The final round of Hen Hatch featured four teams with widely divergent concepts: straws that change color to discreetly reveal spiked drinks, an app for women to manage chronic health conditions, a clothing line that supports animal shelters and autonomous robots that look for leaks in water lines.

When University of Delaware alumna Maya Nazareth secured a $300,000 investment on Shark Tank this year for her company Alchemize Fightwear, she became the latest example of a Blue Hen turning an idea into national impact. Her rapid growth in the combat-sports apparel market reflects the entrepreneurial mindset fostered at UD and arrives as Horn Entrepreneurship earns new national recognition.

Sixteen students stepped up to the plate to deliver fast-paced, 90-second pitches before a packed crowd and a panel of alumni judges. From creative new products to purpose-driven ventures, the lineup showcased the breadth of talent across campus and reminded everyone that innovation at UD is alive and well.