University of Chicago Partners with Alchemist to Launch Innovation Program
The Alchemist Chicago accelerator program, a joint venture between Alchemist Accelerator and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, has been launched with the aim of supporting early-stage deep tech ventures in areas such as quantum computing, AI, cleantech, robotics, and other scientific breakthroughs. The primary goal is to help transform these advanced technologies from the lab into real-world market impact.
Key benefits of the program include tailored coaching and mentorship from industry and domain experts, along with entrepreneurial training from University of Chicago Booth School of Business faculty. Founders will also gain access to an extensive founder and investor network, combining both Alchemist’s global reach and UChicago’s ecosystem. Up to $50,000 in investment will be provided for startups selected in the program’s second phase, and significant credits from major corporate partners like Microsoft and Google will be made available, including cloud computing credits, IP strategy resources, and grant writing support.
Opportunities to engage with top university talent and fellows, benefiting from the Polsky Center’s resources and commercialization expertise, are also part of the package. The program is structured in two phases designed to validate ideas, build traction, and prepare startups for fundraising. It is open to founders globally without requiring university affiliation, emphasizing the combination of a Bay Area accelerator’s perspective with Midwest innovation.
Samir Mayekar, managing director of the Polsky Center, expressed his excitement about the encouragement of entrepreneurship around foundational technology. Ravi Belani, CEO of Alchemist Accelerator and a lecturer at Stanford University, shared his enthusiasm about the shift of innovation towards deep tech. The launch of Alchemist Chicago is part of a series of investments to support early-stage ventures, and its partnership with a Bay Area accelerator brings new perspectives and opportunities to startups in the Midwest.
The commercialization ecosystem on the South Side of Chicago, including Alchemist Chicago, is flourishing. Alchemist Chicago aims to bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to market by unlocking the resources of the University of Chicago for global applied innovation. The collaboration combines Alchemist's global network and success in B2B startups with the University of Chicago's top-tier research, national lab affiliations, and commercialization expertise.
Applications for Alchemist Chicago are now open and will close on September 5, 2025. Founders interested in joining this innovative program can apply on the Alchemist Chicago website. With its comprehensive support system and focus on deep tech, Alchemist Chicago acts as a foundational launchpad for scientific and enterprise tech startups, accelerating the growth and market readiness of breakthrough deep tech ventures.
- The Alchemist Chicago accelerator program, in collaboration with technology-focused education and self-development resources from the University of Chicago, aims to help early-stage deep tech ventures in areas such as quantum computing, AI, cleantech, robotics, and other scientific breakthroughs, transforming these advanced technologies from the lab into real-world market impact.
- Founders participating in Alchemist Chicago will benefit from the program's focus on education and self-development, including tailored coaching and mentorship from industry and domain experts, entrepreneurial training, and access to an extensive network of fellow founders and investors. Additionally, significant resources like up to $50,000 in investment, cloud computing credits from Microsoft and Google, and grant writing support are provided to selected startups.
