USA

Alchemist Chicago

Application Deadline: August 20, 2026

Program Start Date: October 19, 2026

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Program Overview
Alchemist Chicago gives technical founders the training, capital, and network to take deep tech from lab to market — a partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago. Quantum founders also gain access to Duality, the nation's first accelerator built exclusively for quantum startups.
Find your fit

Which path is right for you?

One program. One application. Here is what it means depending on what you are building.

Deep Tech

Building deep tech?

You have built the technology. Now close the gap between breakthrough and business. Alchemist Chicago combines the University of Chicago's research ecosystem with Alchemist's Silicon Valley network, which has helped portfolio companies raise over $1B in follow-on funding.
Quantum

Building in quantum?

Chicago is where quantum is happening. Apply to Alchemist Chicago, and if you advance, your experience is shaped by both Alchemist and Duality, the nation's first quantum accelerator, built directly into the program for quantum founders.

Program Details

Everyone starts here

Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp

Up to 30 startups will be selected for a one-week immersive Bootcamp in Chicago, featuring customer discovery training, investor readiness workshops, founder coaching, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders, investors, and corporate partners. Participants gain co-working space at the UChicago Science Incubator, entrepreneurial training from world-class professors, IP strategy support, grant-writing advising, and access to University of Chicago student talent.

The Bootcamp is where startups earn their place in Alchemist Chicago. Up to 15 teams will advance based on team strength, market opportunity, technology differentiation, traction, and readiness to scale, making the week not just a training ground, but a proving ground.

Up to 15 teams advance
Deep Tech - Alchemist Chicago

Up to 15 startups that advance join a structured curriculum launching in January 2027, with dedicated mentorship, investor engagement, founder retreats, and access to the global Alchemist network, designed to help deep tech startups accelerate commercialization, secure customers, and raise capital.

They receive a $50K SAFE investment, co-working space in San Francisco, $1M+ in perks from Microsoft, Google, and others, plus access to Alchemist and UChicago Fundraising Resources and lifetime global community membership.

Quantum - Alchemist Chicago + Duality

Duality is the first program in the U.S. exclusively focused on supporting innovative quantum startups. The program is based in Chicago, the world's leading hub for quantum innovation, and is backed by Alchemist.

Quantum startups that advance after the bootcamp benefit from the resources of both Duality and Alchemist Chicago, plus a $50k SAFE.

Duality benefits include:

  • Business training from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Polsky Center
  • Mentorship from 55+ experienced entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and quantum experts
  • Industry connections and access to corporate partners, investors, and Chicago's growing quantum ecosystem
  • Technical and commercialization support through a partnership with IBM for select companies, including workshops, mentoring, and access to IBM Quantum System Two
  • Access to talent, facilities, and potential additional IBM Ventures funding for selected startups
Learn more about Duality.

Eligibility

All applicants

Pre-seed or Seed-stage deep tech startups.
Technical founding teams of at least two co-founders.
Ability to attend the Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp in-person in Chicago (October 2026).
Global founders welcome; must obtain appropriate visas and be fluent in English.
No University of Chicago affiliation required.

Depending on your path

Ability to attend the Alchemist Chicago and its two in-person immersions in San Francisco, if selected.
Ability to attend the Duality in-person sessions (If a quantum company).

Program Timeline

Shared for all founders

Applications open
Info session
Register Here
Info session
Register Here
Application deadline
Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp
Start Date: October 19, 2026
Finalists Selected
(Following Post-Bootcamp Evaluation)

Deep Tech - Alchemist Chicago

Program Dates: January - July 2027

ALCHEMIST CHICAGO

Hybrid, San Francisco

In-Person Week 1
In-Person Demo Day / Fundraising Bootcamp

Quantum - Alchemist Chicago + Duality

Program Dates: December 2026 - July 2027

DUALITY

Hybrid, Chicago

In-Person Duality Kickoff
In-Person Corporate Collision Event
UChicago Demo Day

Program Features

Expert Mentorship

Individualized mentorship from Alchemist Partners, University of Chicago faculty, sector specialists, and global deep tech operators.

Personalized Growth

A carefully selected cohort and structured experience — Bootcamp followed by structured time in San Francisco — ensure a tailored path, from entrepreneurial training to co-working support and sector-specific commercialization guidance.

Global Network

Lasting connections through Alchemist’s community, the Polsky Center’s research ecosystem, University of Chicago’s student engagement, national lab partnerships, and more.

Investor Access

Structured fundraising support, curated investor introductions, a $50K SAFE investment for founders who advance, and more than $1M in partner perks from Microsoft, Google, and others.

How It Works

01 Apply with Your Vision
Alchemist Chicago is a structured path for founders to scale through mentorship, community, and fundraising opportunities.
02 Join the Bootcamp
Up to 30 startups will be selected for the Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp, gaining access to entrepreneurial training, co-working space, IP support, grant-writing services, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders and investors.
03 Grow with Mentors & Network
If you advance, your experience will include weekly check-ins, expert talks, personalized mentoring, and commercialization support, creating a rich environment for learning and growth. 15 startups will advance — and, for quantum companies, continue in the Duality accelerator concurrently — with a $50K SAFE investment and expanded perks.
04 Alchemist and UChicago Fundraising Resources
Alchemist Chicago culminates in an intensive Fundraising Bootcamp in San Francisco — but support continues through lifetime membership in Alchemist’s global founder community and the University of Chicago ecosystem. Quantum founders also participate in specialized Duality Demo Day, programming, and events throughout the full year.

Moments From The Program

Alchemist Chicago cohort and Polsky Center team together at a marina event in San Francisco
Founders and team members gathered at an Alchemist Chicago event
Founders attending an Alchemist Chicago workshop session
Alchemist Chicago Cohort Group Photo
FAQ

Before You Begin

Who is Alchemist?
Alchemist is a global venture-backed launchpad focused on scaling seed-stage startups that monetize from enterprises. We invest in technically-differentiated founding teams and provide a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community. Since our founding, Alchemist portfolio companies have raised over $1B in follow-on funding. For more information, visit alchemistaccelerator.com.
Who is the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation?
The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Dedicated to supporting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community-based entrepreneurs, the Polsky Center helps founders navigate the complex process of bringing new products, services, and research to market. For more information, visit polsky.uchicago.edu.
Why are Alchemist and the Polsky Center partnering for this program?
Alchemist and the Polsky Center are partnering to bridge world-class research with real-world impact. By combining the University of Chicago’s deep scientific expertise and research ecosystem with Alchemist’s global network and Silicon Valley best practices, this collaboration helps transform cutting-edge deep tech innovation into scalable, venture-ready startups. Together, we offer founders something neither organization could provide alone: rigorous academic resources paired with hands-on commercialization support and global investor access.
What is the Alchemist Chicago program?

Alchemist Chicago is the premier foundational tech launchpad, run in partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, backed by Alchemist. It features:

  • Bootcamp (October 2026): A one-week immersive experience in Chicago during which founders receive entrepreneurial training, mentorship, IP support, and access to the University of Chicago ecosystem. At completion of the Bootcamp, 15 companies will advance to the next stage:

  • Alchemist Launchpad (January 2027 – Spring 2027): a structured curriculum that provides personalized mentorship, investor engagement, two in-person immersions in San Francisco, and a $50K SAFE investment.

    Quantum startups are considered for Duality, a quantum accelerator, and receive additional benefits.



What is Duality?
Founded in 2021, Duality is the nation's first accelerator built exclusively for quantum startups. Based in Chicago — the world's leading hub for quantum innovation — Duality is powered by the Polsky Center and the broader Chicago quantum ecosystem. See "For Quantum Founders" above for what Duality includes and how it connects to the rest of Alchemist Chicago. Learn more at dualityaccelerator.com
How does the selection process work?
Selection happens in two stages. First, up to 30 startups are chosen for the Bootcamp based on team strength, market opportunity, technology differentiation, and early traction. Second, during the Bootcamp, those startups are evaluated on how well they validate their business strategy, refine their growth plans, and demonstrate readiness to scale — and up to 15 advance to the next stage. Bootcamp participation does not guarantee advancement.
What does it cost to join?
The Bootcamp is offered at no cost to selected startups. For companies that advance, we anticipate most will grant 4% equity to participate, though flexible terms are offered. All finalists also receive a $50K SAFE investment. There is no cost associated with the Duality accelerator.
Who should apply?
Pre-seed or seed-stage deep tech startups with a technical founding team of at least two co-founders. We welcome global founders — no University of Chicago affiliation is required. See "Eligibility" above for in-person attendance requirements.
When do applications open?
Applications open July 13, 2026, and close August 20, 2026. We encourage early applications as spots are limited.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Reach out to us at chicago@alchemistaccelerator.com. You can also attend one of our upcoming info sessions to learn more and connect with the team directly.

By the
numbers

25+

Startups per cohort

Explains the key stages of the Alchemist journey — from application to successful launch.

178M

Average funding raised post-program

50+

Active Members

Mentors & Partners

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Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan

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Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan

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Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan

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Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan

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Testimonials

Thoughts From Our Startups

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"Alchemist completely reshaped how we approached growth. The mentorship, structure, and constant feedback gave our team the clarity and confidence to scale globally."
Daniel H
Founder of Flowbit
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"Alchemist completely reshaped how we approached growth. The mentorship, structure, and constant feedback gave our team the clarity and confidence to scale globally."
Daniel H
Founder of Flowbit
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"Alchemist completely reshaped how we approached growth. The mentorship, structure, and constant feedback gave our team the clarity and confidence to scale globally."
Daniel H
Founder of Flowbit

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