Hi Reader,

Thank you for your interest in innovation-based economic development in West Virginia. We hope you join us in celebrating the state's technology sector and in working towards a more robust and diverse economy across the Mountain State.

Tech Job Board Getting Results, And Attention

In just the first month that the Tech Job Board has been in operation, traffic to the site has increased over 60% with views growing from 2,633 in March to 4,162 in April. The posted tech jobs have a much higher average salary ($98,000 versus $62,000) than other jobs on the Board. This is great news for tech job seekers and employers!

The State Journal recently posted an article – Generation West Virginia, TechConnect WV Unveil Specialized Job Board For State Tech Workers – on the program, which is a collaboration between Generation West Virginia, TechConnect West Virginia and LG Nova. To read the article, click here.

WVEE Conference, Bridging Innovation Week A Great Success

Hat's off to everyone involved in the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference and Bridging Innovation Week 2025! What a great series of events and activities, and TechConnect was honored to play a role.

TechConnect, in partnership with INNOVA and the WV High Technology Foundation, hosted a workshop and two expert panels on Tuesday, April 29 as part of the West Virginia Entrepreneur Ecosystem Conference.

The “Unlocking Innovation: Tech-Based Economic Development in WV” workshop featured TechConnect Executive Director Ariana Shives and members of the TechConnect Board of Directors sharing best practices from other states and the strategies being employed by TechConnect to facilitate sector growth.

The "From Pitch to Prosperity: Entrepreneurs Navigating WV’s Investment Landscape" panel offered invaluable perspectives on what it takes to grow a business in West Virginia.

And, in the "Perfecting Your Pitch: Funders Share What Works" panel, seven experienced funders broke down what they look for in a pitch, what drives their investment decisions, and how entrepreneurs can effectively communicate their vision.

Tech Trailblazers Speaker Series Recap

The inaugural Tech Trailblazers speaker series, hosted by TechConnect’s Ariana Shives, featured an empowering and candid keynote by Lindsey Clagg, a software engineer and NewForce alum. She was introduced by TechConnect board member Kel Cecil, who also moderated the event. To watch the event recording, click here.

Lindsey shared her journey from growing up in poverty and working in child protective services to finding her place in tech. She spoke openly about battling imposter syndrome, the impact of survival mode thinking, and the importance of self-advocacy and reframing failure as growth. Her practical advice – like speaking kindly to yourself, asking bold questions in interviews, and taking risks aligned with personal goals – resonated deeply with attendees. The event wrapped with interactive Q&A and invitations to upcoming TechConnect programming, including Bridging Innovation Week and the Pathways to Progress conference.

TechConnect Completes Brand Redesign TechConnect is redefining its role in West Virginia’s tech ecosystem. As part of that effort, the organization has updated its look across its various online and social platforms. The TechConnect logo was updated earlier this year. Featuring a bold yet clean design, the logo stands out in a crowd yet is versatile in how it can be used across applications. In April, TechConnect launched its new website. Featuring a modern and simplified design, the site was created to advance the organization’s broader mission – to connect entrepreneurs, investors and assistance providers – while sharing its programmatic offerings. Similarly, the organization’s LinkedIn and Facebook profiles have been updated to reflect the new style. Check out our new look and let us know what you think!

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​OPINION: Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the lifeblood of local communities​

By W.Va. Secretary of State Kris Warner

The WV Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Annual Conference is coming up on Tuesday, April 29th. This year’s Conference is being held at the Butcher Center at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virgina.

​Country Roads Angel Network Meets in Shepherdstown, Funds Three Startups in Education, Technology, and Medicine​

Country Roads Angel Network held its 2025 meeting in Shepherdstown this week. The collaboration provides accredited investors the opportunity to invest in and mentor West Virginia-based start-ups.

​West Virginia Ranks Last in Innovation. Meet the People Trying to Change That.​

Among US states, West Virginia ranks near the bottom in innovation, but the leaders trying to change that aren’t letting an uphill battle scare them. It’s trust and connections that build up the scene in the Appalachian state, not high-profile universities or standout unicorn startups...

​Future Forward 2025 Summit and Expo Creating Better Communities​

The Future Forward 2025 Summit and Expo was a great success. It brought together entrepreneurs, leaders and legislators all in one place so they could assess regional developments, identify obstacles and create better communities.

​WVNCC Business Students Getting ‘Hands-On’ Opportunity to Create, Sell Products​

Students at West Virginia Northern Community College are now crafting Thundering Chicken merchandise, then marketing it and selling it themselves. And college officials hope that experience will enhance WVNCC’s business program and help it continue the robust growth it has enjoyed over the last couple of years.

​Fairmont State Offering New Cybersecurity MS Degree; Hosting International Cyber Conference​

Fairmont State University (FSU) is now offering a new Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. This program is designed for working professionals and will cover intelligence and counter-intelligence topics that are absent in many of the Cybersecurity curriculum being offered nationwide. For more information, click here.

Additionally, FSU will host the 2025 International Conference on Critical ​National Infrastructure and Insider Threat July 28-29. The school is partnering with the West Virginia National Guard and the University of Plymouth to deliver an interactive solution-focused conference discussing the protection of CNI. For information, or to register, click here.

NSF I-Corps Offers Regional Course:

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