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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 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
17
Dec
Polsky Exchange Member Year-End Lunch
Wednesday, December 17, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
Jan
Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC)
Friday, January 9, 2026  //  8:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
Jan
Application Deadline: Booth Investment Thesis Challenge (BITC)
Friday, January 9, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
Jan
Application Deadline: Winter 2026 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Discovery Cohort
Friday, January 9, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
12
Jan
Investing Essentials: From Associate to Partner – The Neuroscience Behind Being an Effective Leader
Monday, January 12, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
12
Jan
Midwest Biotech Startup Showcase in San Francisco
Monday, January 12, 2026  //  7:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
14
Jan
NVC@30 Fireside Chat: Insights from NVC Winner Kyle Swinsky, MBA ’19
Wednesday, January 14, 2026  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
14
Jan
Application Workshop and Quick Pitch: New Venture Challenge (NVC) and Social New Venture Challenge (SNVC)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026  //  5:00 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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