Kennesaw State's HatchBridge Incubator: Nurturing Suburban Startups to Thrive

Kennesaw State University's HatchBridge Incubator is a dynamic hub where entrepreneurs from the suburbs are transforming their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. This article explores the incubator's mission, the diverse range of startups it supports, and how it's empowering suburban innovators to succeed.

Empowering Suburban Entrepreneurs to Soar

Fostering a Supportive Ecosystem for Suburban Startups

HatchBridge, located at the KSU Center, has become a beacon for entrepreneurs seeking the guidance and resources to turn their ideas into reality. Launched in July 2023, the incubator has already hosted 51 different startup projects in its first year, filling its five offices with ambitious founders. The incubator's director of incubation and commercialization, Colin Ake, emphasizes the importance of providing mentorship and accountability to those building startups in the suburbs. "People need mentorship and accountability when they're creating a startup," Ake says. "What we do is provide support for all the people who are building something in the suburbs."HatchBridge offers a comprehensive suite of programs that guide entrepreneurs through the entire startup journey, from refining their ideas and researching potential markets to receiving business coaching, launching their businesses, and working to scale them. Entrepreneurs can continue to utilize the incubator's resources as they refine their products, business plans, and seek funding to fuel their growth.

Empowering Suburban Innovators with Cutting-Edge Resources

HatchBridge members have access to a wealth of resources to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. This includes workstations or offices, specialized tools like laser cutters and 3D printers for prototyping, and a content studio for creating promotional videos, podcasts, and more. Importantly, the incubator also fosters a digital community of fellow startup builders, providing a supportive network for inspiration and collaboration.The incubator's location at Kennesaw State University makes it a natural hub for university researchers, alumni, and even students to bring their inventions to market. However, the incubator's doors are open to any entrepreneur looking to build a business, regardless of their affiliation with the university.

Serving the Needs of Suburban Entrepreneurs

HatchBridge's focus on serving entrepreneurs in the suburbs sets it apart from other incubators in the Atlanta area. "There are some great incubators in Atlanta," Ake explains, "but we want to serve entrepreneurs who live and build in the suburbs. They need community, support, and accountability in proximity to where they live."This commitment to supporting suburban innovators has attracted a diverse range of startups to HatchBridge, each addressing unique challenges faced by their local communities. From providing affordable lease-purchase options for heating and cooling systems to developing an app to support college students with ADHD, the incubator's members are tackling a wide array of problems.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Suburban Entrepreneurs

HatchBridge's impact extends beyond the current cohort of startups, as it also serves as a launchpad for young entrepreneurs. Recent Kennesaw State University graduates, such as software engineering alumnus Jordan St. Louis and Regnault Drake Sanders, have grown their startups through the incubator's programs.St. Louis, who founded Generalized Robotics, has developed a 360-degree camera for emergency vehicles that has been tested by the Clayton County Police Department. Meanwhile, Sanders has created Schoolconomy, an app that allows students to earn rewards for their academic achievements.These success stories demonstrate the incubator's ability to nurture the next generation of suburban entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources, guidance, and support they need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Expanding to Meet Growing Demand

The overwhelming demand for HatchBridge's services has led to the incubator's expansion plans. The current suite at the KSU Center is fully occupied, prompting the incubator to move to a much larger, stand-alone space next year at 1111 Chastain Road, the former General Bookstore building.This move will enable HatchBridge to serve even more eager entrepreneurs in the suburbs, further solidifying its position as a hub for suburban innovation and entrepreneurship. As the incubator continues to grow, it remains committed to its mission of empowering suburban innovators and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.