Alchemist Chicago presents a specialized program for technical founders, designed to bridge the gap between deep tech innovation and market success. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, offering a structured pathway that includes training, capital, and extensive networking opportunities. For founders in the quantum space, the program integrates access to Duality, the first accelerator in the United States dedicated exclusively to quantum startups.
Program Structure and Offerings
• Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp: An initial cohort of up to 30 startups will be selected for a one-week immersive Bootcamp in Chicago. This intensive week includes customer discovery training, investor readiness workshops, founder coaching, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders, investors, and corporate partners. Participants receive 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 serves as a proving ground, with up to 15 teams advancing based on team strength, market opportunity, technology differentiation, traction, and readiness to scale.
• Deep Tech Track - Alchemist Chicago: Up to 15 advancing startups will join a structured curriculum from January to July 2027. This track features dedicated mentorship, investor engagement, founder retreats, and access to the global Alchemist network. The program is designed to help deep tech startups accelerate commercialization, secure customers, and raise capital. Participants receive a $50K SAFE investment, co-working space in San Francisco, over $1M in perks from partners like Microsoft and Google, access to Alchemist and UChicago fundraising resources, and lifetime global community membership.
• Quantum Track - Alchemist Chicago + Duality: Quantum startups that advance from the bootcamp receive resources from both Duality and Alchemist Chicago, including a $50k SAFE investment. Duality benefits include business training from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Polsky Center; mentorship from over 55 experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and quantum experts; industry connections to corporate partners and Chicago's quantum ecosystem; and technical and commercialization support through a partnership with IBM for select companies, which includes workshops, mentoring, and access to IBM Quantum System Two. Selected startups may also gain access to talent, facilities, and potential additional funding from IBM Ventures.
Eligibility Criteria
• General Requirements: The program is open to pre-seed or seed-stage deep tech startups with technical founding teams of at least two co-founders. Applicants must be able to attend the Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp in-person in Chicago during October 2026. Global founders are welcome but must obtain appropriate visas and be fluent in English. No affiliation with the University of Chicago is required.
• Path-Specific Requirements: Founders selected for the Deep Tech track must be able to attend two in-person immersions in San Francisco. Founders in the Quantum track must be able to attend the Duality in-person sessions in Chicago.
Program Timeline
• Shared Timeline for All Founders: Applications open on July 13, 2026, with informational sessions scheduled for July 23 and August 5, 2026. The application deadline is August 20, 2026. The in-person Bootcamp Week will take place in Chicago from October 19-23, 2026. Finalists will be selected by October 30, 2026, following a post-bootcamp evaluation.
• Deep Tech Track Timeline: The program runs from January to July 2027 in a hybrid format based in San Francisco. The first in-person week is in January 2027, followed by an in-person Demo Day and Fundraising Bootcamp in Spring 2027.
• Quantum Track Timeline: This track runs from December 2026 to July 2027 in a hybrid format based in Chicago. The in-person Duality Kickoff is scheduled for December 7-11, 2026. An in-person Corporate Collision Event will occur in late March or early April 2027, with the UChicago Demo Day in July 2027.
Key Program Features
• Expert Mentorship: Participants receive individualized mentorship from Alchemist Partners, University of Chicago faculty, sector specialists, and global deep tech operators.
• Personalized Growth: The program offers a tailored path through a carefully selected cohort and a structured experience, beginning with the Bootcamp and followed by dedicated time in San Francisco, covering everything from entrepreneurial training to sector-specific commercialization guidance.
• Global Network: Founders gain lasting connections through Alchemist's community, the Polsky Center's research ecosystem, University of Chicago's student engagement programs, and national lab partnerships.
• Investor Access: The program provides structured fundraising support, curated investor introductions, a $50K SAFE investment for advancing founders, and more than $1M in partner perks from companies such as Microsoft and Google.
Application and Selection Process
• Apply with Your Vision: Founders begin by applying to the Alchemist Chicago program, which offers a structured path to scale through mentorship, community, and fundraising opportunities.
• Join the Bootcamp: Up to 30 startups are selected for the Alchemist Chicago Bootcamp, where they gain access to entrepreneurial training, co-working space, IP support, grant-writing services, and extensive networking.
• Grow with Mentors & Network: Up to 15 startups will advance from the Bootcamp. These teams receive a $50K SAFE investment and expanded perks. Quantum companies will concurrently participate in the Duality accelerator. The experience includes weekly check-ins, expert talks, personalized mentoring, and commercialization support.
• Access Fundraising Resources: The program culminates in an intensive Fundraising Bootcamp in San Francisco. Support continues through lifetime membership in Alchemist's global founder community and the University of Chicago ecosystem. Quantum founders also participate in a specialized Duality Demo Day and other programming throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Who is Alchemist?: Alchemist is a global, venture-backed launchpad for seed-stage startups that monetize from enterprises. It invests in technically-differentiated founding teams and provides a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community. Its portfolio companies have raised over $1B in follow-on funding.
• Who is the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation?: The Polsky Center is dedicated to advancing innovative ideas from the University of Chicago ecosystem. It supports students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community entrepreneurs in bringing new products, services, and research to market.
• Why are Alchemist and the Polsky Center partnering?: This partnership aims to bridge world-class research with real-world impact by combining the University of Chicago's scientific expertise with Alchemist's global network and Silicon Valley best practices, transforming deep tech innovation into scalable, venture-ready startups.
• What is the Alchemist Chicago program?: It is a foundational tech launchpad featuring a one-week immersive Bootcamp in October 2026. Following the Bootcamp, 15 companies advance to the Alchemist Launchpad (January – Spring 2027), a structured curriculum with personalized mentorship, investor engagement, two in-person immersions in San Francisco, and a $50K SAFE investment. Quantum startups are also considered for the Duality accelerator.
• What is Duality?: Founded in 2021, Duality is the nation's first accelerator exclusively for quantum startups. Based in Chicago, it is powered by the Polsky Center and the local quantum ecosystem.
• How does the selection process work?: Selection occurs in two stages. First, up to 30 startups are chosen for the Bootcamp based on team strength, market opportunity, technology, and traction. Second, up to 15 of these startups advance based on their performance during the Bootcamp, where they are evaluated on their ability to validate their business strategy and demonstrate readiness to scale.
• What does it cost to join?: The Bootcamp is offered at no cost. For companies that advance, it is anticipated that most will grant 4% equity to participate, with flexible terms available. All finalists 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. Global founders are welcome, and no University of Chicago affiliation is required.
• When do applications open?: Applications open July 13, 2026, and close August 20, 2026. Early applications are encouraged.
• How can I get more information?: Inquiries can be sent to chicago@alchemistaccelerator.com. Interested parties can also attend upcoming info sessions to learn more.
This dual-track program offers a unique opportunity for deep tech and quantum founders to leverage a powerful combination of academic resources, venture-building expertise, and a global network. By providing tailored support and direct access to the thriving ecosystems of both Chicago and Silicon Valley, the initiative is positioned to help the next generation of technical innovators commercialize their breakthroughs and build impactful companies.