Reimagined for 2026: The Hatchery Summer Entrepreneurship Program
Under new leadership, The Hatchery is evolving, with an updated format and a renewed vision for helping students move from ideas to action. It will remain an intensive summer entrepreneurship experience available at NO COST to Lehigh students.
The Hatchery is a four-week, intensive summer program designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset and support real-world execution through hands-on work, coaching, and a community of builders.
Whether you’re advancing your own venture or joining a team to solve innovation challenges with community partners, you’ll leave with practical tools, experienced guidance, and a mindset for professional growth that lasts well beyond the summer.
- Timeframe: May 26–June 26, 2026
- Cost: No cost for Lehigh students.
Not a Lehigh student? Contact Michelle Julet at mrj425@lehigh.edu for more information. - Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 3–4 hours/day of core programming
- Additional time commitment: 1–2 hours/day for team working sessions (venture creation and/or partner challenges)
- Location: In person at 472 Vine Street (no remote option)
- Eligibility:
- Open to any full-time Lehigh student or approved guest student in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing.
- Participants must live on or near campus for this full-time program.
- Financial support: Cost-of-living grants available for students who qualify for university financial aid.
My experience was transformative. The Hatchery provided the tools to take a technical MBA project and turn it into a functioning business model. Second, it acted as an entry point to the Lehigh University entrepreneurial ecosystem, which continues to provide value as my venture grows.
Matthew Oravitz, DPT, FAAOMPT
