about us
Advancing innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world.
The Polsky Center’s roots trace back to the University of Chicago’s longstanding commitment to supporting innovation. In 1987, the University established a technology transfer office to help faculty and researchers transform discoveries into products, services, and new ventures. In 1996, Chicago Booth launched the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge, followed by the establishment of an entrepreneurship center in 1998 with support from the Kauffman Foundation and under the leadership of Professor Steve Kaplan and first executive director Ellen Rudnick, MBA ’73.
The Polsky Center expanded significantly in 2002, when University emeritus trustee and Chicago Booth alumnus Michael Polsky, MBA ’87, endowed the Center, leading to dramatic growth in staff, faculty engagement, and programming. Over the next decade, the Polsky Center’s reach grew significantly with the launch of new entrepreneurial programs.
Today, the Polsky Center supports innovators across the University and beyond, helping students, faculty, alumni, researchers, community entrepreneurs, and founders turn ideas into ventures, partnerships, and real-world impact.
Support and Advisors
Polsky Center Team
We are a 60-person team responsible for advancing entrepreneurship and research commercialization activities.
Polsky Council
The Polsky Council comprises leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and private equity investors, who provide ongoing guidance and support.
Mentors
Our mentors bring decades of experience in strategy, fundraising, healthcare, technology, sales and marketing, law, insurance, and other industries.
Visit Us
Polsky Center at Chicago Booth
5807 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Suite 207
Chicago, IL 60637
Polsky Exchange North
1452 E. 53rd St.
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Polsky Center at Harper Court
5235 S Harper Ct.
9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
UChicago Science Incubator
5207 S. Harper Ave
Suite 500
Chicago, IL. 60615
Third Coast Foundry
625 Second Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107
our benefactor
Michael Polsky, MBA ’87
Michael Polsky, MBA ’87, is the founder and CEO of Invenergy, a leading privately held developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions. With nearly 30 years of experience in the energy industry, Polsky is widely recognized as a pioneer and leader in North America’s cogeneration and independent power industry.
In 2002, Polsky endowed the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago with a $7 million gift, creating a central hub for entrepreneurship education, venture creation, and innovation. He followed this up in 2012 with an additional $8 million to enable the Polsky Center to serve as a venture creation engine for the entire University. Through additional philanthropic support, including a $35 million gift in 2016, he helped expand the center’s mission across the University and beyond, supporting students, faculty, alumni, researchers, and community entrepreneurs.
In 2025, Michael and Tanya Polsky extended their support for energy innovation and leadership through a combined $100 million gift to the World Resources Institute (WRI) and UChicago. The gift established the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Energy Transition Leadership Academy, including significant support for the Polsky Center to expand energy transition entrepreneurship, startup funding, experiential learning, mentorship, and career support for students pursuing work in clean, abundant, affordable, and reliable energy.
Edward L. Kaplan, MBA ’71
Edward L. Kaplan, MBA ’71, was chairman emeritus and cofounder of Zebra Technologies. He maintained a deep and lasting connection to Chicago Booth and the Polsky Center, serving on the Council on Chicago Booth, and was a founding member of the Polsky Council, where he served for more than 25 years.
His most significant contribution was establishing the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge Fund. In 2026, his family made another gift of $2.25 million to support the New Venture Challenge and establish the Edward L. Kaplan Build and Launch Accelerator Program Fund.
Rattan L. Khosa, MBA ’79
Rattan L. Khosa, MBA ’79, is the founder, president, and CEO of AMSYSCO. Through a $5 million gift in 2018, Khosa established the Rattan L. Khosa Student Entrepreneurs Program at the Polsky Center.
The program includes the Rattan L. Khosa First Place Prize at the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; the Rattan L. Khosa Entrepreneurial Fellowships; the Rattan L. Khosa Entrepreneurial Internships; and the Rattan L. Khosa “Against All Odds” Student Award. His support also extends to Rattan L. Khosa SeedCon.
George P. Shultz
George P. Shultz was a former Chicago Booth professor and dean whose distinguished career spanned government, business, and academia. He left a lasting mark on Chicago Booth as a professor, dean, mentor, and institutional leader.
In 2018, the Polsky Center renamed its Innovation Fund in his honor following a $10 million gift from longtime friend and mentee Mary A. Tolan, MBA ’92, to recognize his lifelong commitment to thoughtful problem-solving, public service, and practical innovation.
Raymond Svider, MBA ’89
Raymond Svider, MBA ’89, is a partner and chairman at BC Partners, a leading international private equity firm. After studying engineering in France, Svider earned his MBA from Chicago Booth and went on to build a global career in private equity.
Through a $5 million gift, Svider established the Svider Private Equity Program at the Polsky Center. The program expands resources for Chicago Booth students and alumni pursuing careers in private equity, strengthens the school’s private equity network, and supports Booth’s reputation as a hub for private equity education.