POWERED BY

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
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 10 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
9
Schools across Emory University
100%
Product completion rate
70%
Revenue positive at graduation
60%
Secured follow-on funding
85%
Women founded

10-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 6-9
Testing, Traction, GTM Strategy, Pitch Mastery (Virtual)
Week 10
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
10
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 & Wednesdays, 12 - 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?
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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 10 weeks?
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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?
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Each cohort includes 10-12 ventures, ensuring personalized attention and deep feedback from mentors.

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

What does 'zero equity' mean?
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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