BGSU student entrepreneurs to pitch products, ideas during The Hatch 2024

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – As part of Entrepreneurship Week in the Schmidthorst College of Business, Bowling Green State University students will pitch their products and ideas to alumni judges during The Hatch 2024 at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, in the Schmeltz Atrium at the state-of-the-art the Maurer Center.

Formatted similarly to the popular ABC show "Shark Tank," The Hatch serves as the culmination of a 10-week immersive program that takes student – or Hatchling – business ideas from concept to the stage in hopes of securing funding for development. The community is invited to livestream The Hatch via BGSU YouTube on April 11 to see which Hatchling ideas are funded for further "flight."

The Hatch 2024 includes 17 total Hatchlings from a variety of majors across the University, of which seven will present their ideas and concepts to judges for funding. New this year, more than $30,000 in financial start-up funds will be awarded to BGSU student entrepreneurs with support from the Wood County Economic Development Commission and PNC.

Some of this year's Hatchling products and ideas include:

• An allergy-friendly protein bar
• Foldable travel products for infants and toddlers
• A family of products and handheld tools that float in water for easy retrieval when dropped
• A cosmetology setting that provides inclusive hair designs and styles to LGBTQIA+ communities

Prior to being selected for The Hatch, BGSU students are challenged to develop entrepreneurial solutions to current problems through a service, product or business idea for the public good. Once selected, students are partnered with BGSU alumni mentors who offer their insight and guidance on development. From start to finish, The Hatch serves as one of the many engaging, experiential learning opportunities offered to all BGSU students.

Presented by the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, The Hatch is part of the University's annual, comprehensive E-Week programming, providing innovative and immersive entrepreneurial education for BGSU students. The Hooker Center is one of only 20 centers worldwide recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

For more information and learn about all of this year's Hatchlings, visit BGSU.edu/thehatch.