SF Deep Tech Demo Day:  This event will highlight the most innovative and disruptive deep tech startups emerging from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and other top Midwestern Universities. Those selected will have the opportunity to:

• Pitch in-person in front of 200+ top early-stage investors from across the US specializing in deep tech, offering a unique opportunity to secure funding and partnerships.
• Receive a stipend of up to $1,500 to cover related travel costs and two nights hotel (June 22nd and 23rd) for 1 founder/CEO per startup for those traveling in from outside the Bay Area.
• Connect with other leading deep tech startups working in quantum, cleantech, materials, AI, and more.  

Event Details(s)

• Day 1: Monday June 22, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00pm – Welcome Dinner
• Day 2: Tuesday June 23, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:30pm – Demo day pitches including dinner and networking reception
• Travel Dates: June 22-24, 2026 (Travel on Monday morning, main event on June 23). But, you may want to stay longer and take advantage of other events happening that week. 
• Pitch Details: 3 minute investor pitch, no Q&A
• Location: San Francisco, CA

 To apply, please complete this form before midnight on April 7, 2026. We'll notify selected startups by 3pm CST on April 17, 2025. Please note that the application process is highly competitive, and only a select few startups will be chosen to travel with us to SF Deep Tech Demo Day.

2026 Cohort Information 

The Polsky Founders’ Fund Fellowship (PF3) is a resource available to graduating University of Chicago students who are committed to growing a company after graduation, and have a viable plan for growth. The goal of the program is to provide entrepreneurs who have demonstrated progress with their ventures in the last 6 months with funding to sustain momentum on ventures.

To apply, fill out the online application below. All responses require complete honesty and fall under Booth’s and the University of Chicago’s Honor Code. The Polsky Center reserves the right to reach out to the entrepreneur to seek further clarification on any answers provided.

The application deadline is Tuesday, June 9 at 3PM CT. Please contact Paul Cavalieri (Paul.Cavalieri@ChicagoBooth.edu) with questions.

 In order to qualify, an applicant’s business should be at a point where it has received credible traction and the entrepreneur must demonstrate that he/she is fully committed to working on the business for the foreseeable future. Applicants should have:

• An incorporated business
• A live product/service and paying customers  a.     If your business is in an industry that has a long product or sales cycle (e.g., biotech, deeptech), please provide a detailed timeline of your milestones, the anticipated value inflection points (quantitative or qualitative) at these milestones, and how you plan to acquire your first customer.  b.     This criteria may be waived on a case by case basis for IP-based ventures with a long path to market. These ventures will receive additional review from the Deep Tech Ventures team at the Polsky Center.
•  Demonstrated progress on the venture in the past six months and clearly articulated and measurable milestones for future venture growth
• A full-time focus on their startup venture (minimum 40 hours per week)
• Good academic standing with a 2.33 GPA or better
• A graduation date between December 2025 and December 2026
• Entrepreneurs whose startups have received external funding (i.e., institutional investment), which allows them to receive a salary/personal income are not eligible for PF3. If, after receiving a PF3 fellowship, a fellow successfully raises external funding, he or she must notify the Polsky Center to assess continuing eligibility.