During Venture Summit: Rivalry & Resilience, Michigan State University’s annual gathering of Spartan entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation announced the closure of the MSU Hatch at the end of this year.
For more than a decade, the MSU Hatch has been the beating heart of the entrepreneurship ecosystem at MSU. Located just off campus on Grand River Ave., the incubator space served as a launchpad for Spartan dreamers, doers, and builders, a place where ideas came alive, friendships formed, and ventures took flight.
A History of Innovation
Since opening in 2012, the MSU Hatch has embodied the spirit of Spartan entrepreneurship. What began as a concrete-floored room with IKEA furniture quickly transformed into a creative hub alive with energy and collaboration. A small group of liked minded Spartans, known as the Gumball Club, was the first unofficial student organizations for entrepreneurship. They filled white-boards with business plans, pitched ideas to mentors, and spent countless late nights turning ideas into viable startups.
The MSU Hatch was originally launched through the vision and leadership of Jeff Smith, then with the City of East Lansing, who began working closely with students to build a space where innovation could thrive. His early efforts laid the groundwork for what would alter evolve into the Hatch under Spartan Innovations.
“The Hatch has been an incredible home for students over the past 13 years, and I’ll always treasure the memories of the many amazing startups that began their journeys here,” says Paul Jaques, managing director, venture creation at the Burgess Institute. “While it’s bittersweet to see this space close, I’m excited about the new opportunities ahead as our team continues to grow and evolve.”
The MSU Hatch became a second home for Spartan founders. Each leaving a mark on the space and the community.
“The Hatch has been such a special space for students to feel safe, to collaborate, and to share their creativity and innovation. It’s become a true gathering place for people from all disciplines,” says Lori Fischer. “One of my favorite things has been watching students from completely different backgrounds and majors connect and become friends - relationships that might never have happened if they hadn’t met organically in the Hatch.”
The Future of Entrepreneurship at MSU
While the MSU Hatch may be closing, its legacy will continue through the programs, partnerships, and initiatives that have grown from its foundation. The Burgess Institute remains committed to supporting and empowering students in their entrepreneurial journey.
In the coming years, the Burgess Institute will establish its new permanent on-campus home and student co-working space in the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center (EDI Center). Until then, the Institute will temporarily relocate to the MSU Union, ensuring students have uninterrupted access to programming, mentorship, and entrepreneurial resources.
“The EDI Center will place the Burgess Institute at the heart of campus – dramatically increasing our visibility, accessibility, and engagement with students from every discipline. The student co-working space in the new building will make it easier than ever for aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and bring ideas to life,” says Laurel Ofstein, PhD, senior director of the Burgess Institute. “During the transition, the Burgess Institute will remain a resource for students. While we are creating our new physical location, the future of entrepreneurship and innovation at MSU remains at the forefront of the university’s strategic priorities.”
As the MSU Hatch closes its doors, its legacy endures in the student who took the risk to start something new and in the future Spartans who will continue that fearless entrepreneurial spirit forward in East Lansing and beyond.