Meet Errik Onyekwere, a driven student entrepreneur from Ashton, Maryland, and a member of the Class of 2026. As an Entrepreneurship major with a minor in Integrated Design, Errik is passionate about innovation, holistic living, and personal growth. Through his involvement with Horn Entrepreneurship and the REEF@UD Fellowship, he’s exploring sustainable solutions to everyday problems and building the confidence to pursue his entrepreneurial vision along the way.
What inspired you to apply to the REEF@UD Fellowship?
I had no idea what REEF was until I enrolled in ENTR 489, but I figured it would be a great opportunity to explore eco-friendly ventures. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and I’m really glad I took that leap.
Tell us about your project and what environmental challenge you set out to tackle.
I was working with two other students in my major on a startup idea focused on solving the problem of unhealthy caffeine consumption and addiction. We wanted to take a clean, eco-friendly approach that considered every stage of the product's life cycle. After conducting a lot of problem and solution interviews, we came up with a plant-powered energy supplement delivered in a compact, reusable dropper bottle.
One of my teammates, Victor du Pont, took the idea to the 2025 Summer Founders program to further develop it.
What was a highlight of your REEF@UD experience?
Honestly, the whole journey was a highlight. But if I had to pick a few moments, it was gaining experience conducting customer interviews, learning how to pivot our solution based on what we heard, and figuring out how to create a viable business model. That process really pushed me to grow.
What’s one skill or insight you’re taking away from the program?
Approaching an industry I didn’t have much experience in was definitely intimidating at first. But I realized that using the skills that come naturally to me (i.e. communication and problem-solving) can be one of my biggest advantages. REEF@UD really helped me see that.
How has REEF@UD shaped your thinking about entrepreneurship, sustainability, or your future career path?
It gave me a lot more confidence, especially as I pursue my sales career. The skills I developed through REEF, like conducting interviews, validating solutions, and presenting ideas, translate directly to my work and have helped me grow professionally.
What advice would you give to future students thinking about applying to REEF@UD?
Pursue what you’re passionate about. Use that passion as fuel to create change, and you’ll find success in areas you never expected. That mindset has made a huge difference for me.
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience or your venture?
It was a fantastic experience immersing myself in eco-focused spaces. I didn’t just learn about my own project, I gained so much from hearing other aspiring entrepreneurs talk about the sustainable changes they’re making in different industries. It was inspiring, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
Connect with Errik:
🔗 LinkedIn
💡 PIQ Energy
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.
