The Hatch

What is The Hatch?

The Hatch is BGSU’s premier student pitch program. Each year, students from every major apply to become Hatchlings and turn early-stage business ideas into viable ventures. Their business concepts span industries, academic disciplines and personal passions.

The Hatch is more than a showcase. It is a launchpad where students learn to take risks, build confidence and see what is possible when they pursue their ideas with support.

Applications for The Hatch 2027 will open 8/24/26

What does it mean to be a Hatchling?

If selected to be a Hatchling, you’ll enter a hands-on experience that blends creativity and problem-solving as you strengthen your entrepreneurial skills and join a supportive community of students and professionals who want to see your idea take off.

Each Hatchling is paired with a dedicated mentor whose professional experience and guidance will help you move from idea to action. Together, you will:

Refine your idea.
Test assumptions.
Shape your business model.
Prepare for the live pitch.

The Hatch culminates in a high-energy pitch night in April. Hatchlings present to a panel of judges in front of a large campus and community audience. Students share the journey behind their ideas, answer questions from judges and compete for potential funding to take their concept forward.

Who is eligible?

We welcome all students from across the University who are ready to explore an entrepreneurial idea.

No prior business or pitching experience required
Open to all graduate and undergraduate students of all majors and academic disciplines.
Must be enrolled as a current BGSU student during both the application period and the full program timeline
Must be in good academic standing.

How do I get involved?

Getting involved with The Hatch is simple and open to all BGSU students.

Your first step is joining Falcon Incubation, a welcoming starting point where you can explore ideas, build confidence, and begin shaping what you want to pursue. Falcon Incubation helps prepare students for milestones like The Hatch, where participants practice pitching ideas and gain real world feedback as part of their entrepreneurial journey.

No idea yet? No problem.
No business plan or prior experience required.

Open to students from all majors and backgrounds.
Falcon Incubation is a flexible, supportive experience where you can learn, experiment, and grow at your own pace.