Our Mission

Our Mission

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, idea and action, and research and impact through education, partnerships, and new venture creation.

OUR HISTORY

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation drives venture creation and technology commercialization within the University of Chicago and the surrounding community. Through education, partnerships, and new venture support, the Polsky Center advances the knowledge and practice of entrepreneurship and accelerates the commercialization of research. The Polsky Center helps students, faculty, staff, alumni, researchers and local entrepreneurs navigate the complex process of creating and growing a startup.

Polsky's Evolution

Our Timeline

1898

  • University of Chicago Business School founded.

1996

  • No entrepreneurship concentration.3 classes taught by practitioners.Dean Hamada decides Chicago needs a strong entrepreneurship program.
  • Program aims:
    • Mix of research and practitioner faculty.
    • Mix of classroom/experiential learning.
    • Student facing.

1998

  • Entrepreneurship concentration introduced.
  • Kauffman Foundation gives Booth $1M grant to start entrepreneurship center.
  • Ellen Rudnick, '73, hired as Executive Director.

Polsky is proud to partner with

Social New Venture Challenge Awards Record $175K in Investment

The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation are pleased to announce the winners…

Seven Social Impact Startups To Compete in 2022 Social New Venture Challenge

Seven social impact startups will vie for investment June 1 at the 12th annual John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC) Finals. The finalists were selected from a record-breaking…

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyze your use of products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts.

Accept