The 1842 Fund co-creates and invests in startups that align with Notre Dame's mission to become the Global Catholic Research Institution. The 1842 Fund is not just an allocator of capital. It aims to change the growth trajectory of every startup and founder with which it partners by serving as an extension of the team. The 1842 Fund co-creates via two paths. First, it partners with faculty, student, and the local community on inventions and innovations emerging through the Commercialization Engine at the IDEA Center. Second, it invests in the companies emerging from the 1842 Studio, an on-campus venture studio that builds and accelerates software startups targeting societal challenges.