About the Hatchery

The Mokhtarzada Hatchery stands as a hub for innovation and growth for UMD Computer Science students embarking on the journey of startup creation! The Hatchery’s vision is to empower Terps to turn their most ambitious ideas into thriving startups poised for real-world impact.

The Mokhtarzada Hatchery was launched in 2021 to help University of Maryland students develop and launch startups. Created by Terps for Terps, through the generous support of UMD alumni and found mentors, Haroon, Idris, and Zeki Mokhtarzada, the Hatchery provides resources to help student entrepreneurs turn their startup ideas into a reality.

Each fall semester, student teams vie for entry into the Hatchery. Teams are selected on the basis of an idea that targets interesting problems with focus and passion. A maximum of four teams are selected to join the Hatchery each year.

Resources Provided to Hatchery Startup Teams

Dedicated Working Space: The Hatchery provides a dedicated workspace and seasoned mentors, empowering student entrepreneurs to refine their concepts and propel their startups towards success. Located within the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering on UMD’s College Park campus, the Hatchery provides an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

Mentorship: Guidance and support are at the core of the Hatchery experience. Each team is paired with a seasoned entrepreneur who serves as their mentor, guiding them through the intricacies of startup development. Regular meetings facilitate progress updates, provide a platform to navigate obstacles, and foster a collaborative environment for peer and mentor learning.

Seed Funding: Student teams apply in the fall semester to join the Hatchery and can request funding up to $10,000 per team per year, thanks to generous support from UMD alumni and brothers Haroon, Idris, and Zeki Mokhtarzada.

The most recent cohort of student startups joined the Mokhtarzada Hatchery in Fall 2024. Check back in Fall 2025 for the next round of applications!

• Interested in becoming a Hatchery Mentor? Apply here.

• Are you a founder looking for a team? Or are you looking to join a team? Fill out our matching form here to get in contact with others who are interested in startups.

• Want to stay up-to-date with Hatchery News and Events? Click here to join the Hatchery email listserv.

• Are you interested in helping students optimize their startups for success? Learn how to make a gift here!