Stories & Updates

Two teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are exploring how technology can help people make clearer, more intentional decisions. Prediction Wizard is building a points-based platform for social predictions and friendly competitions, while Budge is developing a pre-purchase decision support tool that helps users pause before spending. This is the first article in a series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program. You can meet them at this year’s Demo Day on August 13.

A dedicated member of the Horn Entrepreneurship community, Cate Leidich, class of 2026, continuously challenged herself while building a path that reflects her passions and goals. Throughout her time at Horn, Cate found more than just academic opportunities, she found a community that encouraged her growth in all aspects.

Launching a startup is hard. It requires grit, resourcefulness, and comfort with uncertainty. It also requires a community. The student entrepreneurs participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program have quickly learned they aren't alone on their journeys.

Recent alumnus Ke’Shaun Rogers, class of 2026, has never been the type to settle for one path. His journey at the University of Delaware has been defined by range, curiosity, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar spaces. After taking Introduction to Entrepreneurship with Dr. Laura Gasiorowski, Ke’Shaun recognized a pull toward innovation and creativity and switched his major to entrepreneurship in the fall of his sophomore year and never looked back.

From adaptive equipment access and wildlife tracking to beauty accessibility and safer winter weather solutions, the Delaware Innovation Fellows brought a wide range of student-led ideas to life at the 2026 DIF Innovation Showcase.

For the past 10 years, Ted Foltyn has been a beloved member of the Horn staff, but his journey at the University of Delaware began long before that, starting as a student and growing into a lasting impact on the community. His connection to the university extends far beyond the classroom. Ted met his wife Kathi here while they worked at the campus radio station, their son also attended and met his wife here. Over the years, he has become an impactful professor who has mentored countless students. Before he officially signs off, in true Ted fashion, he is leaving us with some insightful tips and tricks from his years in corporate business, teaching, and his time spent at UD.

Horn Entrepreneurship celebrated the achievements of 13 outstanding University of Delaware undergraduate students by awarding them more than $10,000 in cash and Venture Development Center (VDC) credit. These honors recognize the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the university's student body.

Aidan Kutch’s first sneaker flip started with a pair of shoes, a disappointing store offer and an eBay listing. Years later, the University of Delaware senior has turned that early lesson in value into Kutch’s Kicks, where the student founder turns sneaker restoration into a serious business by making high-end sneaker culture more accessible.

From sustainable fashion and food waste reduction to coastal restoration and eco-friendly products, University of Delaware students showcased bold ideas for a healthier planet at the fifth annual REEF@UD Demo Day on Monday, May 4, at the Venture Development Center.