Co-Innovate for Change

The Hatchery is a flexible idea incubation space for current Smithies who desire to work on building out innovative solutions—from ideating to prototyping to validation—with the direct support of staff, subject-matter experts, and their peers. Our aim is to provide working space along with relevant programming for even the earliest stage ideas or projects to support you in making your ideas tangible.

The Hatchery is conveniently located in the Conway Center right at the main entrance of the Neilson Library. With an open concept classroom, containing whiteboards, tables and chairs arranged in working pods (along with more comfortable seating if that’s your thing!), basic “making” materials, and access to internet, you will have the room to breathe life into your ideas.

No. The Hatchery is open to all current undergraduate students at Smith, regardless of major or graduation year. Whether this is your first year or you’re a senior getting ready to graduate, we invite you to participate in this exciting new initiative as you bring your ideas to life, creating opportunities for yourself and others!

Not at all! We encourage all students interested in meeting and networking with like-minded peers to apply to The Hatchery. Here, you’ll discover projects and opportunities to bring joy to others while connecting to the UN SDGs. Student ideas at any stage are welcome to make use of The Hatchery space. We are excited to join you on your journey from finding an idea that makes you light up, to prototyping, to validation, with the hope that you will continue to grow your innovation beyond your time here at Smith!

No, you don’t need to have a team to apply to The Hatchery! Our hope is that as you network and connect with your peers, you will find collaborators with whom you align to build your collective idea. If you are using your time in The Hatchery to prepare to participate in Co-Innovate for Change: The Joy Challenge, you have until February 16, 2024 to submit your intent to participate. That means that you’ll have attended TWO Hatchery sessions with time to connect with potential team members!

At the Hatchery, we’ll offer small-group sessions led by an entrepreneur-in-residence and invite staff from across the campus to introduce you to campus resources that will help you along your journey. We’ll walk you through exercises to develop leadership and career-related skills, and host faculty, guest speakers, and local entrepreneurs who will link classroom learning to the world of innovation. 

The Hatchery will hold sessions led by our Entrepreneur-in-Residence from 5–8 p.m. (with dinner provided) on six Wednesdays throughout each spring semester. Each three-hour session will focus on a different aspect of making your vision a reality and team building to help you plan and test the desirability, feasibility, and viability of your idea.

Spring 2024 Hatchery dates (note: session topics are subject to change based on participant needs)

• January 31: Welcome to the Hatchery, Welcome to the World!

• February 14: Funding, Finances, and Figuring It Out

• February 28: Design Thinking in Collaborative Settings

• March 13: Pitch Basics and Putting the YOU in Your Story

• March 27: What’s Your Problem? Let’s Solve It together

• April 10: What now?

All students participating in The Hatchery must apply with the intent to participate in the full program. If you cannot, we encourage you to speak with either the Director or the EIR, by appointment only. 

While you are highly encouraged to participate in the Co-Innovate for Change Challenge, you are not required to participate. The challenge, with over $50,000 in cash awards, offers an opportunity to showcase your project and gain support for what you’re building, while celebrating the innovative way you have identified to cultivate joy in our community and our world. Please note that choosing not to participate in the challenge means that you cannot receive funding from The Hatchery. 

A Make Room for Innovation Stipend (MRIS) is compensation for the time you are investing in developing your idea/project. To receive a MRIS, you will need to apply to The Hatchery. If you are approved for a MRIS, you will be paid $15 per hour for up to 8 hours of work per week on your idea/project (includes the time spent in bi-weekly, Wednesday evening sessions). Students receiving a MRIS will be required to share their hard work by participating in the CO-Innovate for Change: The Joy Challenge.

MRISs are intended to reduce the time you need to work another on-campus job. The total hours you dedicate to your project (up to either each week) plus any hours you dedicate to another on-campus position you work cannot exceed the maximum number of hours permitted according to student employment guidelines. If you have a campus position that does not permit you to have a second job, please speak with Andrea St. Louis (Ann F. Kaplan '67 Director).

If you are participating in The Hatchery by yourself, you are eligible to receive a MRIS, but your team member(s) cannot, your entire team will need to hold bi-weekly check-ins via Zoom with the EIR during non-Hatchery weeks.

No. Students will still have the ability to schedule one-on-one, 15- and 30-minute appointments with the EIR or the Director.

Step 1: Complete our online application.

Step 2: Interview with the committee.

Step 3: Show up for the six Wednesday evening sessions from 5–8 p.m. and work on your idea/project in between Hatchery sessions to complete progress checkpoints.