The Polsky Commercialization Fellowship offers PhD STEM students at the University of Chicago the opportunity to create new ventures around promising research and develop leadership skills during a competitive fellowship. The structured, milestone-driven program supports students in translating their research into real-world impact through a comprehensive 8-month experience.

Fellows are enabled to facilitate the technical and commercial development of the University’s labs’ most promising scientific research and help achieve the Polsky Center’s mission to bring new ideas and breakthrough research to market.

Designed to teach PhD students how to apply their research and to commercialize it to the world while giving them and their faculty advisors access to targeted venture creation resources and networking opportunities through the Polsky Center. Fellows dedicate ~250 hours to developing their projects over the course of the fellowship period (July 2025-March 2026) and receive a $5,000 stipend.

Eligibility

• University of Chicago PhD candidates who have completed qualifying exam and will be enrolled as full-time students throughout the fellowship

• Candidate is currently working on research project or technology that they are actively seeking to commercialize

• Candidate must have letter of support from faculty advisor and confirmation of good academic standing from Dean of Students

Benefits of Participating

• Entrepreneurial Programming: Develop an understanding for the real-world impact of scientific innovation; explore the foundations of an entrepreneurial venture; and gain exposure to promising career options in entrepreneurship and research commercialization.

• Dedicated Support and Networking: Access dedicated workspace in the Polsky Center’s offices with streamlined access to industry experts and Polsky’s ecosystem network; receive mentorship and coaching on a variety of essential business development topics from Polsky Center staff and coaches through regular goal-setting meetings.

• Interdisciplinary Cohort: Engage with Polsky Commercialization Fellows from STEM programs across multiple fields of study.

• Talent and Funding: Receive support for sourcing business talent to help create and launch a team out of the lab, for pursuing early-stage sources of grants and seed funding, including access to the George Shultz Innovation Fund, which invests up to $250,000 in startups.

Application and Deadline

• Apply Online: Deadline – April 28, 3p.m. CT

• Interview and Selection: Applicants will be selected by May 30

• Fellowship Begins: July 18