Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, the Polsky Exchange is a 34,000 square feet co-working space with 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 on 53rd Street in Hyde Park, the Polsky Exchange incubates 15-20 companies at a time, and provides a full range of services to support thousands of companies connected to Polsky Center’s 3,000+ members. Membership is free to all UChicago faculty, staff, and students and entrepreneurs interested in accessing the Polsky Exchange and becoming a member of the Polsky Center can join for a nominal monthly fee.
Overview
The Numbers:
34,000
Square foot of co-working space
10-20
Startups housed in the Polsky Incubator at one time
3,200+
Members
450+
Events and workshops
Join The Fun. Become a Member.
Educational opportunities, co-working space, mentorship, access to the Fab Lab, and monthly breakfasts are just a few perks of becoming a member of the Polsky Exchange.
Polsky Incubator
The Polsky Incubator provides space, mentorship, and support to early-stage startups, helping them achieve critical milestones and grow into sustainable businesses.
Fabrication Lab
The Fab Lab offers entrepreneurs opportunities to transform their ideas into physical objects to share, test, and perfect.
Workshops and Events
Over 450 of 'em. Get access to a wide variety of events, workshops, speakers, panels, challenges and more.
Upcoming Events
Join us to learn critical skills for starting your own business and networking with fellow entrepreneurs.
17
Sep
Polsky Exchange Member Breakfast: Real Estate/Rentals
18
Sep
Business Acumen: Marketing Fundamentals that Convert
23
Sep
Polsky Center Open House: First Year College Students
25
Sep
Business Acumen Series: Side Hustle or Real Business? Know the Difference
29
Sep
Application Deadline: Innovate2Market Program
30
Sep
Polsky Center and Rustandy Center Open House
1
Oct
Polsky Center Open House: College Students
2
Oct
Fall 2025 Collaboratorium
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 team.
Where to find us
Locations
The Polsky Exchange has two spaces located on vibrant 53rd Street in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
Polsky Exchange North
1452 East 53rd Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Hours
7 days a week, 7am – Midnight
(773) 702-2076
Polsky Exchange South / Fab Lab
1463 E. 53rd St., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60615
Hours
Co-working space:
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 8:00pm
773-795-0075
Fab Lab
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 11:00am – 5:00pm
Wed, 11:00am – 8:00pm
Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge Winner Simple Mills Acquired by Flower Foods for $795 Million
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