Stories & Updates

From adaptive equipment access and wildlife tracking to beauty accessibility and safer winter weather solutions, the Delaware Innovation Fellows brought a wide range of student-led ideas to life at the 2026 DIF Innovation Showcase.

Through the Siegfried Fellows Program at the University of Delaware, students recently spent a day in Washington, D.C., engaging with leaders across consulting, global strategy, cybersecurity, and organizational research. While each speaker came from a different professional background, Fellows encountered a consistent message throughout the trip: meaningful work is driven not just by achievement, but by intention, curiosity, and purpose.

On Wednesday, February 18, entrepreneurship majors, Delaware Innovation Fellows, faculty, and staff swam over to the Venture Development Center (VDC) for the biannual semester kick-off event. Sponsored by REEF@UD, this year’s “Under the Sea” theme transformed the VDC into a cozy coral reef, complete with an inviting spread of sea-themed goodies like shark-cuterie and sea breeze spirals. Hosted by the Student Experience team, the gathering launched a swell of lively networking, anchoring new connections and a tide of camaraderie.

As the leaves turn and a new school year begins, it’s the perfect season to plant the seeds of your next big idea. Horn Entrepreneurship offers students a variety of opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and grow as innovators. Whether you’re just curious about startups or already knee-deep in building your own venture, there’s something waiting for you.

Third-year Delaware Innovation Fellows students present final-phase projects at annual showcase

The spirit of creativity, problem-solving, and social impact was on full display at the Delaware Innovation Fellows (DIF) Innovation Showcase, held on Wednesday, May 14 in Trabant University Center. The event spotlighted the final-phase projects of DIF students, capping their three-year journey through Horn Entrepreneurship’s signature enrichment program.

On Wednesday, February 19, entrepreneurship majors, minors, faculty, and staff gathered at the Venture Development Center (VDC) for the biannual semester kick-off event. This semester’s theme, “Connections Café,” transformed the VDC into a cozy coffeehouse, complete with an inviting spread of muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and a self-serve coffee, tea, and hot chocolate bar. The event, hosted by the Student Experience team, set the stage for an engaging morning of networking and camaraderie.

Spring is the season of growth, and what better way to cultivate your entrepreneurial dreams than by taking advantage of the many opportunities available this semester? Whether you're new to entrepreneurship, have a startup idea, or are already scaling your venture, there's something for everyone. Here's a look at what’s in store for students this spring.

Effective leadership in the dynamic world of innovation and entrepreneurship is essential, driving both growth and creativity. At the heart of this leadership is the ability to lead oneself before guiding others. The Siegfried Fellows program is founded on this principle. Meet the 2024-2025 cohort of Siegfried Fellows.

For young and ambitious entrepreneurs, summertime offers an ideal opportunity to nurture and refine their ventures amidst great weather, ample free time, and positive vibes. The Summer Founders program allows a select group of students to fully immerse themselves in developing their startups. Congratulations to this year’s eight teams!

Confidence, it's a quality often lauded as the cornerstone of success, the catalyst for self-assurance, and the formula that supports individuals toward their goals. However, upon closer inspection, you may find that the concept of confidence can sometimes lack a fixed and concrete meaning. It's one of those things that you have the power to define, control, and master. The way you can gain and later display this all comes down to your experiences and perspective. For some, confidence may manifest as a quiet inner strength, while for others, it's expressed through outward charisma and assertiveness. Ultimately, the meaning of confidence is a reflection of our individual journey.