Fifty-three student startups have been accepted into the 2016 cohort of U of T Engineering’s Entrepreneurship Hatchery accelerator program, the highest number since the program began in 2012.
The record was marked at this year’s Hatchery kickoff event on April 29, when more than 100 experienced business professionals and Hatchery team members past and present gathered for an evening of networking, mentorship and entrepreneurial evangelism. The products on offer included everything from new medical devices to lifestyle apps.
“The ideas that you are advancing here as part of this program will improve our lives and will transform our society,” said Joseph Orozco, executive director of the Hatchery, at the kick-off event. “Good luck, and keep on sharing the entrepreneurial spirit.”
More than 150 companies have entered the Hatchery since its inception. Each summer, teams have access to business space and fabrication facilities that enable them to build a minimum viable product. They receive advice from mentors on how to refine their business plans, and regularly pitch their ideas to peers and experts who can give them feedback on how best to attract potential clients and investors. In September, selected teams make their final pitch at Demo Day, competing for a share of more than $40,000 in seed funding.
Read more about Entrepreneurship Hatchery startups launched in recent years
This story was originally posted on U of T Engineering News. Read the entire story here!
And, a special shout-out to ILead alumni who made the list:
- Rahul Goel (Year 4 EngSci + PEY)
- Fiona Gan (EngSci 1T5 + PEY)
-Tyler Irving