The Hatch 2021: Meet the Hatchlings & Mentors

[Part 1] Our Hatchings and Mentors have been working hard for this year’s much-anticipated The Hatch, which is set to be held virtually on Thursday, April 22.

In the first part of this series, we are pleased to introduce you to five amazing Hatchlings - Shakir Blackett, Joe Greve, Sophia Stockham, Hunter Mahl, Nathaneal Slemmons - and their respective mentors, Eric Nowlin, Gary Dible, Ed Leedom, Rich Myers and Paul Hooker.

Scroll down to find out what the Hatchlings 've got to share about their journeys.

Shakir Blackett

Class standing: Senior
College: Technology Architecture & Applied Engineering
Product: TouchColor
Mentor: Eric Nowlin
Q: What’s the most notable thing you have learned so far?
A: One thing I've realized is that you can never stop learning. Every time you interact with someone new there is always the opportunity to receive invaluable feedback on your idea. Advancement is a collaborative process.

Joe Greve

Class standing: Junior                                                                    
College: Schmidthorst College of Business
Product: Crank-Savr Technology
Mentor: Gary Dible
Q: What do you think the audience will be most excited about?
A: Whether Crank-Savr Technology is technically feasible, so I think the audience will be most excited to see if my product works.

Sophia Stockham

Class standing: Junior
College: Arts and Sciences
Product: Hear to Help
Mentor: Ed Leedom
Q: What’s your product preparation status?
A: Prototyping stage and making quick progress. The first model should be available in two week.

Hunter Mahl

Class standing: Freshman
College: Schmidthorst College of Business
Product: Green Sweeper
Mentor: Rich Myers
Q: What’s the most notable thing you’ve learned so far?
A: Using CAD software and how to market to certain target markets.

Nathanael Slemmons

Class standing: Freshman
College: Schmidthorst College of Business
Product: SimpleFinder
Mentor: Paul J. Hooker
Q: What’s the most notable thing you’ve learned so far?
A: Starting a business takes a whole team of like-minded individuals all with a burning desire to succeed.

Learn more about the Hatchlings’ and their mentors here.