Innovation Fund Associates Program
The University of Chicago Innovation Fund Associates (IFA) are an interdisciplinary group of 15-20 students and post-docs interested in learning how to think like an investor and assess innovative ventures coming out of the University of Chicago ecosystem.
The IFA program is structured as an experiential learning opportunity, where associates learn-by-doing as part of an interdisciplinary team. Associates deep dive into one startup per cycle and get a close-up look at the commercialization process and what it takes to move a technology from the lab into the real world.
Alums of the IFA program have been paired with faculty to spin out new ventures, placed with VC funds in our network, and worked on strategic projects for the George Shultz Innovation Fund.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Applications are currently closed.
Application and Eligibility
Innovation Fund Associates are selected from across the University of Chicago ecosystem and commit to one 10-week investment cycle in the spring quarter in addition to eight weeks of training in the winter quarter. Current UChicago graduate and undergraduate students and post-docs are eligible to apply for the program. The program is team-based, and associates create teams based on their individual interests and areas of expertise. Teams are typically comprised of at least:
- One Scientist (PhD or Post-Doc)
- One Chicago Booth Student
- One Law Student
- One College or Other UChicago Student
The Innovation Fund Associates program is an intense experiential learning program, and Associates commit to dedicating at least 15 hours per week during each 10-week investment cycle. Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in September 2026.