Four teams advanced to the final round of Hen Hatch, UD’s premier startup funding competition, at the 2024 Blue Hen Innovation Fest on December 5. These finalists will compete to find out how much of the $50,000 prize pool will help them advance their ventures.
Congratulations to the 2024 Hen Hatch Finalist teams:
Funky Rat
Amanda Membrado, Class of 2025
Lerner College of Business & Economics, Entrepreneurship Major
Hunter Wills, Class of 2025
Lerner College of Business & Economics, Entrepreneurship Major
Funky Rat is a sustainable unisex streetwear brand that upcycles thrifted clothing. The purpose of the brand is to bring awareness and encourage positive change in the fashion industry.
Heard Chef
Evyn Appel, Class of 2025
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Sustainable Food Systems
Tommy Kramer (alumnus), Class of 2024, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Mikey Bocelli (alumnus), Class of 2024, College of Engineering
This venture is an app that replaces the burdensome research of answering "What's for dinner?" with a much more entertaining, Tinder-like swiping experience. Easily find recipes that match your personal tastes with those in your household by swiping through a curated list of potential options and "matching" on those you all like.
Maker Wear
Jenna Tomasch, Class of 2025
College of Arts and Sciences, Fashion Design and Product Innovation Major
Maker Wear is protective clothing for makers including a pair of one-size-fits-most overalls meant to be worn over top of clothing.
Steampathy
Kevin Foerster, Class of 2025
College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Major
An Assistive toy for children with disabilities to focus on their social development and classroom skills
During the final round of Hen Hatch, these teams will have 7 minutes to pitch and a 5 minute Q&A session with judges in front of a live audience.
Thank you to the semifinal round judges and mentors: Dave Dietz, CEO and Founder, Brandywine Brewing; Mike DiMartile, Alternative Asset Management, SEI; Jon Felter, CEO, Pureland Supply; Jill Hunt, CEO, Delaware Pain and Rehabilitation Center; Hami Mahani, Founder, 6 AM Run; Chuck Nunan, CEO and Founder, Harvest Ridge Winery; and Ashley Paintsil, Adjunct Professor; Andrea Reynolds, SVP, Vanguard Investments (retired); and Terry Strine, Founder, Leadership Delaware.
Meet the Semifinalists at the Innovation Showcase
Guests to the 2024 Blue Hen Innovation Fest will have the opportunity to meet the Hen Hatch semifinalists and finalists at the Innovation Showcase and learn more about their creative projects and startups.
Dress Fragile
Cade Krueger, Class of 2024
Lerner College of Business & Economics, Entrepreneurship Major
Dress Fragile is a vintage store concept that aims to engage the everyday fashion consumer with a meaningful shopping experience
Dropinsea
Norman Mthethwa, Class of 2027
The Lerner College, Economics Major
Dropinsea is a community-based organization that provides sustainable clean water access in rural South Africa, particularly in the Boschfontein area of Mpumalanga. Established in 2018, Dropinsea works with local communities to uncover new water sources, repair broken boreholes, and maintain water systems.
Easy Mail Services
Jacob Whitman, Class of 2026
College of Engineering, Computer Science Major
email marketing software for small business and nonprofits
Timeless
William Chen, Class of 2026
The Lerner College, Finance & Business Analytics Major
Steven Pham, Class of 2026
The Lerner College, Business Management & Marketing Major
Hera Lee, Class of 2025
College of Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Major
a unique clothing brand focused on individuality and authenticity that has gained traction through viral marketing
Reciclai App
Valter Mello Neto, Class of 2029
College of Engineering, Chemical Engineering Major
The Reciclai App is an app aimed at motivating and improving recycling. The project's idea is to reward users for recycling through discount/cashback coupons, which can be used in companies/shops that are partners of the app.
Vestra Software Solutions
Alec Boyd, Class of 2026
Lerner College of Business & Economics, Entrepreneurship Major
Nathan Wolf, Class of 2026
College of Engineering, Computer Science Major
Vestra Education is an innovative platform designed to streamline academic advising and transfer credit processes, enhancing both student and advisor experiences with real-time planning, automated credit evaluations, and integrated communication tools.
VideoEditor Copilot
Sebastian Torres, Class of 2025
College of Engineering, Computer Engineering Major
Michael Earley, Class of 2025
College of Engineering, Computer Engineering Major
VideoEditor Copilot is a plugin for any existing video editing software which provides edit autocompletion based on user prompts.
About the 2024 Blue Hen Innovation Fest
The Blue Hen Innovation Fest on December 5 is an exciting new event dedicated to celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware and beyond. This vibrant festival brings together a diverse community of participants, from enthusiastic undergraduate students to ambitious young alumni, all eager to share their groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial journeys. The event features a panel on women and funding, the Innovation Showcase, Honor Circle recognition, Hen Hatch Final Round, and the Blue Hen 17&43 Most Promising recognition.
Join us on December 5 for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and networking as we celebrate the spirit of innovation and the future of entrepreneurship!
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind entrepreneurship education and innovation at the University of Delaware. Consistently ranked as one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the United States, it was founded and continues to be supported by accomplished entrepreneurs. The program empowers aspiring innovators, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to bring their ideas to life and create positive change in the world.
