Celebrate Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UD

Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and networking 

Blue Hen Innovation Fest 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 to women creating value within the community, all eager to share their groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial journeys. Attendees can look forward to hearing inspiring pitches from early-stage startups, engaging in dynamic discussions, and exploring a variety of innovative projects that showcase the creativity and talent within our community. Join us for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and networking as we celebrate the spirit of innovation and the future of entrepreneurship!

When: December 5
Where: The Atrium & Audion at STAR campus
Agenda:
8:10 p.m. Networking Reception
8:45 p.m. Award Ceremony
 
Parking Information: complimentary parking is available in the STAR Tower Parking Lot.
 
 Register for the Blue Hen Innovation Showcase
 

Session Descriptions

Capital Catalysts: Women Funding the Future

Join us for this dynamic panel discussion spotlighting the influential role of women in venture capital, angel investing, intrapreneurship, and entrepreneurship. This engaging conversation will feature leading female investors and entrepreneurs sharing their insights, experiences, and strategies for driving funding toward women-led initiatives and businesses. The panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities in reshaping the investment landscape and discuss how women are catalyzing change to create a more inclusive and sustainable future. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on navigating the world of finance and supporting the next wave of women innovators. Expert panelists include Holly Flanagan, Jennifer Rowland, and Jennifer Seibert.

Innovation Showcase

Explore the creative projects and startup ventures of University of Delaware students who are still exploring their entrepreneurial paths. The showcase provides a unique platform for aspiring student entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators to present their work, share their ideas, and gain valuable feedback from a diverse audience of industry professionals, mentors, and peers.

Honor Circle Recognition

Join us in celebrating the newest inductees of the WE Hatch Honor Circle, a prestigious recognition that highlights the influential women driving a dynamic and equitable entrepreneurial community in Delaware and beyond. The Honor Circle honors women who empower each other and navigate the unique challenges faced by female innovators. Nominated by peers, colleagues, and loved ones, these honorees have made a lasting impact on their networks and communities. Read more about the amazing women being recognized in the 2024 Honor Circle.

Hen Hatch Final Round

Watch the final round of Hen Hatch, the University of Delaware's premier startup funding competition, as top student teams take the stage to pitch their business concepts to an expert panel of judges. Competing for a share of a $50,000+ prize pool, these entrepreneurial students will vie for startup cash and prizes, while seizing the opportunity to make valuable connections and get real-world feedback on their innovative ideas. Don't miss the excitement as they bring their ventures to life! Meet the Hen Hatch finalists.

Blue Hen 17&43 Most Promising

Join us as Horn Entrepreneurship and the Lerner College of Business and Economics proudly announce the prestigious recipients of the 2024 Blue Hen 17&43 Awards! This exciting annual accolade celebrates the University of Delaware’s legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation by honoring exceptional early-stage startups founded or led by Blue Hen alumni. Focused on the most promising new ventures, this year’s winners showcase the spirit of entrepreneurial excellence and bring a dynamic range of ideas, strategies, and solutions that enrich the UD entrepreneurial ecosystem. Don’t miss the chance to see these inspiring ventures and their impact on our community!

 

 

Meet the Hen Hatch Finalist Teams

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.
 
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

 

Innovation Showcase Exhibitors

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
 
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.

Hen Hatch Finalists will also be exhibiting.