The Polsky Center offers several hands-on learning opportunities aimed at helping students, researchers, faculty, and community members pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors or careers in private equity, venture, capital, entrepreneurship through acquisition, or social entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on a wide variety of experiential learning-based programs, events, workshops, speakers, panels, conferences, challenges, and more.
Additionally, to help facilitate team formation, the Polsky Center maintains a team-building spreadsheet and encourages those looking to participate in our programs to add their details to the spreadsheet and to check it regularly for updates.
Programs & Events: Venture Capital
New Venture Challenge
The Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is the premier start-up launch program run by the Polsky Center.
Svider Private Equity Program
On the investing side, the Polsky Center supports the aspirations of students and alumni interested in a career in private equity and venture capital.
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Program
A suite of programs and resources designed to provide graduating students and alumni access to the education, capital, and mentorship necessary to acquire and grow small businesses.
Innovation Fund
The UChicago Innovation Fund invests in proof-of-concept and early business development work for viable new startups created by faculty and students.
SeedCon
Bringing together successful entrepreneurs and seasoned venture capitalists to share ideas and advice, foster creativity, and ignite the entrepreneurial-spirit within.
Machine Learning Venture Capital Summit
An event dedicated to exploring technology that has the potential to change the way people interact with things like music, email, and financial planning.
Innovation Fund Associates Program
Students and post-docs receive robust training and perform diligence on innovation projects.
MBA Impact Investing Network & Training (MIINT)
MIINT is a learning opportunity that allows student teams to source early-stage impact investments.
UChicago Startup Investment Program
A new initiative where University of Chicago co-invests alongside established venture funds in startups led by UChicago faculty, students, staff and alumni.
Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC)
The Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) is the world's largest venture capital competition with over 70 universities competing.