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AcceleratorEquity variesVerified

Alchemist Chicago / Duality

Also known as: Alchemist Chicago, Duality Quantum Accelerator

University of Chicago · Chicago, Illinois

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Key numbers

Funding range

—

Equity

Varies by investment

Application

Annual

External

Last activity

2026-07-13

High confidence

Alchemist Chicago / Duality

Deep tech accelerator partnership between Alchemist Accelerator and the Polsky Center, including Duality — the nation's first quantum computing accelerator launched in 2021. Open to global founders across two phases.

Key Details

  • Partnership between Alchemist Accelerator and Polsky Center
  • Duality: nation's first quantum accelerator (launched 2021)
  • Two-phase model: Phase 1 validation (~30 startups), Phase 2 fundraising (8-10 startups)
  • $50K SAFE for Phase 2 startups
  • Open to global founders (no UChicago affiliation required)
  • Inaugural cohort: ~400 applicants → 27 selected
  • IBM partnership for quantum software track
  • Sectors: deep tech, quantum computing, AI, life sciences, clean energy

Notable Winners / Outcomes

  • memQ (quantum memory technology, Science Incubator tenant)