Stories & Updates

Building parts that stand three feet tall isn’t an everyday 3D printing job and that’s exactly where Relay Manufacturing thrives. The manufacturing services company helps organizations bridge the gap between design and production through large-format additive manufacturing and other manufacturing services. The venture was founded by Rich Hayburn, a University of Delaware Class of 2020 graduate who studied Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Design minor, along with a math minor and manufacturing concentration. While at UD, Rich leaned into Horn Entrepreneurship through Summer Founders, NSF I-Corps, and VentureOn, experiences that helped him turn hands-on problem solving into a growing business.

Get ready to celebrate creativity, big ideas, and entrepreneurial energy at the University of Delaware’s Blue Hen Innovation Fest on December 4. This dynamic event brings together UD students, alumni, and community members to connect, collaborate, and showcase their ventures. Whether you’re launching a startup, supporting fellow innovators, or simply curious about the future of entrepreneurship, this is the place to be!

The Entrepreneurship Club’s Fall Pitch Party knocked it out of the park on Wednesday, October 22, bringing rookie pitchers and seasoned innovators together for an evening of high-energy ideas, cheering fans, and cash prizes.

Do you have an idea for a new product or service? Step up to the plate and take a swing at the Fall Pitch Party on Wednesday, October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Venture Development Center (VDC). This baseball-themed event is perfect for rookies who are new to pitching ideas or veteran players. It’s a fun, fast-paced night where creativity meets community and everyone walks away a winner.

For this recent University of Delaware graduate, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business, it’s about building community. With a degree in Environmental Studies, a certificate in Eco-Entrepreneurship, and a passion for creating ethical, environmentally conscious solutions, Alana Hill, class of 2025, is already making waves with Island Dream Clean, a venture that blends eco-friendly products with education and connection.

Entrepreneur and alumnus Tom Stauffer, class of 2024, has turned a passion for cars and content into a multi-business brand. As the founder of Tom’s Refurb, he creates unique automotive videos that have fueled the growth of three ventures: tomsrefurb.shop (an online shop for branded gear), Patreon (a subscription platform where fans support creators in exchange for exclusive content), and Speedy’s Equipment (an automotive performance parts business). From small engine repairs as a teen to designing his own auto parts today, Tom’s entrepreneurial journey shows the power of creativity, persistence, and building with purpose.

As the leaves turn and a new school year begins, it’s the perfect season to plant the seeds of your next big idea. Horn Entrepreneurship offers students a variety of opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and grow as innovators. Whether you’re just curious about startups or already knee-deep in building your own venture, there’s something waiting for you.

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, before moving to New Jersey in 2019, Nicholai Williamson is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a entrepreneurship major with a minor in professional selling and sales management.

After 12 weeks of building, testing, pitching, and growing, 19 student-led ventures are ready to take the stage. Horn Entrepreneurship invites you to join us for the 2025 Summer Founders Demo Day on Thursday, August 14, where this year’s cohort will showcase their startups and share the progress they’ve made in UD’s premier startup pre-accelerator. Admission is complimentary, but advance registration is requested. Register now.

Nineteen teams have been selected for Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2025 Summer Founders pre-accelerator program. This intensive 10-week experience gives University of Delaware students and recent graduates the opportunity to build their ventures full time with the support of resources, mentorship, and funding.