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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 per year

Upcoming Events
9
May
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Workshop: Tech Stack Setup and Best Practices
Friday, May 9, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
9
May
Exploring Careers in Biomedical Innovation
Friday, May 9, 2025  //  12:00 p.m.
Note: All in-person events are listed in local time; virtual events are listed in Central Time
12
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
13
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
13
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
15
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
15
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
15
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
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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6 Startups Vie for Investment at the 2025 College New Venture Challenge

  The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and The University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering are pleased to announce the six finalists selected to compete in the…

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