The Hatch


The Hatch is an annual event organized at Bowling Green State University where 10 student entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of alumni investors to secure investment finance from them. The event has a similar format to ABC hit TV show "Shark Tank" that features student entrepreneurs. The 2019 season of The Hatch has been scheduled on September 9th, 2020.

Format

The participants who are selected for the event are referred to as the Hatchlings. Each participant or hatchling has to work 11 weeks with an accomplished BGSU alumni mentor to create a business presentation. This business presentation is pitched to investors in front of a live audience. The event is broadcast in several countries. The program is hosted at the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and is recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, an American professional organization established in 1916.

Impact

Through this event, more than $600,000 has been committed to student startups to date. The Hatchlings have also paired with former Falcons as mentors, who have coached business ideas, plans, and presentations.