Emory University Launches New Startup Accelerator Program

The Hatchery partners with IntuitioLabs to offer 10-week RightShift Accelerator for early-stage founders

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Emory University's startup infrastructure is expanding with the launch of a new accelerator program called The Hatchery Accelerator, powered by RightShift. The 10-week hybrid summer program is open to Emory and non-Emory affiliated teams and is designed to help early-stage founders get investment-ready. The Hatchery is partnering with local AI-focused company IntuitioLabs, which runs accelerator and venture studio programs, to offer the new accelerator.

Why it matters

The new RightShift Accelerator program provides early-stage founders in Atlanta and beyond with access to resources, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities through Emory University's growing startup ecosystem. This aligns with Emory's goal of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

The details

The RightShift Accelerator program is open to entrepreneurs who have a functional prototype or MVP, have earned revenue or raised capital, are actively testing assumptions with real customers, and are committed to building their venture over the next 3-5 years. The 10-week program will run from May 28 through July 30 and will culminate in a live pitch event. Participating founders will also receive an additional 12 weeks of post-program support. According to IntuitioLabs, 70% of graduates of their programs generate revenue, 'not because they pitched better — because they shipped faster.'

  • The RightShift Accelerator program will run from May 28 through July 30, 2026.
  • The program will culminate in a live pitch event at the end of the 10-week program.

The players

The Hatchery

Emory University's startup infrastructure and innovation center that is launching the new RightShift Accelerator program.

IntuitioLabs

A local AI-focused company that is partnering with The Hatchery to run the RightShift Accelerator program, which includes accelerator and venture studio programs designed to help early-stage founders.

Deep Kalina

The founder and CEO of IntuitioLabs, which is running the RightShift Accelerator program in partnership with The Hatchery.

Chris Davis

The managing partner of IntuitioLabs, which is running the RightShift Accelerator program in partnership with The Hatchery.

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What they’re saying

“We've spent six years building products for startups and enterprises — with more than 50 products and $225 million in portfolio value created. RightShift is how we channel that expertise to early-stage founders. Emory is the perfect partner to scale that model.”

— Deep Kalina, Founder and CEO, IntuitioLabs (hypepotamus.com)

“70 percent of graduates of their programs generate revenue. 'Not because they pitched better — because they shipped faster,'”

— Deep Kalina, Founder and CEO, IntuitioLabs (hypepotamus.com)

What’s next

The RightShift Accelerator program will culminate in a live pitch event on July 30, 2026, where participating founders will have the opportunity to present their startups to potential investors. Select graduates may also be considered for follow-on investment through RightShift Ventures.

The takeaway

Emory University's new RightShift Accelerator program, powered by IntuitioLabs, provides early-stage founders in Atlanta and beyond with access to resources, mentorship, and potential investment opportunities to help them validate their ideas and get investment-ready. This aligns with Emory's goal of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.