Stories & Updates

Two teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are exploring how to bridge the gap between daily living and accessibility for those with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. SpoonAble is developing an adaptable, tech-integrated tool to assist with kitchen tasks, while the Hardbat Adaptive Fitness Program is creating an empowering, communal space for physical training and social growth. This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program, and will be featured at this year’s Demo Day.

Three teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2026 Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are working to bridge the gap between generalized clinical treatment and the need for personalized, patient-centered care.

From reimagining essential medical equipment to integrating vital sign monitoring into everyday jewelry, these student founders are proving that the most effective innovations often start with a deeply personal understanding of the challenges patients and individuals face daily. This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program. You can meet them at this year’s Demo Day.

Darian Elmendorf’s path as a founder began with a deeply personal mission: making mental health support more accessible, relatable and sustainable. As he returned home to restart the project years ago, he turned a broad mental health group landscape into a specialized workforce development firm through Polaris Pathways.

Two teams in Horn Entrepreneurship’s Summer Founders pre-accelerator program are exploring how technology can help people make clearer, more intentional decisions. Prediction Wizard is building a points-based platform for social predictions and friendly competitions, while Budge is developing a pre-purchase decision support tool that helps users pause before spending. This is the first article in a series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program. You can meet them at this year’s Demo Day on August 13.

A dedicated member of the Horn Entrepreneurship community, Cate Leidich, class of 2026, continuously challenged herself while building a path that reflects her passions and goals. Throughout her time at Horn, Cate found more than just academic opportunities, she found a community that encouraged her growth in all aspects.

Launching a startup is hard. It requires grit, resourcefulness, and comfort with uncertainty. It also requires a community. The student entrepreneurs participating in the 2026 Summer Founders program have quickly learned they aren't alone on their journeys.

Recent alumnus Ke’Shaun Rogers, class of 2026, has never been the type to settle for one path. His journey at the University of Delaware has been defined by range, curiosity, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar spaces. After taking Introduction to Entrepreneurship with Dr. Laura Gasiorowski, Ke’Shaun recognized a pull toward innovation and creativity and switched his major to entrepreneurship in the fall of his sophomore year and never looked back.

Aidan Kutch’s first sneaker flip started with a pair of shoes, a disappointing store offer and an eBay listing. Years later, the University of Delaware senior has turned that early lesson in value into Kutch’s Kicks, where the student founder turns sneaker restoration into a serious business by making high-end sneaker culture more accessible.

From sustainable fashion and food waste reduction to coastal restoration and eco-friendly products, University of Delaware students showcased bold ideas for a healthier planet at the fifth annual REEF@UD Demo Day on Monday, May 4, at the Venture Development Center.