Graduate & PhD Students
Transform research into real-world impact through startup accelerators, commercialization resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and venture-building opportunities across the Polsky innovation ecosystem.
Our impact
at a glance
30+
Innovation Programs
$8B+
Startup Funding Raised
400+
Startups Launched
From Research to Real-World Impact
Graduate and PhD students at UChicago have access to programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, and collaborative resources that support innovation, venture creation, and technology commercialization across disciplines.
OPPORTUNITIES
Access resources that help transform research, technologies, and ideas into scalable ventures and real-world solutions.
- Technology Commercialization
- Venture Formation Support Startup
- Advising
Participate in startup accelerators, venture competitions, and founder-focused programming designed for emerging innovators.
- New Venture Challenge Build
- Accelerator Launch Accelerator
Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and industry mentors across the Polsky network.
- Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
- Office Hours
- Founder Mentorship
Explore funding opportunities, innovation spaces, and collaborative programs that support venture development and interdisciplinary research.
- Startup Grants
- Investor Connections
- Polsky Exchange
Featured Programs
New Venture Challenge
Launch and grow a company through the University’s nationally recognized startup accelerator program with four specialized tracks.
Build / Launch Summer Accelerators
Spend the summer advancing your startup, research, or business idea through immersive programming designed to help founders at different stages.
Collaboratorium
Showcase your research, technology, or ideas and develop a better understanding of the next steps to pursue a business opportunity.
Student Success Stories
College Founder
Graduate & PhD Student, MBA ’04
The UChicago Science Incubator provides early-stage life sciences, quantum, clean energy, and data science companies with access to state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, cutting-edge wet lab space and equipment, and seasoned management expertise.
Located in Hyde Park Labs, a 300,000+ square-foot facility near the University of Chicago’s main campus and medical center.
College Founder
Graduate & PhD Student, MBA ’04
Third Coast Foundry is a new physical space in San Francisco for partner university-founded startups and teams traveling to the Bay Area.
Designed to improve access to venture capital and networks on the West Coast without requiring startups to relocate, it provides opportunities for investors, alumni, and other partners to engage through meetings, events, and programming. At its core, Third Coast Foundry is a bridge between Midwest innovation and coastal capital.
College Founder
Graduate & PhD Student, MBA ’04
The UChicago Science Incubator provides early-stage life sciences, quantum, clean energy, and data science companies with access to state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, cutting-edge wet lab space and equipment, and seasoned management expertise.
Located in Hyde Park Labs, a 300,000+ square-foot facility near the University of Chicago’s main campus and medical center.
Connect Across the UChicago Innovation Ecosystem
Graduate and PhD students collaborate with founders, researchers, investors, faculty, and industry experts through accelerators, innovation spaces, mentorship, and venture-building opportunities across the University of Chicago.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING SECTION
Gain practical startup and commercialization experience through accelerators, venture development programs, founder workshops, and collaborative innovation initiatives.
Events
Build and Scale Your Next Venture
Explore Programs
Discover accelerators, competitions, workshops, and venture-building opportunities across the Polsky ecosystem.
Connect with an Advisor
Meet with Polsky advisors and mentors for guidance on entrepreneurship, commercialization, and startup development.
Learn About Commercialization
Explore resources and support for transforming research, technologies, and ideas into real-world ventures.