The diversity and caliber of the 2023 Blue Hen 17&43 Award Winners reflect the dynamism inherent in the University of Delaware’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each of these startups brings a unique set of ideas, strategies, and solutions to the forefront, contributing to the vibrant variety of innovation within the University of Delaware community.
This year’s recipients will be recognized and have a chance to showcase their ventures on November 16 during Hen Hatch Final Round, the University of Delaware’s premier student startup competition. We invite anyone interested in attending the Hen Hatch Final Round to see UD’s finest startup pitches and celebrate the Blue Hen 17&43 Awards to register for the event in advance on Eventbrite.
Without further ado, our 2023 Blue Hen 17&43 Most Promising Award Winners:
Alchemize Fightwear led by Maya Nazareth, Founder/CEO, ‘20
Amplus, led by Yuping Zeng, non-paid Advisor, 2011
BVP Coffee Co., led by Garry Johnson, III, Founder/CEO, 2017
Carbon Reform, led by Nick Martin, Co-Founder, 2016 and JoAnne Norris, Co-Founder
EmpowHERed, led by Meghan O’Donnell, Founder/CEO, 2016
Heart + Paw, led by Dave Lasus, CEO, 2003
FunkkOFF! Inc. led by Joelle Flynn, Founder & Co-CEO, ‘94
Lignolix, led by Robert O’Dea, Co-Founder, ‘23, Elvis Ebikade, Co-Founder, ‘19, Eric Gottlieb, Co-Founder
OhSoCycle, led by Blake Armentano, Owner, 2020
OmniPotential Energy, led by Cora Castle, President, 1995
Positional, led by Nate Matterson, Co-Founder, 2016, Matt Lenhard, Co-Founder
Research and Project Management, Elizabeth Allen, Co-Founder, ‘12 and Brittany Maday, Co-Founder, ‘11
SprayLess Wraps & Graphics, led by John Mouser, Co-Founder, 2021
Stemmer, led by Sam Goetz, Founder, ‘21
Tangia, led by Dan Goodman, Co-Founder, ‘21 and Alex Pickett, Co-Founder, ‘21
Taurus Vascular, led by Matthew Kuhn, Founder/CEO, 2016
Wilminvest, led by Bryce Fender, Co-Founder, ‘19, and Joel Amin, Co-Founder, ‘19
These outstanding ventures represent the pinnacle of entrepreneurial achievement and serve as a testament to the University of Delaware's commitment to fostering innovation and propelling the success of its entrepreneurial community. As we celebrate the 2023 Blue Hen 17&43 Most Promising Award Winners, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of these remarkable startups on both the local and global stages.
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.
