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About Hatch

Our Mission

To catalyze innovation in South Alabama by building a home where technology, life sciences, and the creative economy converge — empowering founders, researchers, and creators to transform bold ideas into real-world impact.

Our Vision

A future where South Alabama is recognized globally as a hub of innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth — a region where talent stays, industries thrive, and world-changing ventures begin.

Our Story & Timeline

2018

Seeds of an Idea

Local innovators begin conversations about creating a hub to support startups and the creative economy in Fairhope.

2020

Hatch is Born

First coworking space opens, offering flexible space for entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers.

2022

Expanding the Ecosystem

Launch of pilot accelerator programs in tech and music, bringing national mentors to Alabama.

2023

Strategic Partnerships

Formal collaborations with the City of Fairhope, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, and regional universities.

2024

Hatch Recognized

Awarded state and federal support to expand biotech, creative, and workforce development programs.

2025

The K-1 Center Transformation

Groundbreaking on our new 36,000 sq. ft. innovation hub in the historic Fairhope K-1 Center.

2026

Coming Soon: New Accelerators

First full programs hosted in the new K-1 Center, positioning South Alabama as a launchpad for startups and creators.

Leadership Team

Keith Glines

Keith Glines

Executive Director

Keith Glines is the Director of Hatch, where he champions innovation across life sciences, emerging technologies, and creative ventures. With 20+ years in technology development and publishing—most notably in medical software—Keith brings deep expertise in building tools that improve lives. He founded and led his own company before stepping into the world of startups, where he has since guided tech teams through scaling, product development, and go-to-market growth. At Hatch, Keith combines his entrepreneurial experience with a passion for ecosystem building, helping founders, researchers, and creatives turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.

Lee Lawson

Lee Lawson

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance President/CEO

Lee Lawson serves as President and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, where he leads economic growth initiatives across the region. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in establishing Hatch as a cornerstone of South Alabama's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sydney Davis

Sydney Davis

Hatch Intern

Sydney Davis is the spring intern, and a rising leader in the regional startup scene, currently pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship at The University of South Alabama. As the President of CEO Club, she encourages professional development and innovation among her peers, fostering a collaborative environment for the next generation of founders. Sydney pairs her academic focus with real-world grit as a small business owner of SydneyLetters and a bridal stylist, where she balances high-touch client relations with the complexities of creative brand management. Sydney plays a pivotal role in championing Hatch Fairhope's initiatives and driving its promotional efforts.

Baldwin Community & Economic Development Foundation Board

Jason Padgett

North Baldwin Utilities

Board Member

Ormand Thompson

Thomas Hospital

Board Member

Hunter Bennett

Baldwin EMC

Board Member

Bill Mitchell

Stuart Construction

Board Member

Jerod Pilot

Pilot

Board Member

Lee Lawson

Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance

President/CEO

Core Values

Collaboration

We believe the best ideas are born at the intersections — between disciplines, communities, and perspectives.

Equity

Innovation must be inclusive. We create space for underrepresented founders, artists, and researchers to thrive.

Boldness

Pioneering means stepping into the unknown. We encourage risk-taking and support visionaries who dare to build.

Integrity

We lead with transparency, ethics, and responsibility — ensuring innovation benefits the community as a whole.

Sustainability

From biotech to music to climate tech, we pursue solutions that last, creating economic and social impact for generations.

Impact & Achievements

+1500

Founders & Creators Supported

$9M

Funding Attracted

36K

Sq. Ft. Innovation Hub

3

Accelerator Programs

Why Hatch?

Hatch is more than a coworking space — it's a community-built engine for transformation. We're pioneering a model that blends research, entrepreneurship, and creativity to shape the Gulf Coast's future.

Whether you're a startup founder, a researcher, an artist, or a community partner, Hatch is where bold ideas find a home — and scale to the world.