Alchemist Chicago

Alchemist is a global venture-backed accelerator focused on accelerating 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.

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.

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 accelerator network and Silicon Valley best practices, the program 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.

Alchemist Chicago is a deep tech accelerator run in partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago. The program features:

• Diligence 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 be selected to advance to the Accelerator. Accelerator (January 2027 – Spring 2027): A structured curriculum that provides personalized mentorship, investor engagement, founder retreats, and a $50K SAFE investment.
  
• Quantum startups are considered for Duality, a quantum accelerator, and receive additional benefits

Founded in 2021, Duality is the first accelerator program in the U.S. exclusively focused on 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 Accelerator. Learn more at dualityaccelerator.com

The Bootcamp is offered at no cost to selected startups. For companies selected for the Accelerator, we anticipate most will grant 4% equity to participate, though flexible terms are offered. All Accelerator finalists also receive a $50K SAFE investment. There is no cost associated with Duality programming.

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.

Applications open July 13, 2026, and close August 20, 2026. We encourage early applications as spots are limited.

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.