Powered by a social entrepreneur’s mindset and a global perspective shaped in northern Ghana, Yakubu Adam brings purpose-driven energy to Horn. At the heart of his work is real care for people, whether he’s welcoming others with a good meal, engaging with researchers as they explore entrepreneurship, or building ventures that create meaningful jobs for young people. In this Q&A, Yakubu shares his path to Horn, what he’s working on now, and what keeps him inspired.
Tell us a bit about your role and responsibilities at Horn.
As a Venture Associate in Commercialization, I bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship. I help promote programs, assist with recruiting participants, and analyze mentor reports on assigned ventures. I also contribute to writing social media content for programs such as the InDE Fellowship and the NSF I-Corps program. I also contribute to writing social media content for programs such as the InDE Fellowship and the NSF I-Corps program.
What is your professional and academic background?
Professionally, I am a trained policy and development advocate and a social entrepreneur. I have worked across policy, programs, and advocacy with a focus on resource governance, energy, the environment, and climate change in both Ghana and global contexts. As part of my entrepreneurial journey, I have co-founded several initiatives, the most recent being Riverun Mechanised Limited, an agricultural services company that provides mechanization services to smallholder rice farmers in northern Ghana.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Growing up in northern Ghana, I have always wanted to see the poverty gap between rural and urban communities reduced. This dream inspired me to begin my work in the development sector, particularly with NGOs supporting vulnerable populations, especially smallholder farmers. These early experiences shaped my aspirations and motivated me to take on higher-level roles in policy development and advocacy, including work with national and international think tanks and policy organizations. Throughout my work in development, one persistent challenge stood out: youth unemployment. This motivated me to establish several small businesses, including Zoya Tams Business Solutions, Rai-Maddy Engineering and Consultancy, and most recently Riverun Mechanised Limited. These ventures focus on creating employment opportunities for young people while delivering valuable services to clients. When I came across the Venture Associate role in commercialization at Horn, I saw it as a great opportunity to learn and contribute by helping academic researchers develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
What do you enjoy most about working at Horn?
I appreciate the sense of community within the unit and the broader Horn family. I have built great working relationships with my team. Most importantly, I enjoy engaging with the researchers we work with as they explore entrepreneurship and the process of translating their ideas into real-world impact.
Describe Horn in three words.
Creative! Daring! Caring!
Can you share a memorable experience or project you've worked on?
The InDE Fellowship is one memorable experience I have worked on. The fellowship has allowed me to engage with talented individuals and stakeholders in the innovation community across Delaware and beyond.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
My hobbies include cooking and hosting guests for meals.
What is a fun fact about yourself that most people might not know?
I find peace in cooking for others.
Whether advancing innovation through Horn’s commercialization programs or building ventures that create opportunity back home, Yakubu is guided by the same throughline: people, planet, and practical impact.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind entrepreneurship education and innovation at the University of Delaware. Consistently ranked as one of the top entrepreneurship programs in the United States, it was founded and continues to be supported by accomplished entrepreneurs. The program empowers aspiring innovators, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to bring their ideas to life and create positive change in the world.
