The University of Colorado has opened the call for entries for its 2026 Innovation & Efficiency (CU I&E) Awards Program, inviting employees to submit projects that improve processes and save resources within the university system. Submissions are being accepted until March 31.
The CU I&E Awards Program aims to recognize initiatives that have led to time, cost, or effort savings across shared systems at the university. According to the Office of University Controller, “Every day, CU employees implement innovative ideas that save time, money and effort across our shared systems. The CU Innovation & Efficiency (CU I&E) Awards Program recognizes and celebrates these forward-thinking solutions, providing a platform to share success stories that inspire and benefit the entire CU community.”
Last year’s competition featured a variety of projects ranging from automated academic workflows to campuswide improvements in efficiency and communication. The top award in 2025 went to “Sustainability in Simulation Operations,” a project by Emily Bishop from CU Anschutz.
Winners this year will receive cash prizes up to $1,500. Both individuals and teams are eligible for consideration, with recipients selected by a judging panel.
“This is your opportunity to showcase your ingenuity and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement at CU,” stated the announcement.
Employees interested in participating can find more information about the program and submission guidelines through internal university channels.
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