Mentorship

What’s the Summer Venture Accelerator? 

Annually, the Innovation Center hosts a group of 7 teams who will work on their developing their startup ideas. This is a 9-week program that will help you move your new venture from concept toward launch. The program is open to current undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges across the university.

If you’re eager to turn your business idea into a tangible venture, want practical guidance and mentorship to navigate the complexities of launching a startup, and be immersed in a dynamic environment, surrounded by driven individuals who share your passion for innovation and growth. Then this is the program for you!

Click Apply Now to learn more information and apply.

For questions contact Dan Hogan, Program Director: @dhogan6@uic.edu

Summer Venture Accelerator

If you're eager to turn your business idea into a tangible venture, want practical guidance and mentorship to navigate the complexities of launching a startup, and be immersed in a dynamic environment, surrounded by driven individuals who share your passion for innovation and growth. Then this is the program for you!
Student prototyping a design
The Innovation Center uses corporate sponsored classes, labs, and programs to apply abstract knowledge in new ways. In other words? We solve real-world problems.
Bosch Inno Logo
Presentations

  • Problem solving in action Our work is inspired by real-world needs. While the process may look a little different each time, it is always anchored by human-centered design.

  • Lean innovation Lean innovation is iterative. It is repeatable and delivers consistent results and is adaptable for partner's challenges.

  • Radically multidisciplinary We bridge higher education with industry partners through sponsored classes across 20+ disciplines. Real-word projects. Real-world solutions.

Programming Informed by Partner Needs

The Innovation Center collaborates with corporate partners through classes, corporate labs and workshops. Our interdisciplinary programming is led by UIC faculty and staff and industry subject matter experts. Through our classroom curriculum, we are driving innovation and expanding access to entrepreneurship.
Student presenting at white board

  • 1,200 + students trained in collaborative problem solving with corporate partners

  • 38 unique corporate partners since 2002

  • 28 different disciplines collaborating in labs and classes from our campus