TechTown names top 10 semifinalists in 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest

DETROIT - TechTown, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub, announced the top 10 semifinalists of the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest April 21 at TechTown. Every year since 2011, the contest has awarded one rising entrepreneur in Detroit with $100,000 and in-kind services from TechTown to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.

This year's top 10 semifinalists were selected by a consortium of judges hailing from throughout Detroit's entrepreneurship ecosystem, including TechTown, Wayne State, community development organizations, previous Hatch Detroit competitions, and beyond. 2026's semifinalists are:

By making it to the top 10, each business becomes an official Hatch Detroit alum, entitling them to a variety of benefits, including access to the Hatch Detroit alumni network, coaching, advice, connection to subject matter experts and technical assistance such as TechTown's Ops+ program and Professional Service Network.

The semifinalists now advance to a week-long public voting period, ending April 29, where the community will decide which four businesses will reach the competition's final round and appear at the May 13 Hatch Off event at the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center. There, they will make one last pitch in front of judges and a live audience for their chance to take home the $100,000 grand prize.

"Even after 15 years, incredible new ideas and innovations 'hatch' from this community-driven event that surprise and captivate us. This year's semifinalists are people who really have their finger on the pulse and are ready to make a difference in the Detroit community," said TechTown's Christianne Malone, chief program officer. "We are so excited for these folks to join the Hatch Detroit alumni family, and we look forward to seeing who makes it through to the competition's next round."

"Seeing this 2026 class join our alumni family brings our 15-year journey full circle," said TechTown small business consultant Vittoria Katanski. "We remain dedicated to providing the mentorship needed to turn each of these bold ideas into neighborhood landmarks. It's an honor to watch these entrepreneurs build on a legacy that has truly reshaped Detroit's retail landscape."

Since its launch in 2011, Hatch Detroit has proven itself as Detroit's premier competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs and an anchor in community-driven economic development. Cumulatively, the Hatch Detroit contest has sparked the opening of more than 60 businesses. The contest and its alumni:

• Employ over 500 people, most of whom are Detroit and Hamtramck residents.
• Have invested more than $13 million into storefront retail businesses that serve their neighborhoods.
• Have invested over $360,000 in streetscape improvements for neighborhood retail.
• Have provided more than $1.5 million in in-kind support to alumni businesses, along with over 10,000 hours of technical assistance and mentoring.

"One of the most remarkable things about this contest is the alumni network. Having participated, they know what it takes to have a strong, viable business and they become a real anchor in the business and leadership community," Malone said. "The fact that more than 50 non-grand prize winners have gone on to open businesses is a testament to this event's impact."

The 2026 Hatch Detroit contest ends May 13 at 6:30 p.m. with the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Hatch Off at the Wayne State Industry Innovation Center. The public is encouraged to attend; tickets are $25 and include complimentary drinks and small bites from Hatch Detroit alumni businesses. Buy your tickets today.

Learn more about the 2026 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest and TechTown.

The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest is supported by Comerica , EY , and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses .

Since 2007, TechTown Detroit has helped more than 8,000 companies create and sustain thousands of jobs and raise over $500 million in capital. As Wayne State University's and Detroit's entrepreneurship hub, TechTown is a nonprofit that connects early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech founders with programs, education, and resources that open doors. By building an inclusive economy, TechTown is helping Detroit and Southeast Michigan compete and win. Visit techtowndetroit.org.