The Hatchery launches new program to train future consultants

By Christina Steiner Jan. 23, 2025

The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, with the support of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), has launched the latest evolution of a long-standing initiative designed to elevate student innovation and foster future-ready skills: the Innovation Consulting Fellows (ICF) Program.

With a strategic focus on empowering student entrepreneurs across all Emory schools, this program equips fellows with the knowledge, tools and experience needed to thrive in innovation and entrepreneurship (I/E) consulting.

A new direction for ICF

The origins of the ICF program reflect its iterative nature and responsiveness to the needs of Emory’s innovative ecosystem.

What began in 2020 to help student clubs navigate the challenges of remote operations during the pandemic has now transformed into a high-touch consultancy model serving ventures across diverse fields. Last year’s fellows developed and supported Hatchery programs like STEM Sync and Wonderful Wednesdays.

This year’s fellows are working directly with ventures in The Hatchery’s Incubator program, applying their expertise in areas like designing customer discovery interviews, assisting with prototype development and providing code review — which are vital steps for helping ventures move forward effectively.

“This year’s ICF program is a testament to The Incubator’s evolution and growth,” says Ben Garrett, director of The Hatchery. “The addition of ICFs directly supporting our student founders is just one of the ways we’re continuously refining and expanding our programming to ensure we’re meeting the needs of every innovator at Emory. This model not only benefits our student founders but also develops a pipeline of entrepreneurial talent and leaders for the future.”

Supporting ventures, empowering fellows

The ICF program is rooted in practical, hands-on learning. Under the mentorship of The Hatchery staff and guided by I/E principles, the five innovation consulting fellows began collaborating last semester with members of The Hatchery’s Incubator cohort for the 2024-25 academic year. Their mission is to help student entrepreneurs navigate challenges, refine strategies and create actionable roadmaps for success.

Each fellow brings expertise in the core areas of finance, technology and business management. Together, they serve as a dedicated consultancy team, meeting monthly with ventures, conducting due diligence and delivering tailored recommendations to advance venture goals.

The program is managed by Rizky Etika, innovation program coordinator at The Hatchery with support from Michael Nkwocha, CEI fellow and MBA candidate at Goizueta. Recognizing the dual benefits of the program, Etika emphasizes that “the Innovation Consulting Fellows program is designed to serve both student founders and the fellows themselves. Founders receive critical support and expert guidance tailored to their ventures, while fellows gain hands-on consulting experience and skills that are transferable to any industry.”

Muhammad Jaiteh, finance innovation consulting fellow, has been a part of the ICF program since 2023 and has seen great personal growth.

“The ICF program has been more than just an experience; it’s been a journey of discovery and purpose,” says Jaiteh. “It’s shown me that leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring them to believe in the power of their ideas and their potential to make a difference. I’m deeply grateful to The Hatchery team for their unwavering support and investment in me over the past years. Their mentorship and belief in my potential have been instrumental in shaping my confidence and ability to make a meaningful impact.”

Meet the 2024-25 Innovation Consulting Fellows

Finance innovation consulting fellow

Muhammad Jaiteh, a fourth-year student studying business administration specializing in finance and organization and management. Jaiteh brings expertise in financial analysis and strategic planning.

Business management innovation consulting fellows

Ryan Lin, a fourth-year student majoring in computer science and math. Lin merges technical and management acumen.

Nick Salyers, a full-time MBA candidate at Goizueta Business School. Salyers leverages professional business insights to support venture growth.

Tech innovation consulting fellows

Alex Bryant, a fourth-year student double majoring in computer science and English. Bryant combines technical expertise with creativity.

Malia Wakesho-Ajwang, a third-year student studying computer science and psychology. Wakesho-Ajwang provides interdisciplinary solutions to technical challenges.

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