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.
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 solves an important problem for a large number of users.
Inclusivity
We value all kinds of ideas and welcome founders from any background and any area of study.
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.
Qualifications
To quality for iVenture Accelerator, teams must:
- Have a founder and up to 4 team members who can 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 must be University of Illinois students who hold majority ownership. Non-University of Illinois students do not receive stipends.
Application Process
Here's what to expect during the application process:
- Platform: Applications are completed online and should be submitted by one individual on behalf of your venture team
- Questionnaire: The application asks questions about your venture, team, progress, and references
- Follow-up: Program staff may follow up for additional information. The committee reviews applications, and finalist teams are invited for an interview.
NOTE: Preference is given to founders who will attend in person and who are NOT graduating in the summer.
Deadlines
We have multiple waves of applications each year for the summer cohort. You can continue to apply to the following waves if you’re 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.
1st Wave Deadline
Monday, November 3, 2025 by 11:59pm
Rolling Deadline
Apply and contact the iVenture team to get recurring feedback.
Final Wave Deadline
Saturday, March 7, 2026 by 11:59pm