Explore
entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for UChicago students.
Students
The Polsky Center connects University of Chicago College, Master’s, and PhD students with co-curricular programs, experiential learning, mentorship, funding, and venture support.
Whether you are building a startup, interested in venture capital or private equity, commercializing research, or exploring how entrepreneurship can shape your career, the Polsky Center has the resources to get you started.
Explore entrepreneurship, build practical skills, and connect with programs that help you test ideas, launch ventures, and gain real-world experience.
Access venture support, investment education, and hands-on opportunities to build companies, invest in startups, and pursue entrepreneurial careers.
Translate research and technical expertise into real-world impact through commercialization support, startup programming, mentorship, and funding.
Find a mentor
Meet with industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, and investors.
Form a team
Connect with other students who are building startups across campus.
Fund your startup
Explore funding opportunities to launch and grow your startup.
Access in-kind resources
Access free and discounted resources from external organizations.
Featured Programs
New Venture Challenge
Launch and grow a company through the University’s nationally recognized startup accelerator program with specialized tracks for undergraduate, Chicago Booth, and Executive MBA students.
Build and Launch Summer Accelerators
Spend the summer advancing your startup through immersive programming designed to help founders at different stages.
Collaboratorium
Showcase your research, technology, or ideas and develop a better understanding of the next steps to pursue a business opportunity.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
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Investing Essentials: Private Equity (PE) Landscape for Career Changers
Chicago Booth Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Faculty Advisor to the Svider Private Equity Program, Chris McGowan, will present on and discuss the…
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Info Session: Booth Investment Thesis Challenge (BITC)
The Booth Investment Thesis Challenge (BITC) encourages students to form teams to conceive and propose an original investment thesis they wish to work…
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Info Session: Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC)
The Chicago Booth Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) is a VC simulation that allows students to think and act as venture capitalists and…
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Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): AI Prototyping 101 with Cathy Kiriakos
Join the Polsky Center and Cathy Kiriakos, director of the Center for Applied AI at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business,…