Big ideas and bold minds take the stage at the HSNVC Finals
Innovative ideas were unveiled at the 2026 High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC)—powered by FirstBank Finals on April 19, where the top teams pitched their concepts and competed for $25,000 in CU Boulder scholarships.
A spin-off of CU Boulder’s nationally recognized New Venture Challenge, HSNVC engages with schools and communities across the state, offering opportunities designed specifically for Colorado high school students in support of entrepreneurial learning. The scope of the program increases annually; 87 teams from 14 regional high schools competed in this year’s HSNVC, and nearly 60 judges participated across the three levels of competition.
Twenty-four teams advanced to the semi-finals, which were held at Kittredge Central Hall on the CU Boulder campus. The day’s agenda for the teams included a tour of the campus and pitching their ventures to judges. Six finalist teams were selected to present in the Finals to a panel of judges and a live audience.
The finalist teams were awarded a total of $25,000 in CU Boulder tuition scholarships, including a $10,000 grand prize awarded to first-place winner AquaPuck. The six teams represented the following schools: Denver Jewish Day School, Epic Campus, Kent Denver School, Littleton High School, Stargate Charter School and VALE—Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
Expanding opportunities for high school students
Now in its third year, HSNVC is open to all high school students across Colorado, with a special focus on rural and underserved communities. Participation is completely free, and every aspect of the program is designed to foster creativity, confidence and opportunity—regardless of a student’s background or zip code, explained Leah Jean Shafer, program manager for CU Boulder’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative.
HSNVC is made possible by an ever-growing network of judges, mentors, educators, volunteers and partners who pour their time, insight and energy into supporting HSNVC.
“The continued, generous support of FirstBank—now a part of PNC, serves as the backbone of the High School New Venture Challenge, empowering students with the tools, confidence and real-world experience to turn ideas into action and step into the next generation of leadership,” said Shafer. “We are proud to partner with an organization so deeply committed to innovation and education and look forward to deepening this impactful collaboration in the years ahead.”
2026 HSNVC finalist teams
AquaPuck, a "puck" that attaches to a water bottle and connects to an app via bluetooth to help users track and meet water consumption goals and prevent dehydration (Kent Denver School)
GIFD, a platform for sharing unused loyalty restaurant points with teachers as a way to recognize and express appreciation (Stargate Charter School)
InternBridge, an AI-based platform to help students and businesses match and manage internships, (Denver Jewish Day School)
Pitch Perfect, an app to help high school students develop public speaking skills (Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (VALE)
Ski Sling, a lightweight, modular sling for carrying skis made from durable, recycled materials, (Epic Campus)
SnoPop, a tool that helps lock and unlock ski boot buckles when they are stiff, stuck or iced over after a long day of skiing, (Littleton High School)