The Hatchery, Emory's Center for Innovation

Build a real product. Get real customers.
Zero cost. Zero equity.

Apply Now

Applications: Jan 30 - Mar 6, 2026

Program Start: May 28, 2026

Ventures Per Cohort: 10-12

Applications: Jan 30 - Mar 6, 2026

Program Start: May 28, 2026

Ventures Per Cohort: 10-12

For the First Time

Open to Founders Nationwide

The Hatchery’s Summer Accelerator goes hybrid — welcoming founders nationwide with virtual flexibility and in-person intensives at Emory’s Atlanta campus.

Apply Now

What You'll Build in 12 Weeks

Validated Business Design

Grounded in real customer interviews (RC)

Demo-Ready Prototype

A working product you can show — not just slides

Investor-Ready Pitch

Pitch deck + live competitive pitch session

VC-Aligned Product Vision

A product story shaped by how VCs actually think

Combined Partnership Impact

155,000+

Alumni network globally

280+

Ventures launched

TOP-25

Research university

Schools across Emory University

100%

Product completion rate

70%

Revenue positive at graduation

60%

Secured follow-on funding

85%

Women founded

12-Week Program Structure

Week 1

Foundation & Kickoff (In-Person)

Week 2-5

Problem Validation, Customer Discovery, Product Roadmap, Building & Branding (Virtual)

Break Week

Implementation & Customer Work

Week 6-11

Testing, Traction, GTM Strategy, Pitch Mastery (Virtual)

Week 12

Demo Day
(In-Person)

AI-Powered Tools at Your Fingertips

Understand THE Market

Market Research Analyzer
Discovery Optimizer

Shape Your Product

Feature Generator
RightShift Spark

SHAPE Your Story

Exec Summary Evaluator
RightShift Identity

Build Traction

RightShift Traction
RightShift Propel

And much more

Weeks

Plus 12 Weeks of
Post-Program Support

Your journey doesn't end at Demo Day.
For two months following graduation

Platform & Tool Access

Continued access to RightShift's AI platform and development tools

Executive Advisory Sessions

Personalized advisory sessions with program leadership

Network & Investor Access

Investor introductions from Emory and RightShift networks.

Alumni Network Integration

Alumni network integration and peer support community

Who Should Apply

Have a functional prototype or strong concept ready to build
Have earned early revenue or raised initial capital (or are ready to)
Are committed to building their company over the next 3-5 years
Can commit to the session schedule (Mondays & Thursdays, 12 AM - 1 PM EST)

Open to: Emory students, faculty, staff, alumni, AND non-Emory founders nationwide

You Asked, We Answered

Is this only for Atlanta founders?

No. For the first time, this program welcomes founders nationwide through our hybrid model. You'll need to attend in-person sessions during Week 1 and Week 10 in Atlanta.

What happens after the 12 weeks?

You receive 12 weeks of post-program support including continued platform access, advisory sessions, investor introductions, and alumni network integration.

How many founders are accepted?

Each cohort includes 10-12 ventures, ensuring personalized attention and deep feedback from mentors.

Are Emory students compensated?

Emory students in degree-seeking programs and alumni within 12 months of graduation may be compensated for participation.

What does 'zero equity' mean?

We don't take any ownership stake in your company in exchange for participation. You keep 100% of your equity.

Applications open January 30, 2026

Ready to Build Something Real?

Apply Now

KEY DATES

Applications Open

January 30, 2026

Applications Close

March 6, 2026

Interviews & Selection

March 9 – April 9, 2026

Cohort Announced

April 10, 2026

Program Runs

May 28 – July 30, 2026

Demo Day

July 30, 2026