






Empowering early-stage ventures with capital in Chicago.
The George Shultz Innovation Fund, managed by the Polsky Center, provides up to $250,000 in co-investment funding for early-stage tech ventures. The fund focuses on startups emerging from the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, supporting a diverse range of innovative projects across these institutions. Notable portfolio companies include DrLullaby, Flow Medical, memQ, NanoPattern Technologies, and OrisDX. The fund primarily offers grant funding, with occasional seed investments. It serves as a crucial resource for proof-of-concept capital, enabling promising technologies to advance from academic research towards commercialization and market impact.

Chicago-based university offering the Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge, a premier business launch program since 1996.

Top-tier student startup accelerator at the University of Illinois.

The Hartford: A US-based Fortune 500 investment and insurance firm, offering property-casualty, benefits, and mutual funds.


Global healthcare distributor enhancing operational success and clinical outcomes for patients and professionals.
CNA Insurance provides property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, and other financial services.

Travelers Insurance provides property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, and financial services.

Boston Omaha Corp: A diversified entity specializing in real estate, advertising, insurance, and surety bonds.

Onsite Dental: Providing accessible, high-quality dental care services since 1997.

Perio Sciences, LLC: A Dallas-based developer and distributor of advanced oral healthcare products since 2008.

Pacific Dental Services: A leading dental support organization, streamlining dental practices since 1994.