The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago focuses on advancing innovative ideas and technologies from the university ecosystem. It invests in UChicago-affiliated teams through programs like the New Venture Challenge (NVC) and the Polsky Center Accelerator Program. The center typically provides grant funding, non-equity assistance, and early-stage investments ranging from pre-seed to seed rounds.
Notable portfolio companies include Amopportunities, demi, and Seurat Therapeutics. The Polsky Center offers comprehensive support for entrepreneurs, including training programs, experiential learning opportunities, and industry-specific accelerators. It places particular emphasis on deep tech ventures, providing business training, technical advisement, and connections to venture capital for early-stage startups.
Polsky Center - Portfolio Snapshot
Portfolio activity breakdown across disclosed investments and stages
Total Investments10
Current Portfolio Count10
Total Portfolio Exits0
Top Investment Stages
Grant3 (30.0%)
Non Equity Assistance3 (30.0%)
Seed2 (20.0%)
Angel1 (10.0%)
Pre-Seed1 (10.0%)
Stage Mix
Grant 30%Non Equity Assistance 30%Seed 20%Angel 10%Pre-Seed 10%
Concentration shown as share of disclosed investments by stage.
Polsky Center - Classification
- NAICS
- 520000Finance and Insurance
- 523000Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
- 523900Other Financial Investment Activities
- 523990All Other Financial Investment Activities
- 523999Miscellaneous Financial Investment Activities
- SIC
- 7300Business Services
Show 6 more industry codes
- NAICS
- 540000Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 610000Educational Services
- 541000Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 611000Educational Services
- SIC
- 8200Educational Services
- 8290Schools And Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classified