The Hatchery, located within the Education Building (002-206), is the on-campus hub for entrepreneurial students led by the Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE). As part of the CIE, the Hatchery provides students from all majors with the tools and experience to turn ideas into student-led startups.
The Hatchery connects students across majors and colleges based on the idea that interdisciplinary teams are essential to building a successful business. Through workshops, guest speakers, mentorship, and an array of other events, students gain hands-on experience while working with past founders, executives, and alumni. In addition, students develop essential entrepreneurial skills in business development, communication and leadership.
Joining the Hatchery
The Hatchery offers two membership options:
Innovation Member – All events and programing is encouraged.
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- Overview: Designed for students who are interested in exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Cal Poly. This is ideal for you if you’d like to join the CIE network but don’t have a team or an idea you’re currently working on.
- Interest Form: Please complete the interest form below. Once completed, we’ll email you more details to join the Hatchery.
Venture Member – All events and programming are mandatory.
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- Overview: Designed for students with a defined business idea and team in place who have met certain criteria for business development and commitment. This is ideal for you if you’re looking for strategic guidance, mentorship, and funding to launch your business.
- Application: Please complete the application. If you’re a good fit, we’ll reach out to schedule an interview with your team.
All members have access to:
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- Hatchery Hop-In – Weekly office hours open to all Hatchery members. This is a great time for one-on-one questions about anything related to the CIE.
- Guest Speakers & Workshops – Guest speakers and workshops are designed to provide an interactive framework for teaching entrepreneurial lessons. Instead of the standard “lecture,” guest speakers will facilitate discussions and activities geared toward various startup topics, such as customer development, pitching, finance, and market analysis.
- Peer Network – The peer network that develops organically at the Hatchery is invaluable. Being surrounded by a group of like-minded and driven individuals cultivates a culture of shared learning and creativity that’s unique to the Hatchery. If you’re looking for a co-founder or another team member, the Hatchery is an ideal place to find them.
Venture Members are required to attend all events above and have access to:
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- Personalized Coaching – As a Venture Member, you are required to meet with our Manager of Student Innovation Programs on a monthly basis. Meetings will be structured to discuss progress, define milestones, and execute on goals.
- Cohort Meetings – All Venture Members are required to attend meetings with all other teams every other week. Meetings will provide an opportunity to share progress updates and roadblocks with the group.
- Mentor Network – The CIE has established a wide-ranging network of mentors, from professors to past founders and executives. These mentors volunteer their time to meet with students during office hours for general business guidance. If you need a legal expert or another specialist, we can facilitate a connection with specific mentors.
- Shared Coworking Space – Access to the Hatchery space outside of business hours will be granted to Venture Members for meetings, brainstorming, and working on their businesses. Access will be determined by CIE staff and is subject to continued commitment to the Hatchery program and adherence to our guidelines for use of the space.
Questions about the Hatchery?
Email Hatchery staff at hatchery@calpoly.edu
