The New Venture Challenge (NVC), launched in 1996 by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, is one of the nation’s premier accelerator programs. Over its long history, it has supported more than 370 startups that have collectively raised over $1.2 billion in funding and generated $8.5 billion in mergers and exits. Notable alumni include Grubhub, Braintree/Venmo, and Simple Mills—companies that reshaped their industries.
Startups accepted into the NVC gain access to the Polsky Center’s unmatched expertise, resources, and funding pathways. Participants benefit from tailored guidance, a powerful mentor network, and the strong community of NVC advisors, founders, and alumni. With this support, teams can dramatically accelerate their development and position themselves for long-term success.
Chicago, Illinois, United States