The Collaboratorium unites UChicago students with researchers, technologists, and faculty who want to explore the commercialization opportunities and business applications of their work. A great opportunity for Booth students, other graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, alumni, and faculty to connect, the program includes an opportunity for scientists and researchers to pitch as well as network with students about their cutting-edge research and technologies.
Upcoming Session:
Thursday, February 22, 2024 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Benefits of Attending:
- Benefits for Students: Students gain the opportunity to learn more about a particular field of study, technology, or a given researcher and are asked to actively participate in a discussion about an idea. They showcase their business experience and academic rigor by asking questions and posing suggestions that may pertain to a market opportunity, competitive landscape, or business model. Students gain the opportunity to network with researchers, who may be seeking to build partnerships with students in order to better-explore a business opportunity. It is important to note that partnerships with researchers are not a guaranteed outcome of event, but are dependent upon a researcher’s needs and interpersonal dynamics.
- Benefits for Researchers and Technologists: Researchers and technologists gain the chance to showcase their research, technology, or ideas. Through discussions with students, participating researchers develop a better understanding of the next steps they may need to take to pursue a business opportunity. Further, researchers have the chance to network with University of Chicago students and alumni with whom they may be interested in partnering with in order to embark upon any of the following aspirations: further academic study, market research, a business partnership, or participation in a Polsky Center program, like the I-Corps program.
Identifying Opportunities:
We are currently accepting applications to pitch at the upcoming Collaboratorium on February 22, 2024. Featured pitches are typically given by faculty, researchers, and technologists from across the University of Chicago community as well as affiliated national labs, including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Selected presenters will receive support from the Polsky Center in developing their pitch and identifying potential areas for collaboration with students.