Stories & Updates

On March 7th of 2024, 44 teams of high school students from 27 schools gathered at Clayton Hall at the University of Delaware, for an engaging head-to-head pitch event and to participate in the 2024 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase. Committed students had the opportunity to present their startup ideas to a panel of accomplished judges in the entrepreneurship field. The 2024 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase featured numerous teams of aspiring entrepreneurs representing numerous high schools across the state of Delaware. These teens passionately pitched a diverse array of concepts, showcasing their innovation and creativity. The showcase provided high school students participating in Horn Entrepreneurship’s dual enrollment program, EntreX Lab, with a platform to pitch their entrepreneurial projects and cultivate essential skills and connections that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

At the EntreX showcase, students were enthusiastic about sharing their ideas and embracing friendly competition. They eagerly awaited the chance to receive constructive feedback on their innovative solutions to global issues. For many, it was their first time participating in a pitch competition and being surrounded by like-minded peers on such a large scale. With opportunities for networking and engagement with students from other institutions, the event's focus was truly centered on nurturing the students' entrepreneurial skills and ventures.

The top teams from the showcase earned $500 and the opportunity to pitch at the 2024 Diamond Challenge Summit, a top ranked high school entrepreneurship competition that draws young entrepreneurs from around the world. 

Congratulations to the winners: 

Social Innovation Track

Scrap to Plate

James Kennedy, Cole McCarrin, JJ Robinson, Brady Walker

Adult Advisor: Zachary Robie

​​Salesianum School

A modern social venture developed to connect restaurants to food pantries incentivized through community involvement.

Sweet Success

Kate Heesters, Julia Pomeroy, Hallie Ross

Adult Advisor: Bethann Higley

Padua Academy

A delicious baking subscription box combined with an engaging and educational mobile app game to help children cultivate their financial literacy skills.

Business Innovation Track

RichCoverage

Kyle Richardson, Keon Jones

Adult advisor: Nathan Moser

Freire Charter School Wilmington

A less messy, cheaper, and easier to use hair coverage solution to people that have thin roots, hair loss, or are balding.

Daily Jewels

Reese Flanagan, Hannah Trainer, Kelsey Wolff

Adult Advisor: Bethann Higley

Padua Academy

A trendy necklace designed to store medication discreetly with bluetooth chip technology reminding teens to take their daily medication.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the teams that participated in the event. Your hard work, innovation, and commitment to entrepreneurship are truly commendable. Well done to each and every one of you for your contributions to the EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase. Students from the following schools who presented at the showcase included: 

• Howard High School of Technology
• Glasgow High School
• Harvest Christian Academy
• Sun Valley High School
• Malvern Preparatory School
• Interboro High School
• The Charter School of Wilmington
• Freire Charter School Wilmington
• Brandywine School District
• Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
• MOT Charter School
• Manheim Central School District
• Brandywine High School
• Bishop Shanahan High School
• Merion Mercy Academy
• La Salle Academy, Providence, RI
• First State Military Academy
• Salesianum School
• Ursuline Academy
• Padua Academy
• Odyssey Charter
• Devon Preparatory School
• Mount Pleasant High School
• St. Mark's High School
• Penncrest High School
• ASPIRA High School
• Conrad Schools of Science

Thank you to all individuals who contributed to the success of this event, and a special appreciation to the dedicated judges for generously offering their time and expertise to make the 2024 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase a success:

• Connor  O'Brien- Director of Strategy at SEI
• Cora Castle- Co-Founder at OmniPoint Energy
• Stephen Sye- Founder of Futures First Gaming
• Jason Feller- CEO of Crystal Clear Canz
• Ian Smith- Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Wilmington
• Vicki Lutrell- CEO of Luttrell Consulting
• Bob Sassa- Former Associate at WL Gore
• Will Horrocks- Founder of Our People Entertainment
• Jill Hunt- CEO of Delaware Physicians Associates
• Greg Plum- Director at PartnerReady
• Mark Manniso- CEO of Forte Creates
• Bill Freeborn- Managing Partner at KBF Consulting
• Allison Keevil- Director of Innovation at Barclays Bank
• Ayanna Khan- President, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce

We extend our sincere gratitude to sponsor Capital One for their sponsorship and support at the EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase. EntreX Lab provides high school students with avenues to cultivate essential skills like creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.  By participating in EntreX Lab, students can benefit in several ways. Firstly, they acquire hands-on experience in crafting and presenting business concepts, equipping them for future pursuits in entrepreneurship and conventional career trajectories. Secondly, they can participate in regional events that foster collaboration and networking among students from different schools.  Lastly, students gain exposure to experienced judges and mentors who provide valuable feedback and guidance, helping students refine their ideas and strategies. For more information about EntreX Lab, please visit our website.

About Horn Entrepreneurship

At the University of Delaware, Horn Entrepreneurship stands as the driving force for fostering entrepreneurship, education, and progress. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship has been established and is actively championed by accomplished entrepreneurs. This support empowers aspiring innovators as they embark on the journey of exploring new ideas for a brighter and more impactful world.