ILC:Entrepreneurship & Technology
DivisionWhat are we?
In ILC:E, members can expect to engage in entrepreneurial projects and learn business fundamentals through discussions, guest speakers, and hands-on learning, ranging from pitching your own startup to local entrepreneurs and investors, to learning the ins and out of the startup lifecycle. ILC:E members can expect to leave meetings with thoughtful discussions on current trends, growing startups, and alternative business models, and be exposed to unique opportunities through our partnerships with local Chicago startups, UCIE, and the Polsky Center.
ILC:T is designed for students interested in turning brilliant ideas into working apps, websites, or platforms. During weekly meetings, we brainstormed project ideas, helped our members build up their technical skills, and worked in groups to implement actual projects. We also include a series of technical workshops throughout the year to introduce cutting-edge technology and interesting tools in software engineering. Previous workshop topics include Amazon Web Service, various Google APIs, Facebook chatbots, personal website building, etc.
The E and T divisions have merged together as of the 2020-2021 school year, leading to a combined general education curriculum teaching both entrepreneurial and technical skills to new members, and multiple tracks for members to delve into more advanced technical skills.
Past Ventures
Over the years, ILC has founded over 20 student ventures, with many members going on to compete in CNVC finals.PopBuy
Through pop-up events on-campus, PopBuy brings in local small businesses to provide students with a cost-effective way to get what they want, right in Reynolds Club. We, provide the necessary logistical and marketing supportto power a cost-effective, convenient option for companies and students alike.
Dorm Dads
Dorm Dads is a laundry service run by students for students. Get your laundry picked up from your room, washed, dried and delivered back to you within 4 hours. It’s that simple – satisfaction guaranteed!
WeEat
WeEat is a mobile platform that lets people order food without paying delivery fees. By aggregating and organizing group orders, WeEat strikes bulk delivery deals with restaurants, minimizing their overhead costs and increasing customer demand due to the resulting lower cost of ordering. WeEat will initially cater exclusively to the UChicago community. The WeEat app will be available on Android and iOS.
RideVide
Daniel Ni & team created a Facebook-integrated site to share UberX rides to the airport by connecting with other students trying to go to the same location at the same time!
cBooks
cBooks is a UChicago textbook rental service that utilizes a transparent two-tier pricing model for paperbacks and hardcovers, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional rental services.
Learn more about cBooks here.
PrepMe
ILC Founder Karan Goel sold his startup company, PrepMe, to a major US test-prep company for an undisclosed amount, and is now working on GetSet, another ed-tech startup. Learn more about PrepMe here.