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Polsky Exchange
Overview
Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Polsky Exchange is a 34,000 square foot startup hub featuring co-working space, a state-of-the-art Fabrication Lab, and a full calendar of programming and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas and technologies into startups.
Located on 53rd Street in Chicago’s vibrant, Hyde Park neighborhood, the Polsky Exchange acts as headquarters for thousands of startups, including the 15-20 companies accepted into the Polsky Incubator. More than 3,200+ members have access to a full suite of resources and activities offered at the Polsky Exchange. Membership is free to all UChicago faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, community-based entrepreneurs with no affiliation to the University of Chicago can become a member for a nominal monthly fee.
The Numbers:
34,000
Square feet of co-working space
15-20
Startups accepted into the Polsky Incubator
4,200+
Members
450+
Events per year
Join The Fun. Become a Member.
Educational opportunities, co-working space, mentorship, access to the Fab Lab, and monthly breakfasts are just a few perks of becoming a member of the Polsky Exchange.
Polsky Incubator
The Polsky Incubator provides mentorship, cohort accountability, tailored workshops, and dedicated office space to ambitious startups built to scale quickly.
Fabrication Lab
The Fab Lab offers entrepreneurs opportunities to transform their ideas into physical objects to share, test, and perfect.
Workshops and Events
Over 450 of 'em. Get access to a wide variety of events, workshops, speakers, panels, competitions, and more.
Upcoming Events
Join us to learn critical skills for starting your own business and networking with fellow entrepreneurs.
Take a Tour
Come Check Us Out!
Interested in seeing the space? Tours of the Polsky Exchange are available throughout the year to check out the space, discuss membership options, and meet members of the Polsky Center team.
Where to find us
Locations
The Polsky Exchange has two spaces located on 53rd Street in Chicago’s vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood. Additionally, the IT Services Polsky TechBar is located in the cafe area of the Polsky Exchange North.
Polsky Exchange North
1452 East 53rd Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Hours
Open 7 days per week, 7 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Phone: 773-702-2076
Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab
1463 E. 53rd St., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Hours
Co-working space:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Phone: 773-795-0075
Fab Lab:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.