Alchemist Chicago will support early-stage ventures across quantum, AI, cleantech, robotics, and other deep tech industries, transforming discovery into impact.
By The Alchemist Team
Alchemist and the University of Chicago Launch Alchemist Chicago: A Premier Deep Tech Accelerator for Foundational Innovation
We’re thrilled to share the launch of Alchemist Chicago — a brand new deep tech accelerator created through a powerful partnership between Alchemist Accelerator and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Alchemist Chicago is built for early-stage startups commercializing cutting-edge breakthroughs — from quantum computing and AI to cleantech, advanced materials, and robotics. The program is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort.
“We’re thrilled to encourage entrepreneurship around foundational technology,” says Ravi Belani, CEO of Alchemist Accelerator and lecturer at Stanford. “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.”
Alchemist Chicago is open to founders from anywhere in the world — no University of Chicago affiliation required. The program is designed for pre-seed or seed-stage startups with transformative innovations and strong technical co-founders.
Focus areas include:
- Quantum – Backed by Duality, the nation’s first quantum accelerator
- AI Infrastructure
- Robotics and Physical AI
- Cleantech
- Advanced Materials
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agtech/Foodtech
- Spacetech
- Other Deep Tech Industries
“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,” says Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of the Polsky Center. “Partnering with a Bay Area accelerator will bring a new perspective and opportunities to our startups here in the Midwest.”
How the Program Works
Alchemist Chicago runs in two phases:
Phase I – Validate & Build Traction
October–December 2025 | Up to 30 Startups
Focus on customer discovery, PoC development, and early traction with guidance from Alchemist mentors and Polsky faculty.
Phase II – Get Fundraising-Ready
January–March 2026 | 8–10 Startups
Top-performing teams will enter the Alchemist flagship accelerator. This includes mentorship, investor matchmaking, and the opportunity to pitch at Demo Day. Each selected startup also receives a $50K investment.
Important Dates
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Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
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Upcoming Information Sessions:
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July 29 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT | Registration Link
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August 19 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT | Registration Link
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Why Join?
Founders accepted into the program gain:
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Personalized coaching and domain-specific mentorship
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Access to student talent, researchers, and fellows
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Perks from Microsoft, Google, and other startup partners
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Support for IP strategy and grant writing
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Deep connections into the Alchemist and UChicago founder, alumni, and investor networks
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official program page here: alchemistaccelerator.com/alchemist-chicago
Alchemist connects a global network of enterprise founders, investors, corporations, and mentors to the Silicon Valley community.
Alchemist Accelerator is a global venture-backed accelerator focused on accelerating seed-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises (not consumers). The accelerator invests in enterprise companies with distinctive technical founders and provides founders a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community during the 6-month program.
AlchemistX partners with forward-thinking corporations and governments to deliver innovation programs worldwide. These specialized programs leverage the expertise and tools that have fueled Alchemist startups’ success since 2012. Our mission is to transform innovation challenges into opportunities.
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