--- title: Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship | pitching description: pitching | Stories, news and updates from Horn Entrepreneurship, the creative engine of University of Delaware --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ### [2026 Summer Founders Demo Day: A Celebration of Upcoming Innovators](https://horn.udel.edu/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-a-celebration-of-upcoming-innovators) On August 13, Horn Entrepreneurship celebrated the 2026 Summer Founders cohort at its 11th annual Demo Day, bringing together University of Delaware student founders, mentors, supporters and members of the entrepreneurial community. The event marked the culmination of an intensive 11-week experience filled with customer discovery, venture development, mentoring and plenty of iteration. With stipend funding, dedicated venture support and access to nearly 100 volunteer experts throughout the summer, founders had the opportunity to focus on their ideas, test assumptions and make meaningful progress on their ventures. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-a-celebration-of-upcoming-innovators) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • August 31, 2026 Topics: [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) ### [REEF@UD Fellows Showcase Bold Ideas for a More Sustainable Future](https://horn.udel.edu/reefud-fellows-showcase-bold-ideas-for-a-more-sustainable-future) 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. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/reefud-fellows-showcase-bold-ideas-for-a-more-sustainable-future) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • May 13, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [awards](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/awards), [entrepreneurship and science](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-science), [social entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/social-entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [environment](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/environment), [REEF@UD](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) ### [Aspiring High School Entrepreneurs Brought Big Energy to UD](https://horn.udel.edu/aspiring-high-school-entrepreneurs-brought-big-energy-to-ud) On March 5, high school students from across the Delaware Valley gathered at Clayton Hall at University of Delaware for the 2026 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase. Representing schools from throughout the region, these aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their startup ideas to a panel of experienced judges for a chance to win $500 and earn a spot in Diamond Challenge finals at the prestigious 2026 Limitless World Summit. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/aspiring-high-school-entrepreneurs-brought-big-energy-to-ud) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • March 12, 2026 Topics: [pre college](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-college), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [educators](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/educators) ### [Celebrate UD’s Entrepreneurial Spirit at Blue Hen Innovation Fest](https://horn.udel.edu/celebrate-uds-entrepreneurial-spirit-at-blue-hen-innovation-fest) Get ready to celebrate creativity, big ideas, and entrepreneurial energy at the University of Delaware’s [**Blue Hen Innovation Fest**](https://horn.udel.edu/2025-blue-hen-innovation-fest) on **December 4**. This dynamic event brings together UD students, alumni, and community members to connect, collaborate, and showcase their ventures. Whether you’re launching a startup, supporting fellow innovators, or simply curious about the future of entrepreneurship, this is the place to be! [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/celebrate-uds-entrepreneurial-spirit-at-blue-hen-innovation-fest) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • November 07, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [community](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) ### [Errik Onyekwere: Eco-Innovation, REEF@UD & Turning Passion to Purpose](https://horn.udel.edu/errik-onyekwere-on-eco-innovation-reefud-turning-passion-into-purpose) 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. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/errik-onyekwere-on-eco-innovation-reefud-turning-passion-into-purpose) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 20, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [entrepreneurship and science](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-science), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day), [REEF@UD](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) ### [Alana Hill and Creating Cleaner Spaces](https://horn.udel.edu/alana-hill-and-creating-cleaner-spaces) For this recent University of Delaware graduate, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business, it’s about building community. With a degree in Environmental Studies, a certificate in Eco-Entrepreneurship, and a passion for creating ethical, environmentally conscious solutions, Alana Hill, class of 2025, is already making waves with [Island Dream Clean](https://islanddreamclean.com/), a venture that blends eco-friendly products with education and connection. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/alana-hill-and-creating-cleaner-spaces) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 14, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [REEF@UD](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) ### [Eco-Innovators Take the Stage at REEF@UD Demo Day](https://horn.udel.edu/eco-innovators-take-the-stage-at-reefud-demo-day) The fourth annual **Ratcliffe Eco Entrepreneurship Fellows (REEF@UD)** [**Demo Day**](https://www.tfaforms.com/5173448) is just around the corner! On **Monday, May 5, from 4–7 p.m.** at the **Venture Development Center**, nine student teams will take the stage to pitch their bold, sustainability-focused ventures to a panel of expert judges. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/eco-innovators-take-the-stage-at-reefud-demo-day) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • April 17, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [competition](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) ### [Ideas in Bloom: Spring Pitch Party Returns April 23](https://horn.udel.edu/ideas-in-bloom-spring-pitch-party-returns-april-23)   UD Entrepreneurship Club and Horn Entrepreneurship present: The [Spring Pitch Party](https://www.tfaforms.com/5170392) – an open call for big ideas, budding founders, and the UD community to come together for a fun, fast-paced night of innovation. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/ideas-in-bloom-spring-pitch-party-returns-april-23) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • April 07, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [community](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community), [competition](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [pitch party](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitch-party) ### [Navigating Bias & Brevity: How Pitch Q&A Responses Impact Funding](https://horn.udel.edu/navigating-bias-brevity-how-pitch-qa-responses-impact-funding) Our faculty are always on the move. Last summer, Dr. Laura Gasiorowski, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, captivated audiences at the Academy of Management Annual Conference in Chicago, IL, where she unveiled her research on how entrepreneurs’ responses during pitch Q&A sessions influence their chances of securing funding. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Gasiorowski to dive deeper into her compelling findings. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/navigating-bias-brevity-how-pitch-qa-responses-impact-funding) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • February 10, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startup advice](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [women entrepreneurs](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/women-entrepreneurs), [research](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/research) ### [Drumroll Please: Announcing the 2024 Hen Hatch Finalists](https://horn.udel.edu/drumroll-please-announcing-the-2024-hen-hatch-finalists) Four teams advanced to the final round of Hen Hatch, UD’s premier startup funding competition, at the [2024 Blue Hen Innovation Fest](https://horn.udel.edu/en/2024-blue-hen-innovation-fest) on December 5. These finalists will compete to find out how much of the $50,000 prize pool will help them advance their ventures. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/drumroll-please-announcing-the-2024-hen-hatch-finalists) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 28, 2024 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [Hen Hatch](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/hen-hatch) 1 [2](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching/page/2) [3](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching/page/3) [4](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching/page/4) [5](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching/page/5) ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [entrepreneurship (244)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship) - [community (225)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community) - [students (159)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) - [alumni (118)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni) - [startups (117)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) - [awards (116)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/awards) - [events (102)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/events) - [innovation (96)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation) - [success stories (89)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories) - [resources (83)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/resources) - [enrichment (82)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/enrichment) - [competition (65)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition) - [Summer Founders (51)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders) - [social entrepreneurship (49)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/social-entrepreneurship) - [pitching (47)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching) - [opportunities (45)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/opportunities) - [careers (43)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/careers) - [entrepreneurship and science (42)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-science) - [pre college (40)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-college) - [women entrepreneurs (38)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/women-entrepreneurs) - [leadership (35)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/leadership) - [Hen Hatch (32)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/hen-hatch) - [future of work (31)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/future-of-work) - [Insider (28)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/insider) - [pitch party (28)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitch-party) - [educators (26)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/educators) - [technology (25)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/technology) - [VentureOn (23)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/ventureon) - [startup advice (23)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice) - [equity (22)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/equity) - [pre-accelerator (22)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) - [commercialization (20)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/commercialization) - [environment (20)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/environment) - [research (17)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/research) - [demo day (16)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) - [entrepreneurship and the arts (16)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship-and-the-arts) - [Siegfried (13)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/siegfried) - [internships (13)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/internships) - [10 Year Anniversary (11)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/10-year-anniversary) - [DIF (10)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/dif) - [Horn Hen of the Month (8)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/horn-hen-of-the-month) - [The Horn Team (7)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/the-horn-team) - [government (7)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/government) - [pivoting (7)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pivoting) - [REEF@UD (6)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) - [HDFS (4)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/hdfs) see all [![Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/Horn-Entrepreneurship_logo_320px.png?width=240&name=Horn-Entrepreneurship_logo_320px.png "Horn Entrepreneurship")](https://udel.edu/horn) ### EXPLORE - [About Us](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/about-horn/) - [Upcoming Events](https://events.udel.edu/venture_development_center_478) - [Venture Development Center](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/student-enrichment/vdc/) --- ### CONNECT [132 E Delaware Ave Ste 100](https://goo.gl/maps/EuUJZSSiG5u) Newark, DE 19711 [hornprogram@udel.edu](mailto:hornprogram@udel.edu) P: 302-831-4393 - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Facebook](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/facebook_icon.png?width=32&name=facebook_icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/udhorn) - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Twitter](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/twitter_icon.png?width=32&name=twitter_icon.png)](https://x.com/udbookschool) - [![Horn Entrepreneurship Instagram](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Email-Images/Universal/instagram_icon.png?width=32&name=instagram_icon.png)](https://www.instagram.com/udhorn) - ©2026 University of Delaware - [Comments](http://www.udel.edu/home/comments/) - [Legal Notices](http://www.udel.edu/home/legal-notices/)