Alchemist is a global venture-backed accelerator focused on accelerating seed-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises (not consumers). We invest in enterprise companies with distinctive technical founders and provide founders a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community during the 6-month program.

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. We are dedicated to supporting students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as other entrepreneurs and community-based small business owners in navigating 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 University of Chicago are partnering to bridge world-class research with real-world impact. By combining UChicago’s deep scientific expertise and Alchemist’s global accelerator network, the program helps transform cutting-edge innovation into scalable, venture-ready startups.

What is the Alchemist Chicago program?

The Chicago program is a two-phase accelerator designed to help deep tech startups validate their market, gain traction, and prepare for fundraising through a partnership between Alchemist and the University of Chicago.

Why is the quantum track called Duality?

Duality, founded in 2021, is the first accelerator program in the US exclusively focused on supporting innovative quantum startups. The program is based in Chicago, the world’s leading hub for quantum innovation. Duality is joining forces with Alchemist to unite the best of the Quantum ecosystem in the US with the power of Silicon Valley. In addition to Alchemist's resources, startups in the Duality track will receive additional perks and benefits.

What does it cost to join?

For companies selected for Phase 2, we anticipate most will grant 4% equity to participate, but we have flexible terms. Phase 2 companies will also receive a $50,000 investment.

Alchemist Chicago

A premier launchpad for foundational and deep tech innovation.

Program Details

Alchemist Chicago connects deep tech founders to Silicon Valley best practices, capital pathways, and the University of Chicago’s world-class research, talent, and national laboratory ecosystem.

Up to 30 startups are selected for Phase 1, with up to 10 advancing to Phase 2.
Participants gain co-working space at UChicago, entrepreneurial training from world-class professors, IP strategy support, grant-writing advising, and access to University of Chicago student talent.
Phase 2 founders receive a $50K SAFE investment, co-working space in San Francisco, $1M+ in perks from Microsoft, Google, IBM, and others, plus access to Alchemist's Demo Day, and lifetime global community membership.
Quantum startups are strongly encouraged to apply, supported by Duality—the nation’s first quantum accelerator—alongside IBM partnerships, commercialization support, and investor networks.

Eligibility

Pre-seed or Seed-stage deep tech startups.
Technical founding teams of at least two co-founders.
Ability to attend Phase 1 in-person in Chicago.
Ability to attend Phase 2 and its two retreats in San Francisco.
Global founders welcome; must obtain appropriate visas and be fluent in English.
No University of Chicago affiliation required.

Timeline

Applications Open: Summer 2026

Application Deadline: Summer 2026

PHASE 1 — Key Dates

Kickoff: October 20, 2025
In-Person: October 27–31, 2025
Final Showcase: December 10, 2025

PHASE 2 — Key Dates

Kickoff: Late January 2026
In-Person: 1 week in late January 2026
Demo Day: May 2026

Program Features

Fueling breakthrough founders with mentorship, capital pathways, and the momentum to turn foundational science into global impact.

Expert Mentorship

Individualized mentorship from Alchemist Partners, University of Chicago professors, national lab experts, sector specialists, and global deep tech operators.

Personalized Growth

A limited cohort size and two-phase structure ensure a tailored experience—from entrepreneurial training to co-working support and sector-specific commercialization guidance.

Global Network

Lasting connections through Alchemist’s community, Polsky's research ecosystem, UChicago's student engagement, national lab partnerships, and more.

Investor Access

Structured fundraising support, curated investor introductions, a $50K SAFE investment in Phase 2, and over $1M in partner perks from Microsoft, Google, IBM, and others.

How it works

Apply with your vision

Alchemist offers a structured path to mentorship, traction, fundraising, and community for founders building foundational technology.

Join the Cohort

Up to 30 startups join Phase 1 in Chicago, gaining access to entrepreneurial training, coworking space, IP support, grant-writing services, and University of Chicago student talent.

Grow With Mentors & Network

Weekly check-ins, expert talks, personalized mentoring, and commercialization support create a rich environment for learning and growth. Up to 10 companies advance to Phase 2 with expanded perks and investment.

Demo, Fundraise & Scale

Phase 1 concludes with a final showcase. Phase 2 culminates in Alchemist's Demo Day and continued scaling through lifetime membership in Alchemist’s global founder community and the University of Chicago ecosystem.

Mentors & Partners

Mark Sullivan

"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

"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

"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

Alchemist Chicago

A premier foundational tech launchpad in partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation—positioning breakthrough innovations for real-world impact.