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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
15
May
Application Deadline: Polsky Science and Technology Associates
Friday, May 15, 2026  //  11:59 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
18
May
Application Open: Market Navigator Program
Monday, May 18, 2026  //  All Day
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
19
May
Capital Access: Pursuit
Tuesday, May 19, 2026  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
21
May
Gemini for Entrepreneurs: Bananas Galore, 12 Fast Moves in 60 Minutes
Thursday, May 21, 2026  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
26
May
Capital Access: PNC Bank
Tuesday, May 26, 2026  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
26
May
Application Deadline: Commercialization Fellows Program
Tuesday, May 26, 2026  //  3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
27
May
Polsky Exchange Member Breakfast
Wednesday, May 27, 2026  //  8:30 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
27
May
2026 John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge Finals
Wednesday, May 27, 2026  //  9:00 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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