6:30PM
  • CSU Lory Student Center Theater

This event is free and open to everyone. Registration is encouraged to help us plan for seating and logistics.

Tuesday, April 14

Demo Day
Hosted by CSU STRATA
Register To Attend CSU Demo Day Here!
What is Demo Day?

Celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship at CSU Demo Day! A premiere event that inspires and enriches the innovative community of CSU and Northern Colorado. Faculty, staff, and students, as well as alumni, business professionals, and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to engage with researchers and local emerging companies in and around our community. 

  • Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  • 10:30AM - 5:00PM
  • CSU Lory Student Grand Ballroom
Agenda Highlights:

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Innovation Showcase
Featuring selected CSU-affiliated start-up companies and a poster showcase highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship.

10:30-11:45 a.m. Blue Poster Session
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Gold Poster Session

1-2 p.m. Networking and Refreshments
Connect with local startup companies, organizations and presenters during the networking hour.

2-3:30 p.m. Demo Day Keynote and Awards
CSU Strata is excited to welcome Addison Stark, Co-Founder & CEO of AtmosZero, as the official keynote speaker for Demo Day 2026.

3:30-5 p.m. Demo Day Happy Hour
Join us for a networking experience to celebrate our winners, innovators and community during the Demo Day 2026 Happy Hour.

During the awards, CSU Strata will highlight the CSU faculty, staff, and students who have engaged in commercialization within the past year. This will include recognizing individuals who have been granted U.S. patents, had their technologies licensed, and launched new companies, as well as awarding the Showcase awards.

Wednesday, April 15

Biotech Showcase
Hosted by CSU Translational Medicine Institute
Register To Attend the Biotech Showcase Here!
What is the Biotech Showcase?

The Biotech Showcase at Colorado State University brings together emerging biotech ventures, researchers, industry partners, and investors to highlight innovation happening across campus. Attendees will hear directly from founders and research teams working on technologies in animal health, human health, diagnostics, therapeutics, and related fields. The showcase provides a space to explore collaboration, investment, and commercialization opportunities within CSU’s growing biotech ecosystem.

  • Wednesday, April 16, 2026
  • 1:00PM - 5:00PM
  • Translational Medicine Institute
Presenting Companies