
WHAT IS THE HATCHERY?
The Hatchery is an immersive summer learning experience where participants apply design thinking and lean startup methods to develop solutions and test potential business ideas. We want students who are passionate about learning the foundational skills of entrepreneurship while working on problems that matter. Students in the Hatchery interact with each other, staff, faculty, and entrepreneurial experts and mentors to bring their own startup ideas to life.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker Institute is making plans for both in -person and virtual Hatchery options. A virtual Hatchery will include real-time interactions with Hatchery peers and experts, challenges and virtual pitches. We'll have peer feedback groups and online mentoring. Our virtual 2020 Hatchery experience was a great success, so we are confident we can provide an impactful program whether in-person or remotely.
Spring 2021 Information Sessions:
February 9 at 12:00 PM ET
February 25 at 4:00 PM ET
March 11 at 12:00 PM ET
Applications are due on March 15, 2021 at 12 PM ET.
Monday- Friday
Start: May 24, 2021
End: July 2, 2021
Explore startup opportunities using:
Design Thinking
Lean Startup Method
Business Model Canvas
Receive support through:
Workshops
Guest Experts
Coaching & Mentoring
Each day, work with a community of students, faculty & staff who want to change the world and believe they can.
You’ll develop your own ideas, while constantly collaborating with cohort members.
Don’t forget the fun stuff!
Hatchery community events will bring the whole group together!


THE TRACKS
We want students in the Hatchery who are at every point in their entrepreneurial journey. We have three tracks geared towards meeting students were they are and providing the appropriate support.
CreativitY Track
If you are passionate, hard working, and self motivated, this is the track for you. We will take you through the creative process from problem identification, creativity for innovation, and design thinking. You do not need to have your own idea for the Creativity Track.
Innovation Track
For students who have identified and validated a real world challenge and are in the early stages of designing solutions. We will take you through the next steps toward validating your solutions, creating solid customer validation, and taking your project/idea to the next level.
ENTRPRENEURSHIP Track
For students who have a validated problem/need identified, basic customer feedback, a solution prototyped, and an understanding of their business model. We will provide students the dedicated time and network needed to continue the development of your project into a more advanced entrepreneurial venture.

Need more Info?
Check out our program details and frequently asked questions.
Previous Years
Check out what students have to say about their Hatchery experience on the Baker Blog:
Hatchery Media
Students Display Entrepreneurial Ideas at Lehigh University’s Hatchery Program
The Lehigh Valley Insider - August 6, 2019
Students nest, hatch ideas at Lehigh U's 'Hatchery' program
PBS39 - August 6, 2019
The Hatchery summer program to explore applications of entrepreneurship
The Brown & White - April 10, 2018
Students gain entrepreneurship skills at the Hatchery
The Brown & White - September 10, 2018
Mentor Meet Up (video)
Baker Institute - July 12, 2018
Lehigh U. students cook up 'hackathon' to address food waste
lehighvalleylive.com - July 20, 2018
Food Waste Hackathon at Factory (video featuring Hatchery hackathon)
thePeakTV - August 3, 2018
Scenes from South Mountain: Demo Day
Lehigh University - August 10, 2018
Students 'Hatch,' Test 21 Potential Business Ideas
Lehigh University - August 13, 2018
Innovative ideas take flight at the Hatchery, EdTech nest reconstructs tutoring model
Lehigh Library & Technology Services - September 10, 2018
Food Waste in the Valley (documentary special featuring Hatchery hackathon)
PBS39 - September 18, 2018
Hatchery 2019 pictures | EUREKA! Pitch pictures | Demo Day 08/01/19 pictures
Hatchery 2018 pictures | Hackathon 07/27-07/28 pictures | Demo Day 08/09/18 pictures