The Hatchery at AARP: An Innovation Lab

Ideas hatched here

Innovation has been part of AARP’s DNA since its founding in 1958, but it wasn’t until 2015 that a physical incubator for that innovative focus was built and christened the Hatchery. The fresh, modern, open and flexible space is home to an internal staff working on AARP’s own projects and partnerships. It’s also the space where AARP can bring together outside innovators and start-ups working on relevant projects.

The space is set up and outfitted with technology to encourage AARP staff to come together to share and explain new ideas and projects.   

The Hatchery is home to AARP’s team of innovators, who operate in a bright open space with conference rooms and offices meant for huddling and focusing.

The open and comfortable floor plan encourages collaboration over cups of coffee or lunch just steps away from your desk. 

New products are tested — such as a virtual reality headset that helps older people experience an old memory or take a new journey — at AARP’s Innovation Labs.

Among the first projects to come from AARP’s innovation team is a wellness box for diabetes patients. It is the first of such boxes designed for specific conditions (next up is heart disease) and includes a collection of curated information and products to help people manage their chronic conditions. 

Another of AARP’s partnerships, Confetti, is an online platform that brings people together around moments that matter by making it easy to create a collaborative keepsake book or a digital slideshow experience of life’s memories, as multiple users can upload photos and information.