The Hatchery’s innovators in residence power success through experience

By Christina Steiner Nov. 25, 2024

Since the fall 2022 launch of The Hatchery’s Incubator and Accelerator programs, innovators in residence (IIRs) have helped foster student success by bridging the gap between the classroom and the business world. These industry expert mentors work closely with students to refine their ideas, manage early startup challenges and develop leadership and problem-solving skills.

Each IIR offers office hours, coaching and hands-on mentorship that equip students with the skills needed to successfully navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. In addition, student founders gain access to valuable networks — which introduces them to industry contacts, potential mentors and partnerships that help propel their ventures forward.

"Working with innovators in residence is one of the most transformative experiences we offer at The Hatchery,” says Ben Garrett, director of The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation. “Our IIRs bring unmatched real-world expertise and a deep commitment to mentorship that helps student founders bridge the gap between idea and execution. They provide not just guidance but encouragement that empowers students to take risks, innovate boldly and grow as leaders.”

Alongside these IIRs, The Hatchery continues to foster an environment where students grow as both entrepreneurs and leaders equipped to address society’s most pressing challenges. IIRs are essential in fulfilling The Hatchery’s mission: empowering students to be purpose-driven and effective innovators and entrepreneurs.

“Working with talented students from Emory has deepened my passion for introducing young people to entrepreneurship, whether within established firms or through startups,” says Zahir Palanpur. “This rewarding experience has not only allowed me to contribute to their growth but also strengthened my connection to the Emory community, fostering valuable relationships with alumni and peers alike.”

Dan Eidell agrees, saying he is glad to see Emory’s focus on student entrepreneurship. “I love working with The Hatchery’s students as they transform their ideas into companies.”

While the IRRs’ purpose is to guide student entrepreneurs, they also gain from the experience.

“It is inspiring to be a small part of the journey of student founders and teams participating in The Hatchery program as they grow as entrepreneurs and leaders,” says Ayesha Khanna. “I have enjoyed working with students building solutions to address critical issues facing communities, from women’s health and prevention of gender violence to digital inclusion and using AI to advance learning. These skills and tools will serve students well as they build our future, and it is a joy to see them in action.”

Meet The Hatchery innovators in residence for 2024-25

The innovators in residence for the 2024-25 Incubator program comprise a dynamic team with specialized knowledge across a range of industries — from neuroscience and social impact investing to venture capital and digital product development — that opens doors for students to gain insights from real-world professionals with extensive entrepreneurial and innovation expertise.

Click to learn more about each innovator’s expertise.

Stuart Zola, advisor and innovator in residence at The Hatchery since 2022 and longtime Emory leader, is a distinguished neuroscientist and entrepreneur whose career has spanned groundbreaking research on memory and memory impairment. Zola co-founded NeuroTrack Technologies, Inc., a company started at Emory University and now located in Redwood City, California, focused on digital phenotyping for early detection of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. He is the president and CEO of Quiet Developments, LLC, an award-winning leadership advisory company. Most recently, he has co-founded a third company, Map Habit, Inc., focused on neurocognitive support for individuals with memory impairment, using visual maps to help guide them through their daily schedules. Zola is also internationally known and respected for his many roles in leadership, including as director of the Graduate Neuroscience Program at the University of California, San Diego, director of the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University, co-director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory, senior research career scientist and deputy associate chief of staff for research at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, and as the interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University.

Ayesha Khanna is managing director of CARE Enterprises, a subsidiary of CARE, launching its next generation of impact investment funds and gender technical advisory services to support growing businesses while advancing gender equity for women employees, consumers and business owners in Southeast Asia. Khanna has more than 20 years of experience in social impact and business sectors leading national and global organizations and scaling for-profit and nonprofit ventures. Students will benefit from her experience as the founder of the Civic Accelerator, member of the Acumen Fund and president of Civic Innovation, leading business development and the global practice of Points of Light. Khanna has also led the YWCA, built health care centers in Punjab, India, and served on the founding boards of many social enterprises. She has dedicated her career to social impact and advancing diverse founders’ and marginalized communities’ opportunities and rights through high-impact, innovative approaches.

Dan Eidell is a partner at SaaS Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in enterprise-focused, B2B technology companies based outside traditional technology hubs. He has been in venture capital for the last five years and has led investments in 25 pre-seed and seed stage companies, working with countless other CEOs to build and improve their businesses. He predominantly invests in B2B financial technology (fintech), cybersecurity and supply chain startups. Eidell also previously founded an accelerator-backed consumer fintech company focused on the creator economy. He graduated from Emory College of Arts and Sciences in 2014 with degrees in economics and international studies and later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Zahir Palanpur is the founder and CEO of Azul Arc, a web development company based in Atlanta. He brings a strong global perspective and diverse work experience in general management, business strategy and digital product development with extensive experience working with design teams and technology development. Prior to launching Azul Arc, he lived, studied and worked with firms in Asia, Europe and America, including Fortune 500 and Private 500 firms. He has an MBA from Goizueta Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bombay University. Palanpur currently serves on the board of the Atlanta chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization and the Emory Entrepreneurs Network. He has co-founded and holds equity positions in several digital start-ups, including inSITE, StaffWRX, VinoApp and Ecomedes.

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Meet The Hatchery innovators in residence for 2024-25

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