Deep Tech Ventures Summit: Where Innovation Ignites in the Windy City

Hold onto your hats, folks, because the future of tech is about to blow through Chicago like a breath of fresh, algorithmic air. Get ready for the Deep Tech Ventures Summit, hitting the scene on Tuesday, June 18, 2024! From 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago is gonna be the place to be, showcasing the absolute cutting edge of deep tech.

This ain’t just another tech conference, fam. We’re talking about a gathering of the brightest minds – entrepreneurs with game-changing ideas, investors with deep pockets (literally), and industry titans ready to reshape the world as we know it. Whether you’re a seasoned techie or just curious about the next big thing, this summit’s got something for you. Think groundbreaking startups, mind-blowing keynotes, and enough networking opportunities to make LinkedIn jealous.

Deep Tech: It’s Not Just a Buzzword, It’s the Future

Launched in 2023, the Deep Tech Ventures Initiative at the Polsky Center is all about nurturing the seeds of radical innovation. They’re not just throwing money at any shiny object – they’re providing sector-specific expertise, entrepreneurial training, and, yeah, okay, some funding too. But it’s all about building something real, something that can change the game.

They’ve got their fingers in all the hottest pies, with accelerators focused on:

• Duality: Think quantum technology, the kind of stuff that’ll make your head spin faster than a qubit in superposition (just Google it, trust me).
• Transform: Data science and AI so advanced, it’s practically magic. But like, the good kind of magic, not the pulling-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat kind.
• Resurgence: Cleantech solutions for a greener future. Because let’s be real, we’ve only got one planet, and it’s time to stop trashin’ it.

Get Ready to Have Your Mind Blown: Summit Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

This isn’t some boring conference where you fight to stay awake during PowerPoint presentations. The Deep Tech Ventures Summit is bringing the heat with a lineup that’ll make you wanna ditch your coffee for, well, maybe just more coffee. But you get the point.

Keynote Speakers: Legends in the Making (and Some Already Made)

Get ready to take notes, folks, because these keynote speakers are dropping knowledge bombs:

• Morning Session: Satyajeet Salgar, Director of Product Management and UX at Google AI, will be laying down the law on how AI is about to change, well, pretty much everything.
• Afternoon Session: Sheila Mikhail, MBA ’93, Adviser and Cofounder of Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), is gonna school us on what it takes to be a healthcare entrepreneur. And since she’s literally written the book on building billion-dollar companies, you know she’s got the receipts.

Panel Discussions: Where the Big Ideas Collide

Grab a front-row seat (or, you know, any seat you can snag – this stuff’s gonna be popular) for these mind-expanding panel discussions:

• From Lab-to-Fab: Unlocking the Potential of Quantum Computing in the Real World: Quantum computing is cool and all, but how do we actually use it? This panel of experts will break down the barriers between theory and reality, exploring how this game-changing technology can solve real-world problems.
• Clean Energy Revolution: Building Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future: Climate change is no joke, and the time for action is now. This panel will dive deep into the world of clean energy, exploring innovative solutions and discussing how we can create a more sustainable future.
• Beyond the Valley: The Rise of AI Innovation in the Midwest: Move over, Silicon Valley, there’s a new tech hub in town. This panel will explore the Midwest’s burgeoning AI scene, showcasing the region’s unique strengths and highlighting its potential to become a global leader in AI innovation.
• The Role of the University in Building a Life Science Ecosystem: Universities are more than just places to learn – they’re hotbeds of innovation, especially in the life sciences. This panel will explore how universities are fostering groundbreaking research, nurturing entrepreneurial talent, and driving economic growth in the life sciences sector.

Startup Pitches: Witness the Future, Today

Get ready to witness the future of tech (and maybe even invest in it) as over 20 startups from the University of Chicago ecosystem take the stage. We’re talking about novel therapies that could change the face of medicine, diagnostics that can detect diseases earlier than ever before, and even battery and nuclear fuel recycling technologies that could revolutionize how we power the world. Yeah, it’s kinda a big deal.

Networking Opportunities: Rub Shoulders with the Best and Brightest

Don’t even think about hiding in the corner with your phone during this event. The Deep Tech Ventures Summit is all about making connections, building relationships, and, dare we say it, having some fun while you’re at it. With multiple networking opportunities throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of chances to chat with fellow attendees, pick the brains of industry leaders, and maybe even find your next business partner (or, you know, just someone who gets your Star Wars references).

Hear It From the Visionaries: Quotes That’ll Get You Pumped

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of the bigwigs have to say about the Deep Tech Ventures Summit:

“Bringing together our vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders is an incredible opportunity to learn from one another, network, and see what life-changing innovation is on the horizon.” – Samir Mayekar, Managing Director, Polsky Center

“The ideas and projects being discussed at the Deep Tech Ventures Summit have the potential to change the world for the better. I am constantly inspired by the ingenuity and drive of our students, faculty, and alumni.” – Juan de Pablo, Executive Vice President, University of Chicago

“True Blue Partners is proud to support the Deep Tech Ventures Summit, an event that is propelling groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. We believe in the power of deep tech to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” – Sunil Grover, Venture Partner, True Blue Partners

“We are thrilled to support the Deep Tech Ventures Summit, as it provides a unique and impactful platform for deep tech startups to connect with investors and industry leaders. The University of Chicago is a hotbed of innovation, and we are excited to see the groundbreaking technologies that emerge from this event.” – Winston Gu, Founding Partner, Cooley Chicago

Ready to Ride the Wave of Innovation?

The Deep Tech Ventures Summit isn’t just an event – it’s a movement. It’s about harnessing the power of deep technology to create a better, brighter, and more sustainable future. Whether you’re an investor looking for the next big thing, an entrepreneur with a game-changing idea, or just a curious mind eager to witness the future unfold, the Deep Tech Ventures Summit is the place to be. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ticket, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the future of tech – it’s closer than you think.