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transform today's nesting ideas into innovations that soar above the rest!

Explore creative methods for developing your own ideas to address community needs, solve global challenges, or produce the next best-selling product on the market!

Join Baker Institute facilitators for this six-week summer intensive designed to help Lehigh students from any discipline develop a problem-solving mindset centered around:

  • observing challenges and discovering problems through the practice of empathy,

  • identifying the characteristics and boundaries that define the problem,

  • proposing solutions using creative ideation exercises to discover the most viable one,

  • developing prototypes that effectively address the problem criteria,

  • testing and iterating on the idea for continuous improvement. 

The Design Thinking process can be used by anyone and everyone to approach nearly any challenge, which is why it is at the core of this program. Whether you want to create new products and services to launch your own business one day or you are interested in building your resume for your future career, the Hatchery is for you!

Actively apply knowledge you've gained from your studies.

Investigate human-centered approaches to problem-solving. 

Connect with peers and professionals from our community and beyond.

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wait, there's more!

the hatchery is ALSO a
game-changer on your resume...

Students who've completed the Hatchery often tell us that sharing their Hatchery experience with employers during an interview helped them land a job. Your six weeks with us is more than a line item under experience! It's also:

 

  • Completion of expert-led training in Design Thinking and problem solving 

  • Development of live pitching and presentation skills

  • Knowledge and application of lean startup methods and basics in entrepreneurship

  • Experience in prototyping and testing

COST? ZERO!

AND WE'RE HERE TO HELP WITH LIVING EXPENSES, TOO!

The best part of an all-inclusive experience like this one? You have unlimited access to all the perks for one price! The best part of our all-inclusive Hatchery experience? The price is zero!

 

The Hatchery is a free opportunity for Lehigh University students who apply and are accepted into the 2024 cohort. The application is open to all students from every year and major across campus. 

For students who need financial support to secure living accommodations during this full time six-week program in the summer term, the Baker Institute offers cost of living grants to those who qualify with a demonstrated need. Once we understand your needs (we'll ask for more info in the application) we will provide direct financial support as well as assistance in identifying other financial support opportunities. 

 

Please keep in mind:

  • You will not be asked to commit to the program until any cost of living grants or financial support have been finalized

  • Applications will be reviewed needs blind meaning requests for cost of living grants will not affect our decision about you as a candidate for the program

  • The program occurs between 9am-5pm Monday - Friday allowing participants to hold a job during non program hours

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What is Demo Day?

Each year, Hatchery participants showcase their innovative ideas, recap their experience, and celebrate one another's journey during an interdisciplinary expo for emerging entrepreneurs, area experts, and Future Makers from across the Lehigh University community.

Our re-envisioned plans for Demo Day 2024 will be announced soon!

Need more Info?

Previous Years

Check out what students have to say about their Hatchery experience on the Baker Blog:

Past Students

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

QUESTIONS? 

If you have any questions about the Hatchery we are here to help! 

Send us an email at bakerinfo@lehigh.edu

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