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.