The University of Chicago and Station F have launched a new summer startup internship program that will place 25 University of Chicago undergraduate students with 16 French technology startups in Paris.
The program will provide fully funded summer internship experiences with startups across sectors, including artificial intelligence, climate technology, fintech, government technology, e-commerce, health technology, cybersecurity, and education technology.
The initiative is offered through the University of Chicago’s Metcalf Program and brings together the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UChicago Career Advancement, and the John W. Boyer Center in Paris. The program also has support from the French Consulate in Chicago.
Station F, located near the University of Chicago’s Center in Paris, is widely regarded as the world’s largest startup campus. The campus serves as a hub for entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and innovation partners from around the world.
The 25 selected students have been matched with startups based on their backgrounds, interests, and skills. The internships are full-time and project-based, giving students the opportunity to work directly with founders and startup teams on business and technology challenges.
In addition to their internship placements, students will participate in professional programming designed to introduce them to the French and European innovation ecosystems. This may include founder talks, meetings with industry professionals, networking events, and activities connected to Paris’s broader entrepreneurial community.
The participating startups include WhiteLab Genomics, PolicyMate, Sonalyze, Trakx, Sold Out, VREAD, &Swapp, ChargeViz, Tremau, Vireo, Prilow, MediaDatak / MusicDatak, Scorton, Symbiose Management, AIDIE, and Diane AI.
The program builds on the University of Chicago’s growing presence in Paris and its commitment to international education, research, and collaboration. The University’s Center in Paris was established in 2003 and serves as its hub for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The initiative is designed to create a new pathway for University of Chicago undergraduates to gain global entrepreneurial experience while strengthening ties between the university, Station F, the French Consulate in Chicago, and the broader French innovation ecosystem.
KEY QUOTES:
“This program reflects the University’s commitment to expanding opportunities for UChicago students to engage with entrepreneurship on a global scale.”
“By connecting students with innovative startups at Station F, we are helping them build practical skills, gain a broader global perspective, and better understand how venture creation happens across different markets and innovation ecosystems.”
Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
“Paris is proud to welcome this new program, which speaks to the vitality of a bond our two cities have shared for decades.”
“By bringing together the academic excellence of the University of Chicago and the entrepreneurial energy of Station F, we are giving tomorrow’s talents the tools to understand, to innovate, and to build bridges across the Atlantic.”
Emmanuel Grégoire, Mayor of Paris
“Our companies are building international teams and businesses from day one.”
“We’re excited to welcome University of Chicago students to Station F and give them the opportunity to work with some of our top startups on campus.”
Roxanne Varza, Director of Station F
“This program between the University of Chicago and Station F opens a new chapter in the longstanding and already dense relation of the University of Chicago with the French research and innovation ecosystem.”
“As a neighbor of the Center in Paris and as a flagship of French tech excellence, Station F seems to be a natural partner to weave together the next generation of American and French startups.”
Charlotte Montel, Consul General of France in Chicago
