Main content
New hybrid summer accelerator launching through The Hatchery and RightShift
Man standing in front of a presentation, speaking into a microphone

Emory alumnus Mecko Gibson pitches his venture at The Hatchery in 2025.

— Photo by Christopher Oquendo

The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, has announced a new partnership that will launch The Hatchery Accelerator, powered by RightShift — a 10-week hybrid summer program designed to help early-stage founders turn promising ideas into investment-ready ventures.

Launching in May, the accelerator combines The Hatchery’s business-focused entrepreneurship curriculum with the AI-powered tools, technical infrastructure and engineering support of RightShift Accelerator, an IntuitioLabs company. The program will help founders validate their business models, build working prototypes and develop clear go-to-market strategies.

“This partnership allows us to significantly expand the depth and reach of support we offer founders,” says Ben Garrett, director of The Hatchery. “By pairing our business expertise with RightShift’s technical and AI-driven capabilities, we’re creating a program that helps founders move from early traction to real market readiness.”

For the first time, The Hatchery Summer Accelerator will be open to founders beyond the Atlanta area. The program will use a hybrid format that blends live virtual sessions with strategic in-person intensive weeks held on Emory’s campus, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking and hands-on milestone work.

The cohort will include 10-12 ventures and is open to Emory students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as non-Emory-affiliated founders. Ideal participants will have a functional prototype, early revenue or funding, and a strong commitment to scaling their venture.

“70% of our graduates generate revenue. Not because they pitched better — because they shipped faster,” says Deep Kalina, founder and managing partner at RightShift Accelerator and RightShift Ventures. “The shortest path to first dollar revenue isn’t through just a pitch deck. It’s through a product someone will pay for.”

Programming will run May 28-July 30 and will conclude with a live pitch event. Founders will also receive an additional 12 weeks of post-program support that will include advisory sessions, continued platform access, investor introductions and alumni network integration.

Select graduates of the program may also be considered for follow-on investment through RightShift Ventures.

“At IntuitioLabs, we’ve spent six years building products for startups and enterprises — with more than 50 products and $225 million in portfolio value created,” adds Kalina. “RightShift is how we channel that expertise to early-stage founders. Emory is the perfect partner to scale that model.”


Recent News