small business devel - Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Overview

Operated by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Polsky Exchange is a 34,000 square feet co-working space featuring 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 incubates 15-20 startup companies and provides a full range of services to support its 3,200+ members. 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

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.

Learn More

Polsky Incubator

The Polsky Incubator provides space, mentorship, and support to early-stage startups, helping them achieve critical milestones and grow into sustainable businesses.

Learn More

Fabrication Lab

The Fab Lab offers entrepreneurs opportunities to transform their ideas into physical objects to share, test, and perfect.

Learn More

Workshops and Events

Over 450 of 'em. Get access to a wide variety of events, workshops, speakers, panels, challenges and more.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Join us to learn critical skills for starting your own business and networking with fellow entrepreneurs.

May

Investing Essentials: Lessons from Failure

Monday, May 12, 2025 // 12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Polsky Exchange Capital Access Series: JPMorgan Chase

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 // 10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: Small and Family Business

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 // 12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Tech Enablement Workshop: Brand Development

Thursday, May 15, 2025 // 9:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Fireside Chat Featuring Matt Byington, Investor at General Catalyst

Thursday, May 15, 2025 // 12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Application Deadline: Private Equity Alumni/Student Coaching Program

Thursday, May 15, 2025 // 3:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Polsky Exchange Capital Access Series: CIBC Bank

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 // 10:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

May

Tech Enablement Workshop Series: Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity

Thursday, May 22, 2025 // 9:00 a.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time

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.

Choose a Date

Where to find us