The Hatchery
Turning passion into meaningful work
College of the Atlantic
Sustainable venture incubator
The Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery is College of the Atlantic’s sustainable venture incubator, designed to help students develop enterprises—whether for-profit or nonprofit—while earning academic credit. The Hatchery gives you the safety net, services, and mentorship to turn entrepreneurial ideas into real ventures.
What makes the Hatchery unique
The Hatchery gives students the opportunity to launch enterprises as part of their education, earning academic credit while gaining real-world experience. The program fosters innovation across disciplines, bringing together students from diverse fields and backgrounds. Ventures include both for-profit and nonprofit ideas, creating a supportive environment where different types of projects can thrive side by side.
Participants work in an interdisciplinary class setting, guided by experienced business mentors who provide feedback, share expertise, and help students navigate challenges. This combination of mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning makes the Hatchery a distinctive space for students to explore, experiment, and grow their ideas.
What students receive
- A ten-week rapid prototype intensive
- Office space and equipment
- Mentorship from business leaders
- Personalized support services
- Access to up to $5,000 in seed funding
Connect with the Hatchery
Jay Friedlander
Faculty, Sustainable Business
Sharpe-McNally Chair of Green and Socially Responsible Business
jfriedlander@coa.edu
207-801-5716
Kerri Sands
Program Manager for Sustainable Business, Food Systems, and Academic Initiatives
ksands@coa.edu
(207) 801-5687
Stories from the Field
Pita Coast, a student-run, Mediterranean restaurant, is open on the College of the Atlantic Campus
Mustafa Khorzom ’25 and Shea Turner-Matthews ’26 celebrate the culmination of their work in the COA Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery sustainable business incubator by talking with the Mt. Desert Islander. Read More
A vision of abundant sustainability at College of the Atlantic [PUPN]
College of the Atlantic Sharpe-McNally Chair of Green and Socially Responsible Business Jay Friedlander speaks about his innovative approach to education to PUPN Magazine. Read More
Alum awarded for ceramics work
Through her work as a ceramicist and cultural producer, 2023 Jorum Craft Award recipient Eleanor White ’22 aims to nurture multispecies relationality with participatory art interventions. Read More
Student Resources
Thorndike Library
Research expertise, specialized databases, and guidance for independent and collaborative projects across disciplines.
Registrar
Registration, course offerings, student forms, transcripts, and support as you design your program of study.
Writing Center
Focused help for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and refining papers, projects, proposals, and presentations.
Career Development
Internship planning and placement, resume and interview preparation, and connections to meaningful work.
Academic Support Services
Study skills, learning strategies, and accommodations designed around your strengths and challenges.
more student resources and info
Everything you’re looking for (we hope) in one central place.
Meal menu
From curries to carnitas, savory tofu to Maine seafood, our dining hall celebrates flavor, community, and responsible sourcing.
Ready to build your own path?
Apply Now
Join a close-knit community built for curiosity, collaboration, and purpose.
connect with admissions
Talk with an admission counselor about your interests, questions, and goals.
Plan a Visit
Attend a class, meet students, and experience learning rooted in place.