Upcoming community events
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Exponential Impact (XI) is where innovation thrives and connections flourish. As a leading force in Colorado’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, XI empowers startups, high-tech companies, coders, and innovators by providing invaluable opportunities to engage, collaborate, and grow. These community events bring together the brightest minds across the state, fostering an environment where ideas spark, partnerships form, and businesses accelerate. Whether you're seeking mentorship, funding insights, or simply a network of like-minded professionals, these events are designed to equip you with the resources and relationships to thrive in today’s dynamic tech landscape. Explore these upcoming events and join us in shaping the future of Colorado’s innovation economy!
Tech Connect: Coffee and Community - Holiday Edition
Please join us for our Tech Connect - Holiday Edition on Thursday, December 18th from 9am to 10:30am to celebrate another AMAZING year and the Holiday Season! We will have coffee, pastries and fruit to serve!
Open to local founders and tech-driven entrepreneurs!
At Exponential Impact (XI), we believe that innovation thrives through connection. That’s why we host The Tech Connect: Coffee & Community — a weekly gathering designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and tech startups who are shaping the future through new and emerging technologies.
Whether you’re developing AI solutions, building robotics, designing software, or exploring ways to improve business operations, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others on a similar journey.
Come for the coffee. Stay for the community. Let’s build something great together.
Click here to RSVP for Tech Connect - Holiday Edition on Thursday, December 18th
Survive & Thrive SPICE In-Person Application Assistance Session
If you’re planning to apply for the new Survive & Thrive SPICE Program but want guidance to make sure your application is rock-solid, this session is built for you. Bring your questions, your details, and your goals - we’ll walk through the application together so you can submit with confidence.
Click here to register for the Survive & Thrive SPICE In-Person Application Assistance Session
Lets Vibe at XI - AI Code Vibing
Where Builders Come to Share, Learn, and Level Up.
First & Third Tuesdays • 5–7 PM
Join us for a relaxed, community-driven meetup built for people who are creating, experimenting, and pushing their skills forward. Whether you’re working on a startup, writing code, learning AI tools, or exploring a new idea, this is your space to connect with others who are doing the same.
AI Skills Labs
In 2026, we are rolling out two no-fluff, hands-on AI workshops built specifically for small and midsized business owners who are tired of buzzwords and want real, usable skills. Led by Audrey Kerchner - AI consultant and strategist - these sessions cut through the hype and show business owners exactly how to put AI to work inside their operations. Every exercise is practical, guided, and focused on solving real problems that owners deal with every day.
Participants won’t sit back and listen - they will build, test, and implement as they go. By the end of each workshop, attendees walk out with ready-to-use prompts, clear AI strategies, and a stronger understanding of how to streamline tasks, improve output, and reclaim their time. It’s the kind of forward-thinking, roll-up-your-sleeves training that respects the way business has always been built: through real work, real tools, and real results that matter the moment you get back to the office.
These workshops will be limited to 25 total participants to ensure that instructor can attend to everyone. Each participant must bring a laptop with access to the latest AI tools in order to participate in the hands-on portions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THESE AI SKILLS LABS HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS
Lets Vibe at XI - Generative AI
Let’s Vibe at XI
Where Builders Come to Share, Learn, and Level Up.
First & Third Tuesdays • 5–7 PM
Join us for a relaxed, community-driven meetup built for people who are creating, experimenting, and pushing their skills forward. Whether you’re working on a startup, writing code, learning AI tools, or exploring a new idea, this is your space to connect with others who are doing the same.
Click here to learn more and register for Lets Vibe at XI - Generative AI
Women in Tech
We are excited to launch our first Women in Tech Event during the month of February, just in time for Valentine's Day! Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the women who lead with both innovation and heart - the builders, thinkers, and change-makers shaping the future of technology in Southern Colorado.
This special Women in Tech event brings together founders, technologists, and emerging tech leaders for a powerful night of connection, conversation, and community.
Click here to learn more and register for the Women in Tech event!
Brand DNA Workshop
This is a 2-part workshop to be held at Exponential Impact on February 19th and 26th, from 8am - 12pm. You will receive an invite from Luma for the first day and a second invite from us for the second day.
If you’re ready to get more conscious, strategic, and deliberate about the brand you’re building, this workshop is your moment. For growing small businesses, your brand isn’t just your logo or your product. It’s the promise you deliver every single day — and whether you realize it or not, your team, customers, vendors, and community already feel it.
Survive & Thrive SPICE Virtual Q&A Session
The Survive & Thrive SPICE Program is officially live, and local restaurant owners are already lining up to learn how this new initiative can give their business the boost it’s been missing. If you want the straight story on how SPICE works, what the funding looks like, and whether your restaurant qualifies, this session is for you.
Click here to register for the Survive & Thrive SPICE Virtual Q&A Session
Tech Connect: Coffee and Community
At Exponential Impact (XI), we believe that innovation thrives through connection. That’s why we host The Tech Connect: Coffee & Community — a weekly gathering designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and tech enthusiasts who are shaping the future through new and emerging technologies.
Whether you’re developing AI solutions, building robotics, designing software, or exploring ways to improve business operations, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others on a similar journey.
Join us every Thursday, 9:00–10:00 AM at Exponential Impact HQ, 3650 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Please RSVP so we have enough coffee and pastries using the link.
Come for the coffee. Stay for the community. Let’s build something great together.
Last Colorado AI Builders Meetup of 2025
⭐️ Partner Event
We will be back in Denver for the lastAI Builders Meetup of 2025!
We'll be returning again to VentureX Lodo.
As always, this event is free and open to all! With food and beverages thanks to our awesome sponsors. 🙌
Come see what people are building in Colorado and meet other builders.
Doors at 5 pm
Content starts at 5:45 pm
Food & drinks thanks to SVB!
Click here to register for the Last Colorado AI Builders Meetup of 2025
UCCS/CCTI Cybersecurity Research Exchange
Please join UCCS and CCTU on 9 December 2025 for the 4th annual Cybersecurity Research Exchange! Sponsored by UCCS C3 Innovation Lab and Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation (CCTI), this event will take place at CCTI Harvey House. Attendees will hear about cutting-edge cybersecurity research happening at UCCS and have the chance to interact with undergrad-grad students through posterboard discussions which is the highlight of this event. Food and drink will be provided and there will also be an industry keynote speaker to highlight current trends in cybersecurity and skills beneficial to employers in this high-tech area.
Click here to register for the UCCS/CCTU Cybersecurity Research Exchange
Cybersecurity First Friday
Exponential Impact is proud to host Cybersecurity First Friday at our HQ on North Nevada Avenue! This dynamic monthly event brings together professionals from across the cybersecurity and IT industries—whether you're just starting out or well into your career. Founded in 2018, Cybersecurity First Friday promotes meaningful collaboration between businesses, job seekers, and hiring organizations while fostering community, conversation, and career opportunities. Join us to connect, learn, and grow with one of the most active and impactful tech communities in Colorado!
Click here to register for the Cybersecurity First Friday event!
Fall XI Demo Day
Meet the next wave of Colorado founders as our XI Accelerator cohort takes the stage to showcase what they’ve built over the past several months. Expect crisp demos and pitches, and real traction - followed by purposeful networking with founders, mentors, investors, and community partners. If you care about innovation, this is your front-row seat.
What to expect
Live product demos & founder pitches
Investor, mentor, and partner networking
Light bites & refreshments
Who should attend
Investors, mentors, corporate innovators, ecosystem leaders, developers, students, and anyone excited to support Colorado’s startup community.
Why it matters
XI’s Accelerator pairs founders with capital-readiness programming, expert mentorship, and a give-first network. XI Demo Day is the moment their progress becomes public - come discover companies you’ll be hearing about next year.
Details
Date/Time: Thursday, November 13th, 5:00–8:00 PM MT
Venue: XI Downtown Office at Weidner Field (Downtown Colorado Springs)
Attire: Startup-smart casual
El Paso County Business Resources Panel
Join us for a free interactive panel discussion focused on key business resources available through El Paso County and regional partners.
Hear from our expert panel featuring representatives from El Paso County Economic Development and guest speakers from:
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
The Thrive Network
Exponential Impact
City of Colorado Springs Economic Development
Colorado Small Business Development Center Serving the Pikes Peak Region
Attendees are encouraged to engage with the presenters by asking questions during the session!
Whether you're launching a new business or looking to expand an existing one, this engaging event will offer valuable insights, interactive discussions, and resources to help you succeed!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EL PASO COUNTY BUSINESS RESOURCES PANEL
SBDC Veterans Small Business Conference
Please join the Colorado Small Business Development Center for the 18th Annual Veterans Small Business Conference. We’re excited to see veteran entrepreneurs gather at Great Wolf Lodge on November 7th to learn, grow, and succeed!
This event is a fantastic opportunity for veterans to leverage their skills and experience in the entrepreneurship world. We’re here to cheer you on and provide the resources you need to thrive.
Let’s empower our veterans to build successful businesses and strengthen our community together.
Click here to learn more and register for the SBDC Veterans Small Business Conference
Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition
Funding Details:
This is not a cash prize or AWS credits. Funding consists of AWS Partner resources — including technical architecture, solution development, and support services provided by PREDICTif in collaboration with AWS (eligibility and scope apply).
AI is transforming every industry — and now it’s your turn to take the stage.
Join us on Thursday, November 6, from 6:30–9:30 PM for Colorado’s premier AI competition, presented in partnership with the Colorado SBDC and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
This high-energy evening will spotlight the most promising AI ideas and projects from across our state. Whether you’re building a prototype, testing a model, or reimagining your business through AI, this is your opportunity to showcase your work and compete for up to $50,000 in AWS Partner funding and resources to help bring your idea to life.
The Final Boulder AI Builders of 2025
The next Boulder AI Builders is happening on Thursday, November 6 and it’s the last one of the year in Boulder.
This time, they will be joined by Anthropic as a special guest. More demos and talks to be announced soon.
They are thrilled to be back at Founders Collective, thanks to their friends at Drive Capital for hosting. The last few events have been packed, and this space has plenty of room for 250+, so bring your team, your curiosity, and your builder energy.
Click Here To Register For Boulder AI Builders on November 6th
XI Survive & Thrive Application Assistance Session
These Sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the XI Survive & Thrive Program and application process. Whether you're a potential participant seeking growth opportunities or an ambassador who's passionate about fostering local entrepreneurship, these sessions are tailor-made for you.
🔍 What to Expect:
Learn about the program's mission, structure, and impact.
Discover who qualifies and the criteria for participation.
Gain insights into the application process and what we're looking for.
Participate in guided application assistance and Q&A.
Receive assistance with your application.
By attending, you'll not only gain a deep understanding of the program's offerings but also connect with like-minded individuals!
Click Here To Register For The XI Survive & Thrive Application Assistance Session
4th Annual Spark the Springs
Join us for Colorado Springs’ 4th annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community! This year’s Roaring '20s themed gala brings together business leaders, startups, students, and changemakers for an unforgettable evening of connection and inspiration.
This year's celebration is presented by, SparksWillson P.C.
Event Highlights
Keynote: France Hoang, Co-Founder of Boodle AI
France is a veteran, entrepreneur, and national security expert who has helped launch companies that generated over $600M in sales. His experience spans AI, aerospace, defense, and government services—and his story will leave you inspired.
Startup Showcase — Sponsored by SVA Certified Public Accountants
Meet emerging Colorado Springs startups and explore what’s launching next in our business community. Interested in showcasing your venture? Email ldoster@uccs.edu.
2025 Torch Grant Announcement
Be there for the live reveal of this year’s Torch Grant recipient! The winner will share their vision and how they plan to impact Colorado Springs.
Networking, Photo Booth & DJ
Stay for the post-program celebration—grab a drink, take a photo, and connect with others who are shaping the future of the region.
Community Cork Board & Info Table
Bring flyers or event promos to share! A table and cork board will be available for attendees to showcase their work or organization.
What’s Included
Plated dinner & dessert with bartender access!
FREE Goat Patch beer!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL SPARK THE SPRINGS EVENT!
Emergent Campus - Women In Tech
Celebrating Women in Tech | October 22, 5–7 PM
Join our friends at Emergent Campus for a special Tech Night Out celebrating women in tech, featuring guest speaker Becca Williams, Founder and CEO of Menopausey.
This evening brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are shaping the future of technology across Southern Colorado.
Enjoy food, drinks, and networking in an inspiring space powered by collaboration and possibility—plus highlights from local women-owned businesses.
📍 Pax8 Office, 2nd Floor of Emergent Campus
🕔 5–7 PM | Wednesday, October 22
This evening is designed to celebrate women and women in tech, but it’s also a community-wide event. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration and be part of this night of connection and inspiration.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WOMEN IN TECH PRESENTED BY EMERGENT CAMPUS IN FLORENCE
XI Pitch Night
With a focus on community feedback and connections, these startup pitches range from the earliest ideas of a company to teams ready to raise venture capital. Come connect with others in the Colorado Springs entrepreneurship community, hear innovative ideas, and give helpful feedback to pitching entrepreneurs!
*XI is proud to provide pizza, and drinks to our community at no cost!
Please complete a free registration below if you plan to attend as a guest so we can prepare accordingly.
Harness Your Team's Creative Brain Capital for Economic Growth, presented by UCCS
From our friends at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs:
🧠 Harness Your Team's Creative Brain Capital for Economic Growth
Is business and higher education losing its creative edge? In the age of AI, American innovation is losing its legendary sense of wonder. Does your team know how to execute but lack the foresight to imagine what is next.
Join Theo Edmonds (Futurist in Residence at UCCS) as we explore product development, economic growth, cultural adaptability, expand human potential and increase ROI all through Creative Brain Capital (measurable capacity to generate, de-risk, and deploy novel ideas). As tech and AI move fast, be the team or individual ready to use it.
This will be a good seminar for individuals, and a GREAT seminar for teams. We highly encourage you to sign your executive team up.
When: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (followed by a reception)
Where: Ent Center for the Arts (UCCS Campus)
REGISTER FOR HARNESS YOUR TEAM’S CREATIVE BRAIN CAPITAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH EVENT
El Paso County Free Business Resources Panel Discussion
Join El Paso County Economic Development for a free business resources panel on Monday, September 29th at Library 21c. You will hear from El Paso County Economic Development and guest speakers from:
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center
City of Colorado Springs Economic Development
El Paso County Economic Development will share about the Enterprise Zone State Income Tax Credit Program and El Paso County Business Loan Fund Program.
Other panelists will share about their agencies’ free business resources and programs.
Whether you're launching a new business or looking to expand an existing one, this engaging event will offer valuable insights, interactive discussions, and resources to help you succeed.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EL PASO COUNTY FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES PANEL DISCUSSION
Den AI Summit
Last year, DenAI made history as the first city-led AI summit in the nation. This year, we’re back with a sharper focus and greater urgency. As cities across the U.S. face budget constraints, workforce shifts, and growing public skepticism, the question isn’t if we should modernize government — it’s how.
Join thought leaders from across AI, government, and academia as we move from ideas to action. Expect bold keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and an AI Showcase highlighting real solutions designed to make cities smarter, faster, and more resilient.
COS Rising 2025 - Pitch Competition and Happy Hour
Big ideas, bold pitches, and $15K on the line! Join us Sept 26 at Catalyst Campus for apps, drinks & a high-energy pitch showdown.
Overview:Get ready for an electrifying evening at the Pitch Competition and Happy Hour on Friday, September 26, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation.
We’re kicking things off with apps, drinks, and networking—then the spotlight turns to the main stage as emerging tech companies battle it out in a high-energy pitch showdown. Founders will go head-to-head, presenting their most innovative ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience.
At stake: $15,000 in prize funding ($10K for first place, $5K for second) to fuel their next stage of growth.
This is not just another pitch night—it’s a front-row seat to the future of innovation in Colorado Springs. Expect bold ideas, fierce competition, and the thrill of watching startups rise to the challenge.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COS Rising 2025 - Pitch Competition and Happy Hour
COS Rising 2025 -Software Delivery Discussion
Catalyst Campus invites you to a focused Software Delivery Discussion, exploring the unique challenges and solutions for delivering secure, mission-aligned software in the Department of Defense (DoD) ecosystem.
Led by partner experts, this session will highlight:
Best practices for delivering software in high-stakes environments
Compliance considerations and security requirements for DoD projects
Innovative approaches to accelerate timelines while meeting mission-critical needs
This program is designed to foster dialogue between defense professionals, software builders, and the broader innovation community on how to deliver software that is both cutting-edge and compliant with DoD standards.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COS Rising 2025 -Software Delivery Discussion
COS Rising 2025 - “Level-Up Virtual Reality” Lunch & Play
Take your lunch break to the next level with “Level-Up Virtual Reality” Lunch & Play at Catalyst Campus. From 12:00–1:30 PM, enjoy lunch, networking, and hands-on immersive VR experiences brought directly to The Lodge by Level Up Virtual Reality.
Step into racing simulators, try the Kat Walk VR treadmill, or tackle an escape-room challenge—all delivered through Level Up’s mobile services. It’s a chance to recharge midday, connect with peers, and experience the fun, innovative side of Catalyst Campus.
COS Rising 2025 - Startup Hike at Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Step away from your laptop and into the fresh Colorado air with our Startup Hike at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. This is your chance to connect with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in one of Colorado Springs’ most breathtaking outdoor spaces.
Instead of sitting in conference rooms, we’ll walk the trails—sharing ideas, building relationships, and finding inspiration among the striking red sandstone formations. Whether you’re seeking meaningful networking, a spark of creativity, or simply a healthy reset from your daily routine, this hike offers the perfect balance of community and nature.
COS Rising 2025 - AI Builders: Colorado Springs Edition
Exponential Impact is proud to host the first-ever Colorado AI Builders event in Colorado Springs this September!
This free event brings together founders, developers, innovators, and enthusiasts who are building the future with artificial intelligence. Whether you’re coding, launching, investing, or just curious, this is your chance to see what people are creating right here in Colorado.
COS Rising 2025 - Problem to Prototype
Have an idea? Turn it into action in just one day.
Problem to Prototype is a Rapid Digital App Sprint where innovators, problem-solvers, and aspiring entrepreneurs team up to tackle real community challenges and create clickable software prototypes—no coding required.
Over the course of the day, you’ll move fast through ideation, sketching, prototyping, and pitching. Along the way, you’ll build new skills, make valuable connections, and experience the energy of turning ideas into reality.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COS Rising 2025 - Problem to Prototype
Tech Connect: Coffee & Community
At Exponential Impact (XI), we believe that innovation thrives through connection. That’s why we host The Tech Connect: Coffee & Community — a weekly gathering designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and tech enthusiasts who are shaping the future through new and emerging technologies.
Whether you’re developing AI solutions, building robotics, designing software, or exploring ways to improve business operations, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others on a similar journey.
Join us every Thursday, 9:00–10:00 AM at Exponential Impact, 3650 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Please RSVP so we have enough coffee and pastries using the link.
Come for the coffee. Stay for the community. Let’s build something great together.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR TECH CONNECT: COFFEE AND COMMUNITY
COS Rising 2025 - Failure Fest and Dinner
Failure is not an if but a when for every entrepreneur. What matters most is how we respond—what we learn, how we recover, and how those lessons shape our journey forward.
Join us for Failure Fest, an evening of honest conversations and shared experiences, held in the beautiful Ent Center for the Arts – Ross Lobby. Over a full catered dinner, we’ll hear a short story from a guest speaker about how failure became one of their most powerful tools. Then, we’ll dive into meaningful table discussions with peers about our own failures, recoveries, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Expect open dialogue, laughter, and insights that prove failure isn’t the end—it’s the spark for growth, resilience, and future success.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COS Rising 2025 - Failure Fest and Dinner
COS Rising 2025 - What's your problem? Workshop
Every day, we face more problems than we can count—whether in business, relationships, technology, or life. But what if those problems could become opportunities for growth?
Join Luke Doster for this interactive “What’s Your Problem?” Workshop, where you’ll dive deep into one of the challenges you’re currently facing in your business or career. Together, we’ll begin mapping a path forward so you can move from stuck to solved.
This is not a lecture—it’s a hands-on, collaborative session designed to help you think differently, get fresh perspectives, and leave with actionable next steps.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COS Rising 2025 - What's your problem? Workshop
COS Rising 2025 -The History of Entrepreneurship in Colorado Springs
Join us for an engaging talk with historian John Harner as we dive into the entrepreneurial roots of Colorado Springs. From the city’s founding and the story of the railroad to the influence of visionaries like Nikola Tesla and the Penrose family, this session will explore how innovation, business, and technology have shaped Colorado Springs over the decades.
This event isn’t just about history—it’s about understanding how the city’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire today’s founders, builders, and business leaders.
COS Rising 2025
COS Rising 2025 is a 3-day celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community in Colorado Springs. Designed for founders, startups, and tech-driven thinkers, the event features interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and unique experiences that highlight both the challenges and triumphs of building something new.
From tackling real-world problems and sprinting through rapid app development, to embracing lessons learned from failure and exploring the city’s entrepreneurial roots, COS Rising brings together the people and ideas shaping the future.
A collaboration between Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation, El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC), and Exponential Impact, this event unites organizations dedicated to celebrating innovation and strengthening the startup community.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE COS RISING 2025 EVENTS
Colorado AI Builders
The AI Builders crew has teamed up with Colorado Startup Week for a full-day mini AI conference as part of the official agenda. 🚀 September 17th! Mark your calendar.
This is Colorado's biggest startup event, and they have a FULL DAY of practical, founder‑led AI content — capped by a special edition of our AI Builders meetup that will feature some of Colorado’s leading early‑stage AI companies (plus a special guest appearance from Google DeepMind).
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR COLORADO AI BUILDERS AT COLORADO STARTUP WEEK
Colorado Startup Week Kickoff Party
Celebrate the start of Colorado Startup Week with us at our Kickoff Party! 🥳🎉
Join founders, investors, community leaders and innovators from across the state for an evening of networking, music and celebration! Erik Mitisek (Co-Founder of CSW) and Micah Mador (Director of Community, CSW) will also set the stage for an unforgettable week of innovation and connection. Enjoy great music, drinks, food trucks and more!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR COLORADO STARTUP WEEK KICKOFF PARTY