Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From the University of Southern Mississippi:

Innovative entrepreneurial ideas are being “hatched” on a daily basis at a unique Inspiration Lab within the College of Business and Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

Dubbed “The Hatchery,” the space serves as a hub to help align and connect the wealth of entrepreneurship-related resources, knowledge, and vision at the University. By facilitating entrepreneurial experiences, The Hatchery helps increase student opportunities to make their skillsets more relevant, dynamic, adaptable, marketable, and consequentially more valuable in today’s rapidly changing labor market.

The Hatchery opened its doors within the physical confines of the Inspiration Lab in 2022. Although The Hatchery and Inspiration Lab are resources created by faculty in the College of Business and Economic Development, business students are not the only ones taking advantage of the think-tank atmosphere.

The Hatchery currently features two groups of students who comprise the roster of users:

• The Catalyst Initiative – a thriving community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and activators. “On any given week, there are various projects being completed by these students in the Inspiration Lab, whether it be creating components on a 3D printer, carving designs into products using the Glowforge laser cutter, or making buttons to promote a brand,” said The Hatchery Assistant Director Serena Buckley.
• The Founders Society – a group that supports student entrepreneurs balancing academic life with business ownership. “Monthly networking dinners provide camaraderie and growth to members,” said Buckley. “These students also ‘give back’ to the University by coaching aspiring student entrepreneurs on their ideas.”

From Florida State University:

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship has successfully transitioned to be part of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship.

Established in 1995 through a contribution from automotive pioneer Jim Moran, Jan Moran, and JM Family Enterprises as part of the Florida State University College of Business, the Institute’s mission is to cultivate, train, and inspire entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition, and leading-edge research.

In December 2015, Jan Moran and the Jim Moran Foundation committed $100 million to Florida State – the largest gift in the university’s history – to expand the Jim Moran Institute’s operations statewide and create the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship. Now known as the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, it is the nation’s largest interdisciplinary, degree-granting entrepreneurship college.

From American University:

On the heels of announcing the largest gift in American University’s Kogod School of Business history, the Kogod School received another substantial gift which will expand opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs through experiential learning, pitch competitions, and an enhanced incubator program for students and alumni. The gift from the Veloric family, including alumnus Gary Veloric, furthers the momentum of “Change Can’t Wait: The Campaign for American University.” In recognition of this gift, American University will rename the American University Center for Innovation (AUCI) the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship.

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