--- title: Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship | Ryan Shore description: Stories, news and updates from Horn Entrepreneurship, the creative engine of University of Delaware --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ## Ryan Shore ### Recent Posts ### [Connecting People and Possibilities: Meet Linda Walck](https://horn.udel.edu/connecting-people-and-possibilities-meet-linda-walck) If you have participated in one of Horn Entrepreneurship’s commercialization programs, attended a REEF@UD Demo Day at the Venture Development Center or reached out through the UD Innovation Gateway, chances are Linda Walck helped make the experience possible. As program manager for commercialization, Walck coordinates the people, logistics and connections that keep programs moving forward. From managing complex schedules alongside Troy Wilford, director of commercialization programs, to helping innovators find the right resources across the University of Delaware, she is known for stepping in wherever she can add value. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/connecting-people-and-possibilities-meet-linda-walck) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • September 21, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [commercialization](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/commercialization), [The Horn Team](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/the-horn-team) ### [Solving Real-World Friction: Meet Sebastian Torres](https://horn.udel.edu/solving-real-world-friction-meet-sebastian-torres) For many students, the path from graduation to startup success is a long, winding road of trial and error. For Sebastian Torres, a University of Delaware computer engineering graduate, that journey began in the middle of his undergraduate career—first by navigating the technical hurdles of video editing, and then by launching a digital project that turned a simple idea into a growing online venture. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/solving-real-world-friction-meet-sebastian-torres) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • September 14, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) ### [How UD Alumnus Willem Westra Built a Multi-Industry Startup Portfolio](https://horn.udel.edu/how-ud-alumnus-willem-westra-built-a-multi-industry-startup-portfolio) For many college students, graduation marks the terrifying unknown of entering the traditional job market. But for Willem Westra, who graduated from the University of Delaware in 2022, the journey took an ambitious turn. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/how-ud-alumnus-willem-westra-built-a-multi-industry-startup-portfolio) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • September 08, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) ### [The Blue Hen Behind the Partnerships: Meet Brittany Acosta](https://horn.udel.edu/the-blue-hen-behind-the-partnerships-meet-brittany-acosta) As School Partnerships Manager at Horn Entrepreneurship, Brittany Acosta is helping expand access to entrepreneurship education beyond the University of Delaware campus. Through partnerships with high schools, she works with educators and administrators to bring business, innovation, and leadership courses to students before they begin their college journey. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/the-blue-hen-behind-the-partnerships-meet-brittany-acosta) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • September 02, 2026 Topics: [pre college](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-college), [The Horn Team](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/the-horn-team) ### [2026 Summer Founders Demo Day: A Celebration of Upcoming Innovators](https://horn.udel.edu/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-a-celebration-of-upcoming-innovators) On August 13, Horn Entrepreneurship celebrated the 2026 Summer Founders cohort at its 11th annual Demo Day, bringing together University of Delaware student founders, mentors, supporters and members of the entrepreneurial community. The event marked the culmination of an intensive 11-week experience filled with customer discovery, venture development, mentoring and plenty of iteration. With stipend funding, dedicated venture support and access to nearly 100 volunteer experts throughout the summer, founders had the opportunity to focus on their ideas, test assumptions and make meaningful progress on their ventures. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-a-celebration-of-upcoming-innovators) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • August 31, 2026 Topics: [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) ### [Horn Entrepreneurship Students Shine at 2026 Lerner Sales Competition](https://horn.udel.edu/horn-entrepreneurship-students-shine-at-2026-lerner-sales-competition) The Lerner College of Business & Economics recently hosted its spring Sales Competition, a high-stakes event that brought a competitive intensity to the University of Delaware campus. Led by Dan Alia, head of the Sales Minor, the competition serves as a premier test track for undergraduate talent, pushing students to refine their pitches and execute complex missions under pressure. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/horn-entrepreneurship-students-shine-at-2026-lerner-sales-competition) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • August 10, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [awards](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/awards), [competition](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition), [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) ### [Strengthening Cyber Defense: Meet Kitin and MAPS](https://horn.udel.edu/strengthening-cyber-defense-meet-kitin-and-maps) In an era of rapid technological advancement, the digital landscape is becoming increasingly complex—and with that complexity comes a critical need for robust, reliable security. As software development cycles accelerate and sensitive data becomes a prime target, the tools used to identify and neutralize vulnerabilities are more important than ever. **This is the final article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/strengthening-cyber-defense-meet-kitin-and-maps) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • August 06, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Decoding the Modern Economy: Meet Parker Media and Dash Group](https://horn.udel.edu/decoding-the-modern-economy-meet-parker-media-and-dash-group)   In an era where digital presence is as critical as physical footprint, two ventures in Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2026 Summer Founders cohort are helping professionals command authority in the real estate market. Whether through the lens of a camera or the mechanics of property remodeling, these teams are focused on maximizing value—one by amplifying personal brands and the other by building tangible asset wealth. **This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.**  [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/decoding-the-modern-economy-meet-parker-media-and-dash-group) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 30, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Designing for Independence: Meet SpoonAble & Hardbat Adaptive Fitness](https://horn.udel.edu/designing-for-independence-meet-spoonable-hardbat-adaptive-fitness)   Two teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are exploring how to bridge the gap between daily living and accessibility for those with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. SpoonAble is developing an adaptable, tech-integrated tool to assist with kitchen tasks, while the Hardbat Adaptive Fitness Program is creating an empowering, communal space for physical training and social growth. **This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program, and will be featured at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/designing-for-independence-meet-spoonable-hardbat-adaptive-fitness) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 23, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Redefining Health and Wellness: Meet Safe Sip, Healing Ivy, and Insuvo](https://horn.udel.edu/redefining-health-and-wellness-meet-safe-sip-healing-ivy-and-insuvo) Three teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2026 Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are working to bridge the gap between generalized clinical treatment and the need for personalized, patient-centered care. From reimagining essential medical equipment to integrating vital sign monitoring into everyday jewelry, these student founders are proving that the most effective innovations often start with a deeply personal understanding of the challenges patients and individuals face daily. **This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/redefining-health-and-wellness-meet-safe-sip-healing-ivy-and-insuvo) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 17, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) 1 [2](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore/page/2) ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [entrepreneurship (242)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship) - [community (225)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community) - [students (158)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) - [alumni (117)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni) - [awards (116)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/awards) - [startups (115)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) - [events (102)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/events) - [innovation (96)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) - [success stories (89)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories) - [resources (83)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/resources) - [enrichment (82)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/enrichment) - [competition (65)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition) - [Summer Founders (51)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders) - [social entrepreneurship (49)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/social-entrepreneurship) - [pitching (47)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching) - [opportunities (45)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/opportunities) - [careers (43)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/careers) - [entrepreneurship and science (42)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-science) - [pre college (40)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-college) - [women entrepreneurs (38)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/women-entrepreneurs) - [leadership (35)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/leadership) - [Hen Hatch (31)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/hen-hatch) - [future of work (31)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/future-of-work) - [Insider (28)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/insider) - [pitch party (28)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitch-party) - [educators (26)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/educators) - [technology (25)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/technology) - [VentureOn (23)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/ventureon) - [startup advice (23)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice) - [equity (22)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/equity) - [pre-accelerator (22)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) - [commercialization (20)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/commercialization) - [environment (20)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/environment) - [research (17)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/research) - [demo day (16)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) - [entrepreneurship and the arts (15)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-the-arts) - [Siegfried (13)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/siegfried) - [internships (13)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/internships) - [10 Year Anniversary (11)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/10-year-anniversary) - [DIF (10)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/dif) - [Horn Hen of the Month (8)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/horn-hen-of-the-month) - [government (7)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/government) - [pivoting (7)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pivoting) - [REEF@UD (6)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) - [The Horn Team (6)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/the-horn-team) - [HDFS (4)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/hdfs) see all [![Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/Horn-Entrepreneurship_logo_320px.png?width=240&name=Horn-Entrepreneurship_logo_320px.png "Horn Entrepreneurship")](https://udel.edu/horn) ### EXPLORE - [About Us](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/about-horn/) - [Upcoming Events](https://events.udel.edu/venture_development_center_478) - [Venture Development Center](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/student-enrichment/vdc/) --- ### CONNECT [132 E Delaware Ave Ste 100](https://goo.gl/maps/EuUJZSSiG5u) Newark, DE 19711 [hornprogram@udel.edu](mailto:hornprogram@udel.edu) P: 302-831-4393 - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Facebook](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/facebook_icon.png?width=32&name=facebook_icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/udhorn) - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Twitter](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/twitter_icon.png?width=32&name=twitter_icon.png)](https://x.com/udbookschool) - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Instagram](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/instagram_icon.png?width=32&name=instagram_icon.png)](https://www.instagram.com/udhorn) - ©2026 University of Delaware - [Comments](http://www.udel.edu/home/comments/) - [Legal Notices](http://www.udel.edu/home/legal-notices/)