Alchemist Chicago
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Quick Answer
Accelerator for pre-seed/seed deep tech startups with technical founding teams.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Alchemist Accelerator
- Application deadline
- —
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round are closed. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Alchemist Accelerator. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Alchemist Chicago accelerator program serves as a premier launchpad for foundational and deep tech innovation, delivered through a strategic partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Alchemist is a globally recognized, venture-backed accelerator focused on enterprise-monetizing seed-stage ventures, providing a structured path to traction and fundraising. The Polsky Center at the University of Chicago advances innovative ideas from its ecosystem to market, supporting entrepreneurs from various backgrounds. This collaboration uniquely bridges world-class scientific research with real-world market impact, combining UChicago’s deep scientific expertise with Alchemist’s extensive global network and market-entry strategies, particularly valuable for deep tech commercialization.
The program provides substantial financial backing, offering participants a ₹4,500,000 SAFE investment upon advancing to Phase 2. This capital is crucial for deep tech startups, which often require longer development cycles. Additionally, participants receive over $1 million in partner perks from industry leaders like Microsoft, Google, and IBM, providing access to essential cloud credits, software tools, and technical support. This comprehensive resource package is tailored to accelerate the development and scaling of complex deep tech innovations. For companies selected for Phase 2, participation typically involves granting 4% equity, with flexible terms available to accommodate specific venture needs.
Participants in Phase 1 gain unparalleled access to co-working space at the University of Chicago and intensive entrepreneurial training from seasoned professors. Support for IP strategy and grant-writing is also provided, essential for protecting novel technologies and securing non-dilutive funding. Phase 1 participants benefit from direct access to the University of Chicago's student talent and the vast national laboratory ecosystem, enabling advanced R&D. Founders progressing to Phase 2 receive continued premium co-working space in San Francisco, along with crucial investor access, structured fundraising support, and curated introductions to relevant venture capitalists and strategic partners.
Key non-monetary support is a cornerstone of the program, including highly individualized mentorship from experienced Alchemist Partners, university professors, and specialized sector experts. The program also provides access to a powerful global network, comprehensive commercialization guidance to navigate complex markets, and a lifetime global community membership for Phase 2 participants. This fosters lasting connections and market access, vital for the long-term success of deep tech ventures. Quantum startups are particularly encouraged to apply to leverage the program's specialized expertise.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Alchemist Accelerator is a six-month accelerator for startups that sell to businesses. It is based in San Francisco and run by Alchemist Accelerator, LLC, with a European entity, Alchemist Accelerator Europe GmbH, registered in Grunwald near Munich. Ravi Belani founded it and…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Participants receive a ₹4,500,000 SAFE investment (4% equity for Phase 2), plus over $1M in cloud credits/perks from partners like Microsoft, Google. Benefits include co-working space (Chicago/SF), intensive entrepreneurial training, IP strategy, grant-writing support, and access to UChicago's talent/labs. Phase 2 offers investor access, fundraising support, mentorship, a global network, commercialization guidance, and lifetime community membership.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Cohort size
- 30 startups
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alchemist Chicago program?
The Chicago program is a two-phase accelerator designed to help deep tech startups validate their market, gain traction, and prepare for fundraising through a partnership between Alchemist and the University of Chicago.
Who is Alchemist?
Alchemist is a global venture-backed accelerator focused on accelerating seed-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises (not consumers). It invests in enterprise companies with distinctive technical founders and provides a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community during its 6-month program.
What does it cost to join?
For companies selected for Phase 2, most are anticipated to grant 4% equity to participate, though flexible terms are available. Phase 2 companies will also receive a ₹4,500,000 investment.
Who are the key partners behind the Alchemist Chicago program?
The Alchemist Chicago program is a collaboration between Alchemist, a global venture-backed accelerator, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago. This partnership combines UChicago's scientific expertise with Alchemist's global network to support deep tech innovation.
What support does the program offer?
The program offers expert mentorship, personalized growth support, a global network, and investor access. This includes individualized mentorship from Alchemist Partners, entrepreneurial training, co-working space, IP strategy support, grant-writing advising, structured fundraising support, and curated investor introductions.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
