Stories & Updates

At the Hen Hatch 2023 event, a gathering of outstanding young entrepreneurs demonstrated their dedication and willingness to put in the work to compete for funding based on their ventures. Amongst the other entrepreneurs participating in the innovation showcase and the finalist round, Samantha McGhee shined bright. She was able to pitch Miss Boulevard with grace and charisma that engaged the crowd and judges. Landing her some crucial funding for her entrepreneurial journey.

Confidence, it's a quality often lauded as the cornerstone of success, the catalyst for self-assurance, and the formula that supports individuals toward their goals. However, upon closer inspection, you may find that the concept of confidence can sometimes lack a fixed and concrete meaning. It's one of those things that you have the power to define, control, and master. The way you can gain and later display this all comes down to your experiences and perspective. For some, confidence may manifest as a quiet inner strength, while for others, it's expressed through outward charisma and assertiveness. Ultimately, the meaning of confidence is a reflection of our individual journey.

WE Hatch is here to support, uplift, and recognize women making strides and impact. WE Hatch seeks to advance creative, innovative and entrepreneurial women within UD and the broader community. Through honor circle ceremonies and speaker breakfasts, women can congregate to share stories and advice with others to continue the cycle of support. On February 14th, a WE Hatch breakfast and interviews was hosted, featuring Chrissi Rawak.

Have you ever noticed how the greatest leaders can't lead others? An Oscar winning actress can't act. A Grammy winning singer can't hold a tune. And a New York best selling author can't write a proper story. Even how innovators can’t innovate. The answer is no, you haven't noticed this at first glance. People like that are talented, decorated, high status individuals who are enchanting through the eyes of others. But unfortunately, not to themselves. Even the best of the best may feel inadequate. No matter the great things someone achieves, there is a lingering voice that makes you feel like all those accomplishments don't matter because you aren’t actually deserving. 

University of Delaware has welcomed a few new faculty members over the past couple years from a wide range of departments and fields. Gladly UD’s Ratcliffe Eco Entrepreneurship Fellows Program (REEF) has added Megan Pillsbury as their director in 2022. A talented individual like Megan Pillsbury has a lot to share and a lot for us to learn about. She was able to speak with Horn Entrepreneurship and share some more about herself, her role, and experiences.

Heading down Main Street on a Saturday night with your best friends determined to have a fun time at the bar is a common story for many students here at the University of Delaware and universities in general. Most students know the danger associated with drinking recklessly and take precautions to be responsible drinkers, however, there is one scenario that can get the better of even the most vigilant people. Someone slipping “something” into their drink. An unfortunate situation that has been victimizing innocent drinkers all around the world.

As time goes on, our circle of brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators continue to impress others and add to the list of ongoing achievements and accolades. Whether it’s obtaining funding through investments and grants, winning awards and competitions, or getting the recognition they deserve from notable people and publications, UD students, faculty, and alumni continue to succeed and display their excellence. Below are all those aforementioned achievements and accolades categorized by students, faculty, and alumni.

Another celebratory night in the books where innovative students and professionals came together to embrace the true essence of entrepreneurship at one of our biggest events of the year.  On Thursday, Nov. 16th at The Tower Audion at UD’s STAR Campus, Horn Entrepreneurship’s premier startup funding competition Hen Hatch, officially concluded after the third and final round. After months and months of passionate hard work from teams striving for a spot in the final pitching round, four young innovators secured their finalist position and a chance to pitch for the top spot plus a piece of the prize pool at 2023 Hen Hatch.  

The 2023 Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership Workshop & Dinner was a grand event that brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, established business leaders, innovators from various industries, and University of Delaware students. Held on October 3 at the prestigious Wilmington Country Club, this annual gathering provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and to recognize individuals for outstanding contributions to the entrepreneurial leadership ecosystem.

On October 6th and 7th, University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship hosted the REEF@UD Eco Entrepreneurship Design Sprint, a special event that brought together innovative minds to address the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on coastal regions. The event, titled "Shoring Up Against Climate Change: Design for Coastal Resilience," showcased the power of entrepreneurial thinking in finding sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable coastal communities.