Alchemist Accelerator, an enterprise-focused startup accelerator, has teamed up with the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to launch Alchemist Chicago. This new accelerator aims to bring scientific breakthroughs from the lab to market.
This 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.
Alchemist Chicago will support early-stage ventures in quantum, AI, cleantech, robotics, and other deep tech sectors, transforming discoveries into real-world impact. And the program is open to global founders, with no university affiliation required.
The accelerator features a two-phase program designed to validate ideas, build traction, and prepare for future fundraising efforts.
Founders will receive tailored coaching and mentorship from industry experts, including entrepreneurial training from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and opportunities to connect with talent from the highly ranked business school. Plus, benefits include access to Microsoft and Google credits, up to $50,000 in investment, and connections to the extensive founder and investor networks of both UChicago and Alchemist.
Applications are now open and will close on September 5, 2025.
KEY QUOTES:
“The launch of Alchemist Chicago joins a series of investments that together provide all the needed components for early-stage ventures to grow and thrive. Partnering with a Bay Area accelerator will bring a new perspective and opportunities to our startups here in the Midwest.”
“With ground-breaking research, startup support, funding, and dedicated space, the commercialization ecosystem on the South Side of Chicago has cemented itself as a critical force for innovation, and we’re excited to see it continue to flourish.”
Samir Mayekar, managing director of the Polsky Center
“We’re thrilled to encourage entrepreneurship around foundational technology. As software becomes increasingly commoditized with AI, the frontier of innovation is shifting toward deep tech. This program is designed to unlock the incredible resources of the University of Chicago to unleash applied innovation on a global scale.”
Ravi Belani, CEO of Alchemist Accelerator and a lecturer at Stanford University
