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Mentoring Espresso Chicago

Welcome to the registration!

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“Mentoring Espresso” is an intensive, one-day networking and mentoring event aimed at members of the Polish scientific diaspora. The name reflects the idea of a quick, focused, and energising exchange of experiences - conversations over coffee that spark ideas, provide inspiration, and lead to the first steps towards collaboration.

The event will take place on September 19th 2026 at the University of Chicago. The program will include:

Panel discussion with startup founders and industry practitioners,

Roundtable sessions with mentors: each table will be led by a different mentor, with topics including:

- How to identify whether a scientific idea has commercial potential?

- From grant to startup - funding and the first steps 

- What universities don’t teach: workplace culture in startups and industry 

- Changing career paths - how to make the decision and avoid regrets

Networking: Refreshments, informal conversations, exchanging contacts, and an end-of-day gathering.

All centered around the theme of innovation commercialization within the Polish diaspora community. We are excited to see you join the discussion!

As always, #KeepCalmAndCurieOn
This public task is co-financed with funds received in 2026 from the Senate of the Republic of Poland as part of the "Senat- Polonia 2026" competition. More information can be found on the this page.

Are you over 18?*

This event is restricted to individuals who are 18 years old or over. Please send us an email to enquire about registration for applicants under 18 years old: contact@poloniumfoundation.org
* If you plan to bring a minor (above 12 years old) to this event, please let us know by sending us a message at contact@poloniumfoundation.org. We will do everything to include your parenting duties.

I declare that I am over 18 years old: