Hen Hatch, the University of Delaware’s business startup funding competition has selected top teams.
“The pitches were very competitive, with seven of the 10 teams recommended by the judges for inclusion in the top three,” said Dan Freeman, Horn Program in Entrepreneurship director. “And even though just a few will get to pitch, we’re looking forward to showcasing all of the teams during the Hen Hatch finals event on April 25.”
Finalists in the student track are:
- Curing Cube – a dental equipment venture proposed by Farhad Baqi from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, and Seyar Baqi and Edward Bayley from the College of Arts and Sciences;
- JADE Biotech – A medical diagnostic device designed by Elizabeth Soulas, Daniel Charytonowicz, John Lowman and Allison Lisberg, all from the College of Engineering; and,
- Joost Wafel Co. – A food manufacturing and sales business created by Joost Elling of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Finalists in the faculty, staff and alumni track are:
- Flip – a wallet designed by Chris Lin, a 2015 graduate of the College of Engineering;
- NERDiT Now – an information technology service created by Jonathan Hoxter, Lerner College of Business and Economics, Class of 2012; and,
- Strataca Systems, LLC – makers of a medical device created by John Erbey, College of Health Sciences, Class of 1993.
“We are grateful to all our participants, judges and mentors. They allowed for a successful semifinal round of competition, and more importantly, provided a great opportunity for student learning,” said Vince DiFelice, who serves as Horn’s lead, venture support. “The role of semifinal mentor is new for 2016. These mentors amplified the value of the learning experience for all participants by offering them immediate and comprehensive feedback on their pitches.”
The final round of the Hen Hatch competition will be held during the Innovation Showcase on Monday, April 25, from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Roselle Center for the Arts. Finalists will compete for the $100,000-plus prize pool. The UD community is invited to view the Hen Hatch finalists pitch their ideas to an accomplished panel of judges.
This year’s final round panel of judges includes Terri Kelly, president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates; Ben du Pont, founder of yet2Ventures; Stephen Tang, president and CEO of the University City Science Center; Ralph J. Cetrullo III, Stephano Slack LLC partner; Jim Kelly, retired executive vice president of Capital One; Karen Griffith Gryga, chief investment officer of DreamIt Ventures; John Doherty, senior vice president of corporate development at Verizon and CIO, Verizon Ventures; Bill McKernan, CPA and trustee of the Elliott Foundation; and Chris Metz, CEO of Arctic Cat.
Admission to the Hen Hatch Final Competition and Innovation Showcase is $50 and $20 for students. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, including beer and wine, will be provided. Online registration is required.
