Halcyon Incubator Officially Opens Doors to First Class of Social Entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Halcyon Incubator, the nation's most forward-looking social entrepreneurship incubator program officially opened its doors to the first class of fellows. Public and private sector stakeholders were on hand to celebrate the unveiling of the 26,500 square foot Incubator housed in the historic Halcyon House.

The seven social entrepreneurs that will spend the next 14 months in the Incubator program introduced their initial venture concepts and discussed the social pain point each venture is designed to solve.

"The Halcyon Incubator is not just a program, it's a unique blend of dedication and commitment from a diverse group of individuals, including sponsors, partners and the fellows," said Dr. Sachiko Kuno, CEO of S&R Foundation. "The success of our fellows' ventures will be represented by their ability to create measurable social outcomes that make the world a better place."

Unlike other incubators that take a financial position in early-stage ventures in return for participation in their programs, the Halcyon Incubator does not require equity in its fellows' ventures. Committed to being a catalyst for social change, the Halcyon Incubator provides fellows with rent-free housing and office space, food and living stipends, mentorship, complimentary strategic, legal and PR resources.

Each fellow brings unique approaches to a diverse set of challenges facing the world including a community service platform; feminine hygiene products for developing nations; pediatric asthmatic warning system; organic baby food for low-income families; online literacy tools; and a platform to make open data more accessible.

"Social entrepreneurs around the world are finding new ways to empower communities to solve for important problems," said Sonal Shah, Founding Executive Director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact & Innovation at Georgetown University. "The Halcyon Incubator provides a great opportunity for innovative ventures to learn how best to drive and impact social change."

While the Halcyon Incubator is welcoming the first class of fellows into the Incubator, it is already looking towards the future. Applications for the second class of fellows are due on September 18, 2014 at 5pm EDT.

About Halcyon Incubator
The Halcyon Incubator is committed to solving 21st century challenges throughout the nation and world. By helping social entrepreneurs transform audacious ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures, the Halcyon Incubator acts as a catalyst for measurable social outcomes. www.halcyonincubator.org @HalcyonIncubate www.facebook.com/halcyonincubator

About S&R Foundation
S&R Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2000 to support talented individuals with great potential and high aspirations in the arts, sciences and social entrepreneurship, especially those who are furthering international cultural collaboration. Contributions to S&R Foundation go directly to funding our mission. For more information, visit www.SandRFoundation.org.

SOURCE S&R Foundation's Halcyon Incubator