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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 and get access to the Polsky Exchange for a nominal monthly fee.

The Numbers:

34,000

Square foot of co-working space

15-20

Startups housed in the Polsky Incubator at one time

3,200+

Members

450+

Events and workshops

Upcoming Events
12
Nov
Entrepreneurship Essentials (E2): Cap Table Management with Ben Register
Wednesday, November 12, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
13
Nov
Business Acumen: What to Know Before Moving into a Physical Space
Thursday, November 13, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
13
Nov
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: From Initial Call to the First 100 Days: Taking the Lead and Navigating Seller Transitions
Thursday, November 13, 2025  //  5:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
17
Nov
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: Managing People: Hiring, Performance Management, Incentives, and Firing
Monday, November 17, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
17
Nov
Investing Essentials: How to Build a Strong Investment Thesis
Monday, November 17, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
18
Nov
Polsky Exchange Member Breakfast & Quarterly Reporting Session
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  //  8:30 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
18
Nov
Polsky Office Hours @ Booth 455 featuring Paul Cavalieri and Juliet Twomey
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  //  10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
18
Nov
NVC@30 Fireside Chat: Insights from NVC Winner David Rabie, MBA ’15
Tuesday, November 18, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
Come Check Us Out!
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 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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