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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 on 53rd Street in Chicago’s vibrant, Hyde Park neighborhood, 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
Apr
Tech Enablement Series: Marketing, AI Automations and Chatbots
Thursday, April 17, 2025  //  9:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
17
Apr
Fireside Chat featuring Raymond Svider, MBA ’89, Chairman and Partner, BC Partners
Thursday, April 17, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
22
Apr
Polsky Exchange Capital Access Series: Hyde Park Bank/Beverly Bank (Wintrust)
Tuesday, April 22, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
22
Apr
Investing Essentials: Trends vs. Fads in Private Equity (PE) Investing
Tuesday, April 22, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
23
Apr
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: Tech Stack Setup and Best Practices
Wednesday, April 23, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
23
Apr
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): Fundraising for Non-Technical Founders with Sophia Matveeva
Wednesday, April 23, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
24
Apr
Tech Enablement Workshop Series: E-commerce and Online Sales Strategy
Thursday, April 24, 2025  //  9:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
28
Apr
Polsky Exchange: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Workshop
Monday, April 28, 2025  //  10:00 a.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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