Alchemist is one of the top Accelerators in the world focused on supporting startups that monetize from enterprises (i.e., B2B and B2B2C startups). Alchemist’s backers include many of the top corporate and VC funds―including Mayfield Fund, Khosla Ventures, Foundation Capital, BASF, NEC, Cisco, Siemens, GE, and Salesforce. Notable alums include LaunchDarkly, Kyte, MoEngage, Foresight, Privacera, Matternet, and mPharma.
Alchemist Chicago
Next Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
Next Program Start Date: October 2025
Next Program Start Date: October 2025
A premier foundational tech launchpad powered by Alchemist and the University of Chicago.
Combining the strengths of Alchemist's global network and the University of Chicago ecosystem, Alchemist Chicago will position breakthrough innovations for real-world impact.
About Alchemist Chicago
Alchemist Chicago, in partnership with the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is a premier foundational tech startup accelerator for early-stage ventures.
Up to 30 startups will be selected to participate in a Polsky Center Startup Bootcamp from which a select group of up to 10 will be chosen to continue through Alchemist Accelerator’s flagship global program.
The Polsky Center draws on the University of Chicago’s leading research in the sciences, national laboratory affiliations, and partnership with the top-ranked Booth School of Business to help startups reduce risk as they position their innovations for real-world impact.
Alchemist Chicago is open to any global startups, and they do not need to have a University of Chicago affiliation to participate.
Key Industries 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
Phase 1 Polsky Center Startup Bootcamp: Validate and Build Traction
Duration: 3 months (October–December 2025)
Cohort Size: Up to 30 startups
Get laser-focused on customer validation and early traction. Through expert-led modules by Alchemist — including Problem Definition, Customer Discovery, and PoC Design — you’ll gain the tools and support to advance real-world proof points. A travel grant will be provided for a one-week immersion in Chicago.
The most promising teams will be invited to continue to Phase 2.
Phase 2 Alchemist Flagship Accelerator: Get Fundraising-Ready
Duration: 3 months (January–March 2026)
Cohort Size: Up to 10 startups
Top-performing teams unlock full access to Alchemist Accelerator’s flagship program — including curated investor intros, mentorship, and a spot at Demo Day. Founders can optionally spend time in Silicon Valley to build investor relationships and prepare to raise.
$50K SAFE for Phase 2.
This program is for Pre-Seed or Seed-stage deep tech founders.
We’re especially excited to see applications from startups building in Quantum, Cleantech, or AI/Data Science verticals, but welcome any deep tech founders pursuing industry-defining scientific or engineering breakthroughs.
Other fields we would expect to see represented in the program include Robotics, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, Agtech, Spacetech, etc.
Applications Open: July 21, 2025
Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
PHASE 1: Polsky Center Bootcamp
October 20–December 6, 2025
PHASE 2: Alchemist Flagship Accelerator
January–March 2026
Join one of our upcoming information sessions:
- July 29, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
- August 19, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT
Register here
What happens in the program?
- Orientation and Curriculum Introduction
- Deepening Skills and Market Engagement
- Execution and Growth
- Post-Program Support
Benefits
Participants will have access to a strong community, coaching, and mentorship tailored to their sector. Additionally, they will receive various perks, including significant credits from Microsoft and other relevant benefits, such as IP services and grant writing services.
The program aims to provide deep tech founders with the necessary support to succeed in their ventures.
Founders will receive:
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Customized coaching and mentorship from domain experts
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Entrepreneurial training experts, including University of Chicago Booth School of Business faculty
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Onboarding of university student talent and fellows
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Credits from Microsoft, Google, and other startup partners
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Access to IP strategy resources and grant writing support
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Connection to both Alchemist and UChicago’s extensive founder and investor network
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Investment of $50K for startups selected in Phase 2 of the program
Email chicago@alchemistaccelerator.com if you have any questions or want to get involved with Alchemist Chicago.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Duality, founded in 2021, is the first accelerator 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. Duality is joining forces with the Alchemist Accelerator to unite the best of the Quantum ecosystem in the U.S. with the power of Silicon Valley.
In addition to Alchemist's resources, startups in the Duality track will receive additional perks and benefits. -
For companies selected for Phase 2, we anticipate most will be granting 4% equity to participate, but we have flexible terms. Phase 2 companies will also receive a $50,000 investment.