The AI Research Commons Midwest Fellows Program (ARC) is open to individuals and teams with strong technical backgrounds from the following institutions: University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Washington University in St. Louis.
Who should apply:
- Master’s and PhD students, faculty, and select undergraduate participants in entrepreneurship programs
- Individuals with strong technical backgrounds in computer science, engineering, data science, or related fields
- Builders working on early-stage AI ideas, research, or technologies with commercialization potential
What we look for:
- Technical excellence and deep curiosity about AI
- A strong bias toward action and rapid experimentation
- Entrepreneurial ambition and a desire to build venture-backed companies
- Participants do not need to have an incorporated company to apply—just a strong idea and the drive to build.
Applications will be reviewed by a joint committee of university leaders and venture investors, with selection based on technical strength, originality of ideas, and potential for real-world impact.