web analytics
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
15
Oct
Polsky Office Hours @ Booth 455 featuring Kate Turvy
Wednesday, October 15, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
15
Oct
Application Deadline: Entrepreneurs Unplugged, A Monthly Meetup for Founders
Wednesday, October 15, 2025  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
15
Oct
Application Deadline: Leveraged Buyout (LBO) Modeling Bootcamp for Booth Students
Wednesday, October 15, 2025  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
16
Oct
Business Acumen: Exploring Financing Options
Thursday, October 16, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
16
Oct
Investing Essentials: Secrets to Building Effective Slide Decks
Thursday, October 16, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
17
Oct
Application Deadline: Private Equity & Venture Capital (PE/VC) Lab
Friday, October 17, 2025  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
20
Oct
Info Session: Booth Investment Thesis Challenge (BITC)
Monday, October 20, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
20
Oct
Application Deadline: Small Business Growth Program, Student Cohort
Monday, October 20, 2025  //  3:00 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

View On Map
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.

View On Map

Taking Portable Sinks to New Heights: How This Couple is Building a Thriving Family Business Through ETA

For Ray Chery and his wife Dana, entrepreneurship has always been in their DNA. Both grew up in families where business ownership was a way of life—Ray in a Haitian…

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