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A culmination of innovation: The Hatchery’s Student Founders Showcase
Group photo with Ellen Bailey

One highlight of the Student Founders Showcase was the announcement of the inaugural Ellen Bailey Achievement Award recipients. Shown with Ellen Bailey (center) are recipients (l-r) Logan Cundiff, Wabei Saboi, Benedict Owanga and Chinelo Adi.

On Thursday, April 4, student founders from The Hatchery, Emory’s Center for Innovation, participated in its highly anticipated Student Founders Showcase. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, this annual event celebrates the groundbreaking work of Emory student founders developing their ventures in The Hatchery Incubator, representing a diverse array of colleges and schools within the university.

The showcase serves as a platform for these innovative minds to present their ventures, spanning a wide spectrum of disciplines and industries. From pioneering health care solutions to sustainable technologies, student founders were able to hone their pitch skills and receive valuable feedback from members of the Atlanta business and nonprofit communities, local government, innovators, entrepreneurs and Emory staff and faculty who are focused on supporting innovation.

Adding to the excitement of the evening was the announcement of the Ellen Bailey Achievement Award, named in honor of Ellen Bailey 63C 87B, an esteemed emeritus member of Emory University’s Board of Trustees. Through Bailey’s generous donation, The Hatchery granted three student founders $2,500 each.

Bailey’s journey as a serial entrepreneur is nothing short of inspirational.

Breaking barriers and defying norms, she embarked on her entrepreneurial endeavors in the 1960s, a time when such pursuits were uncommon for women. Over the years, Bailey has masterfully crafted more than a dozen successful businesses across many industries, leaving an indelible legacy of resilience and innovation. Her profound understanding of the challenges faced by budding entrepreneurs underscores her commitment to supporting them at every stage of their journeys.

“I have found that a little bit of money at the right place and at the right time helps get things off the ground,” says Bailey. “As an entrepreneur, I know that the first investment is always the hardest to get.”


Winners of the Ellen Bailey Achievement Award

  • OwangaSolar, a business delivering on-demand, environmentally friendly electricity to businesses in the Democratic Republic of Congo through cost-effective, battery-as-a-service rentals. Founders: Emory School of Law JD 2024 graduates Benedict Owanga and Chinelo Adi.
  • Blesser Breakers, a nonprofit that empowers young girls to escape the trap of adult-child predatory sexual relationships. Founder: Wabei Saboi, 2024 Laney Graduate School master’s in development practice graduate.
  • Access: EnTree, a social simulation video game that aims to spread awareness through engagement about disabilities and accessibility. Founders: Sreyas Yennampelli, 2023 Emory College graduate in philosophy, politics and law and neuroscience and behavior biology, and Logan Cundiff of the Florida Disability Access and Awareness Foundation.

In addition to celebrating the founders and the Atlanta innovation and startup ecosystem, the Student Founders Showcase at The Hatchery underscores Emory University’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Visit The Hatchery website to learn more about The Hatchery and its programs or to read more student success stories.

 Photos by Christopher Oquendo.

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