Polsky Commercialization Fellowship

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 most promising scientific research and help achieve the Polsky Center’s mission to bring new ideas and breakthrough research to market.

The fellowship is designed to teach PhD students how to apply and commercialize their research 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 and receive a stipend.

Eligibility

• University of Chicago PhD candidates who have completed qualifying exams 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