YC @ University of Illinois

​Fireside Chat with Nemil Dalal of Y Combinator

​Monday, October 19 | 7:00-9:00 PM CT

​In person at UIUC (exact location shared after you register)

​Nemil Dalal joins live by video for a conversation about building in crypto and fintech through YC's lens: what YC looks for, what founders get wrong, and where he sees opportunity. Students attend in person and ask questions directly.

​WHAT TO EXPECT

• ​A fireside chat with Nemil, hosted by Illini Blockchain

• ​Open Q&A with the audience

• ​Time to meet other student builders afterward

​QUESTIONS AND APPLICATION FEEDBACK

​Send Nemil a question, or submit a short summary of your company. We will select 5-8 teams, and Nemil will review them and give async feedback. Submitting does not guarantee a review. You do not need to register to use the form, and you do not need to submit it to attend.

​Submit here: Open Google Form

​Form closes Sunday, October 18, 11:59 PM CT. Use your @illinois.edu email.

​The YC W27 deadline is November 2, 2026, 8:00 PM PT (10:00 PM CT). Apply at ycombinator.com/apply.

​WHO SHOULD COME

​UIUC students at any stage: founders with a company, people looking for a cofounder, and anyone curious about how YC evaluates startups. No application is required to attend.

​This is an independent event hosted by Illini Blockchain. It is not an official Y Combinator event, and attending or receiving feedback has no effect on any YC application or decision. Do not submit confidential information. Nothing said at this event is investment, legal, or admissions advice. The event may be photographed or recorded.