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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
28
Jan
Polsky Exchange Member Breakfast: E-Commerce & Retail
Wednesday, January 28, 2026  //  8:30 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
28
Jan
Info Session: George Shultz Innovation Fund
Wednesday, January 28, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
29
Jan
Polsky Exchange E-Commerce Growth: 2026 State of the E-Commerce Industry
Thursday, January 29, 2026  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
30
Jan
Rattan L. Khosa SeedCon: Beyond the Hype
Friday, January 30, 2026  //  8:30 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
2
Feb
Investing Essentials: Value Creation in Uncertain Times
Monday, February 2, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
2
Feb
Application Deadline: The New Business Start Support Program
Monday, February 2, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
3
Feb
Application Deadline: Spring 2026 I-Corps Program
Tuesday, February 3, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
10
Feb
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): How Startups Miss Their Market with Jeff Berman
Tuesday, February 10, 2026  //  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!
Tour

Come Check Us Out!

Interested in seeing the space? Throughout the year, tours are offered at the Polsky Exchange 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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Exactics Wins 2025 College New Venture Challenge, Securing $115K for Innovative Rapid Diagnostic

The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and The Grainger College of Engineering announces Exactics as the winner of the 13th Annual College New Venture Challenge (CNVC). Exactics, a biotechnology…

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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