The University of Chicago has launched a new accelerator program for deep tech researchers focused on things like biotech innovations and therapeutic technologies.
Called Compass, UChicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is operating the new six-month program, which is designed for early-stage startups and technologies created by researchers at UChicago, Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Researchers in the program get access to mentorship and training, as well as resources to find additional talent and funding. The first cohort included three companies, including ReAx Biotechnologies, which received $150,000 from Polsky’s George Schultz Innovation Fund.
The second cohort, which began earlier this month, includes four companies, such as ElectroCorr, a toolkit that evaluates and qualifies corrosion of materials like medical implants, and Heiothera, which is developing a therapeutic platform technology to treat autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
The other companies are Phlaxis, which is developing a vaccine to treat and prevent peanut allergies in children, and AddGraft Therapeutics, which is developing a CRISPR-based therapeutic technology using skin cells to treat cocaine addiction.
Teams are led by a business development fellow from UChicago’s Booth School of Business, its PhD programs and elsewhere at the college.
“Deep tech, high-potential projects require a unique set of resources and support, and we are thrilled to be able to provide this through the Compass," said Melissa Byrn, the director of innovation programs at Polsky, in a statement. "The teams participating will gain access to expertise and training which are critical to launching a successful deep tech venture."
