91�Թ�

The mythology of the successful tech startup usually involves a novel idea, a brilliant dropout and a grubby garage. 

But Joseph Orozco, executive director of The Entrepreneurship Hatchery at the 91�Թ�, says the reality is often much different.

“Not all entrepreneurs are brilliant misfits toiling away over stale pizza and cold coffee in makeshift spaces,” . 

“Many are researchers whose insight is to translate a scientific discovery into a product or service that meets a market need. And while academic laboratories may be ideal for hatching new ideas, they are often ill-equipped to nurture the resulting business through to maturity.”

That's why 91�Թ� – among the North American leaders in producing research-based startups –   catering to different types of startups at various stages in their development. 

They include the Hatchery, which this spring will move into the new on 91�Թ�’s downtown Toronto campus. 

The new, state-of-the-art facility will provide space for budding entrepreneurs to build prototypes, demonstrate them to potential partners and funders, and network with more experienced startup founders. 

“More than ever before, I hear from students that they want to take their careers into their own hands,” Orozco writes. 

“I believe we have an obligation to give the next generation a quality place to start up: a bright, warm, clean space to spark fresh ideas and design their own futures.”