☀️ TechConnect WV August Newsletter


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.

2025 TechConnect WV Entrepreneur Support Application

At TechConnect West Virginia, we believe that the future of our state depends on the bold ideas and resilient spirit of entrepreneurs like you. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling your tech business, we want to support your journey.

If you’re interested in assistance to move your tech concept or business forward, please click this link and complete the brief application.

This helps us get to know you better—both as a founder and as a person. It also helps us improve our programs and advocate for funding to bring more resources to West Virginia’s innovation ecosystem.

Calling All Tech Trailblazers: Share Your Story!

Are you a woman or minority in tech in West Virginia with a story to tell? We want to highlight you! Tech Trailblazers is a platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible women shaping the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation in our state.

Through this initiative, we’ll feature inspiring women on our social media channels – sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes. We’re also looking for trailblazers interested in stepping onto the stage as part of our Tech Trailblazers speaker series, where you can share your expertise, insights, and lessons learned with a broader audience.

If you’d like to be featured, click here to fill out the form. We'd love to hear from you, whether you want to share your story, speak at an event, or both. Let’s celebrate the trailblazers driving tech forward in West Virginia!

Want to Feature Your Tech Business?

Are you building something exciting in West Virginia's tech ecosystem? We want to hear from you!

TechConnect WV is proud to highlight entrepreneurs, startups, and tech innovators across the Mountain State. If you'd like to be considered for a spotlight in our monthly newsletter, please fill out the form at this link. Our team will reach out if you're selected for an upcoming feature.

Join us for an Entrepreneur Meet-Up in Morgantown on Aug. 22!

Let's get together, Morgantown and northcentral West Virginia entrepreneurs! TechConnect will co-host an entrepreneur meet-up from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, August 22nd at the WVU Innovation Corporation.

Get Inspired by Tech Trailblazer Lauren Vega

Lauren Vega, a native West Virginian of Huntington, will join us for a much-anticipated Tech Trailblazers webinar titled Creating Opportunity: Wellness, Tech, and Intentional Entrepreneurship in Appalachia on Wednesday, September 3rd. Secure your spot with a free ticket today!

Agenda Announced for Oct. 1 Trailblaze Conference

Trailblaze is a dynamic one-day conference designed for early-stage, high-growth startups and the people who support them. Hosted by TechConnect West Virginia and the WV Investor Collaborative, Trailblaze connects founders, funders, and innovation champions to help shape the future of entrepreneurship in West Virginia.

The event kicks off Tuesday evening, Sept. 30th with a mixer featuring entrepreneurs-in-residence with LG NOVA and opportunities to mingle with founders, funders and innovation insiders. Wednesday morning, the conference begins at 8am with a networking breakfast, followed by multiple sessions covering topics like:

· Social media strategies for early-stage hustlers

· A founder’s firsthand story on managing cash flow, cost of goods, and scaling pain points

· A panel on building your startup team

· Keynote from David Wible on the F4 Method for founders

· Guy Peduto Award celebrating visionary entrepreneurship in WV

· Panel on how investors, lenders, and bankers work with early-stage startups and what makes a pitch stand out

· Networking opportunities

To view the full agenda and to register, click here.

Whether you're building an MVP, hiring your first employee, or pitching your startup story for the first time — this day is built for you.

Save the Date: Women & Tech Conference 2026

After a few year hiatus, TechConnect will again host the popular Women & Tech Conference. The event will take place in Huntington on February 13, 2026. Save the Date!

WV Bioscience Summit Set for Sept. 30 in Morgantown

Registration is now open for the 13th Annual West Virginia Bioscience Summit, taking place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the WVU Innovation Corporation in Morgantown. Join leaders and innovators from across the life science, research, and economic development sectors in the Mid-Atlantic region for a day of dynamic discussion, networking, and discovery. Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, or policymaker, your participation will strengthen our vibrant life science community. For more information and to register, click here.

Marshall University iCenter Launches Inaugural gBETA Accelerator Cohort To Fuel Statewide Innovation

The Marshall University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter) is proud to announce the launch of its first gBETA accelerator cohort, in partnership with nationally recognized venture capital firm gener8tor. Five dynamic startups were chosen for the inaugural cohort: FarmerzTool Technology, get2there, Monarch Learning Labs, Quest R&D and Stitch AI. Read more

Entrepreneurs Invited to Enter 2025 Pitch Southern West Virginia Competition

The West Virginia Hive Network is now accepting applications for the 2025 Pitch Southern West Virginia (PSWV) business idea competition. Entrepreneurs and students across southern West Virginia are encouraged to submit innovative startup concepts for a chance to win funding and business support.

Teacher Innovation Mini-Grants Available – Apply Today!

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the WV Public Education Collaborative are committed to supporting teachers and providing them with the necessary resources to continue to innovate, inform and inspire.

West Virginia teachers are invited to apply for up to $4,000 to introduce new teaching strategies and materials into the classroom to improve academic outcomes and promote equitable learning. Proposals in the areas of Career and Technical Education and Entrepreneurship, English Language Arts, Special Education, STEAM, and Family Engagement will be accepted. The application deadline is Aug. 15. For more information or to apply, click here.

WVU to Host I-Corps Regional Course in September

In this month-long virtual course (August 29 - October 3), researchers working on a deep tech innovation “get out of your comfort zone” and talk with customers (virtually) to identify the best product-market fit. Teams of 1-3 people are encouraged to apply. Click here for more information.

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TechConnect West Virginia

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