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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 in two buildings on 53rd Street in Hyde Park, 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, and community-based entrepreneurs with no affiliation to the University of Chicago can become a member and get access to the Polsky Exchange for a nominal monthly fee.

The Numbers:

34,000

Square feet of co-working space

15-20

Startups accepted into the Polsky Incubator

3,200+

Members

450+

Events per year

Upcoming Events
21
Mar
Incorporation / Organization Day
Friday, March 21, 2025  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
26
Mar
Small Business Development Center: On-Deck Pitch
Wednesday, March 26, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
31
Mar
Application Deadline: Build and Launch Accelerator
Monday, March 31, 2025  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
2
Apr
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): Talking to People with Nell Compernolle and Tanya Treptow
Wednesday, April 2, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
3
Apr
Investing Essentials: Success and Failure in One’s Life and Career
Thursday, April 3, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
7
Apr
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: Due Diligence with Elliott Holland
Monday, April 7, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
Apr
Info Session: Polsky Programs for Graduate Students & Postdocs
Wednesday, April 9, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
Apr
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): Optimizing your Data with Nell Compernolle and Tanya Treptow
Wednesday, April 9, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
Come Check Us Out!
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.

Contact

Questions

Polsky Exchange North
Polsky Exchange North

1452 East 53rd Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615

Hours

Open 7 days per week, 7 a.m. – Midnight
Phone: 777-702-2076

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Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab
Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab

1463 E. 53rd St., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615

Hours

Co-working space:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 773-795-0075

Fab Lab:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wed, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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6 Startups Vie for Investment at the 2025 College New Venture Challenge

  The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and The University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering are pleased to announce the six finalists selected to compete in the…

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