Apply for iVenture.

You don’t know until you try.

The first step to changing your life and pursuing your dreams is an application away. We are looking for ambitious students who want to be part of a community of innovators and game-changers.

It’s OK if you don’t know everything. We provide the knowledge, funding, mentorship, peer support, and resources necessary to grow and scale your idea. In order to gain the full iVenture experience, we prefer to have students that will continue with us for the following academic year. That said, please apply regardless if you believe in the work you're doing and want to do – that's who we're looking for.

Email iventure@illinois.edu to learn more.

The first step to changing your life and pursuing your dreams is an application away. We are looking for ambitious students who want to be part of a community of innovators and game-changers.

It’s OK if you don’t know everything. We provide the knowledge, funding, mentorship, peer support, and resources necessary to grow and scale your idea. In order to gain the full iVenture experience, we prefer to have students that will continue with us for the following academic year. That said, please apply regardless if you believe in the work you're doing and want to do – that's who we're looking for.

Email iventure@illinois.edu to learn more.

APPLY FOR IV12

The leaders of iVenture presenting to the full cohort.

What does it involve?

Network

Connect you to the right advisors, partners, coaches, and funders through networking events both on-campus and in Chicago, and a database of hundreds of supporters in the iVenture Network.

Structure

Accountability of progress through regular goal-setting and accountability meetings with program staff. Regularly hosted workshops, talks, and office hours with experienced entrepreneurs, faculty, and leaders.

Drive

Exceptional venture teams with the commitment and skills to solve an important problem for a large number of users.

Inclusivity

Exceptional venture teams with the commitment and skills to solve an important problem for a large number of users.

Join the Accelerator

Wave 1 of applications is closed and reviews are underway. Wave 2 applications will close in March 2026.

Reach out to iventure@illinois.edu for an early review.

Wave 1 of applications is closed and reviews are underway. Wave 2 applications will close in March 2026.

Reach out to iventure@illinois.edu for an early review.

Qualifications

To qualify for the iVenture Accelerator, teams must have:

Founders and up to 4 team members total work at iVenture full-time for 10 weeks in the summer.

Be actively working on a venture creating either tech, social, commercial, or cultural value.

A majority of your team members must be UIUC students with majority UIUC ownership. Non-UIUC students do not receive stipends.

Application

Applications are completed via Notion and are soon followed by feedback on your application.

Platform

Applications are completed online. Applications should be submitted by one individual on behalf of your venture team.

Questionnaire

The application asks for questions about your venture, team, progress, and references.

Follow-Up

Program staff may follow-up for additional information. The committee reviews the applications and finalist teams are invited for an interview.

Deadlines

We have multiple waves of applications each year for the summer cohort. You can continue to apply to the following waves if you are not accepted during the current one. A rejection isn't final; we love to see ventures grow. Do not wait until the last minute to apply.