Director, Venture Development

Department SIP Polsky Technology Ventures - Administration

About the Department The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange;

and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early‑stage ventures. The Center also houses the University of Chicago's technology transfer unit, which manages all University‑based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, the Director of Venture Development, AI will play a pivotal role in advancing commercialization of University of Chicago AI and data science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. The Director will work closely with University faculty and researchers to evaluate AI and data science research innovations, assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and connect researchers with relevant funding, talent, and advice.

The Director will act as a critical liaison to the venture capital ecosystem and other investors, cultivate relationships, and connect investors with relevant startups to secure funding and strategic partnerships. This role leads the identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, or technology, and provides specialized expertise to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

• Drive Venture Development team priorities, collaborating with partners such as the Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago.
• Identify and assess commercial potential of new and existing research projects and invention disclosures in partnership with IP and business development leadership.
• Understand faculty venture needs, provide ongoing proactive coaching.
• Undertake technical and commercial due‑diligence to chart business and commercialization strategies.
• Prepare faculty and their startups for investment diligence, support development of business plans and pitch decks, coach researchers in presenting to investors, and facilitate investor meetings.
• Establish or expand programs to support entrepreneurial talent, mentorship, and early‑stage management for AI and data science ventures.
• Build and cultivate a robust network of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders to support funding and strategic partnerships for faculty startups.
• Develop presentation materials and target business case pitches to selected partners.
• Track emerging trends in venture capital and research focus areas to inform strategic opportunities for faculty ventures.
• Manage budget and processes to support venture development activities, ensuring coordination among faculty, Polsky staff, and external partners.
• Represent the University as a thought leader in venture development and commercialization for AI and data science.
• Lead development of intellectual portfolio patenting, licensing, commercialization activities and marketing plans, contributing to strategic direction and expansion of new initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues to promote the mission and business of the department.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• Education:
  
  Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Work Experience:
  
  Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Education:
  
  Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline.
• Experienc…