--- title: Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship | Summer Founders description: Summer Founders | 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) ### [Strengthening Cyber Defense: Meet Kitin and MAPS](https://horn.udel.edu/strengthening-cyber-defense-meet-kitin-and-maps) In an era of rapid technological advancement, the digital landscape is becoming increasingly complex—and with that complexity comes a critical need for robust, reliable security. As software development cycles accelerate and sensitive data becomes a prime target, the tools used to identify and neutralize vulnerabilities are more important than ever. **This is the final article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/strengthening-cyber-defense-meet-kitin-and-maps) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • August 06, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Decoding the Modern Economy: Meet Parker Media and Dash Group](https://horn.udel.edu/decoding-the-modern-economy-meet-parker-media-and-dash-group)   In an era where digital presence is as critical as physical footprint, two ventures in Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2026 Summer Founders cohort are helping professionals command authority in the real estate market. Whether through the lens of a camera or the mechanics of property remodeling, these teams are focused on maximizing value—one by amplifying personal brands and the other by building tangible asset wealth. **This is an article in the series highlighting the teams participating in the 2026** [**Summer Founders**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.**  [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/decoding-the-modern-economy-meet-parker-media-and-dash-group) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 30, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Designing for Independence: Meet SpoonAble & Hardbat Adaptive Fitness](https://horn.udel.edu/designing-for-independence-meet-spoonable-hardbat-adaptive-fitness)   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**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program, and will be featured at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/designing-for-independence-meet-spoonable-hardbat-adaptive-fitness) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 23, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Redefining Health and Wellness: Meet Safe Sip, Healing Ivy, and Insuvo](https://horn.udel.edu/redefining-health-and-wellness-meet-safe-sip-healing-ivy-and-insuvo) 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**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/redefining-health-and-wellness-meet-safe-sip-healing-ivy-and-insuvo) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 17, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [From Campus Advocacy to Polaris Pathways. Meet Darian Elmendorf](https://horn.udel.edu/from-campus-advocacy-to-polaris-pathways.-meet-darian-elmendorf) 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](https://polarispathways.com/). [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/from-campus-advocacy-to-polaris-pathways.-meet-darian-elmendorf) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 13, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startup advice](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders) ### [Building Better Decision Tools: Meet Prediction Wizard and Budge](https://horn.udel.edu/smarter-decisions-better-tools-meet-the-cohort-teams) 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**](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/summer-founders/) **program. You can meet them at this year’s** [**Demo Day on August 13**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1992423130217?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**.** [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/smarter-decisions-better-tools-meet-the-cohort-teams) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • July 09, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [It Takes a Village: Meet the Team Backing the 2026 Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/it-takes-a-village-meet-the-team-backing-the-2026-summer-founders) 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. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/it-takes-a-village-meet-the-team-backing-the-2026-summer-founders) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • June 23, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders) ### [Meet the 2026 Summer Founders Cohort](https://horn.udel.edu/meet-the-2026-summer-founders-cohort) Eleven teams have been selected for Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2026 Summer Founders pre-accelerator program. This intensive 11-week experience gives University of Delaware students and recent graduates the opportunity to build their ventures full time with the support of resources, equity-free stipend funding, and venture-specific mentorship. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/meet-the-2026-summer-founders-cohort) by [Ryan Shore](https://horn.udel.edu/author/ryan-shore) • June 02, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [A Decade of Innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/a-decade-of-innovation) From housing to fightwear to agricultural robotics, UD Summer Founders alumni share how 12 weeks of mentoring and customer discovery changed everything. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/a-decade-of-innovation) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • March 30, 2026 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders) 1 [2](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/2) [3](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/3) [4](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/4) [5](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/5) […](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/6) [6](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders/page/6) ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [entrepreneurship (246)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship) - [community (225)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community) - [students (160)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) - [alumni (119)](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 (90)](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 (48)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching) - [opportunities (46)](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 (41)](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) - [pitch party (29)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitch-party) - [Insider (28)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/insider) - [educators (27)](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/)