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.

Spotlight on Local Innovation: Join Us at Local’s Launchpad!

​Local’s Launchpad is back — and it’s your chance to connect with the people and ideas shaping our region’s entrepreneurial future! Join us for an inspiring evening featuring startup pitches, ecosystem updates, and community networking that brings founders, investors, and supporters together under one roof.

• Thursday, March 12 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• UC Downtown Innovation Hub
• 240 Capitol St, Suite 100, Charleston, WV
• (Public Parking @ 166 Summers St. and 900 Lee St.; metered parking available downtown)

What to Expect

- Ecosystem Updates & Announcements from community partners

- Startup Pitches featuring Rhetoric, Ever Raise, and MíMíroír Technologies

- Open Networking with founders, investors, and supporters from across the region

Why Attend?

- Discover and support emerging startups

- Connect with visionary founders and ecosystem leaders

- Strengthen our local innovation and entrepreneurship community

Reserve Your Spot

- Capacity is limited to 75 attendees. Registration required

- Register by clicking here​

Whether you’re a founder, investor, student, or simply curious about what’s being built locally, Local’s Launchpad is for you. Come ready to learn, connect, and support local innovation in action!

​Connecting Women in West Virginia Through Technology​

By Leah Bowes, WV BusinessLink

The energy was electric at TechConnect West Virginia’s recent Women & Tech Conference. The large meeting room in Huntington buzzed with dynamic women of all ages and job titles eagerly forming new connections and catching up with familiar faces. (A few good men were present, too.) These connections will pave the way for partnerships and collaborations that will guide West Virginia’s continued growth in the technology industry.

The conference was an enriching experience that offered more than just networking; it provided practical insights and resources that women could apply directly to advance their careers or launch businesses. Attendees left feeling empowered with useful tools, new contacts, and a clearer understanding of how to leverage technology for community development and entrepreneurship in West Virginia. Here are a few takeaways from the event:

- Broadband is the new must-have utility. During the “Technology as Opportunity” panel, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-chair Gayle Manchin discussed the importance of broadband internet connectivity for everyone. She informed us that extending broadband costs roughly $50,000 per mile, underscoring the urgent need for our women and children to access it for educational purposes, no matter the cost. It was encouraging to learn that ARC and other West Virginia agencies are continually forging funding avenues for broadband, giving hope to underserved women and communities across the state

- Practical AI Training. It is no surprise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a hot topic of discussion at a technology conference. Women entrepreneurs and small business owners can practically leverage AI to help them refine strategies and develop future business plans. There were two breakout sessions designed specifically to demonstrate how a few practical prompts could be used with ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or other AI platforms to develop new business goals and navigate project challenges. Intuit’s Design for Delight Foundations Course was highlighted as a free 8-hour online learning tool that can help entrepreneurs execute creativity, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving using AI platforms.

- Connecting with Pitches. In the world of entrepreneurship, pitching your idea or business is crucial to securing funding and resources. At the conference, Amber Ravenscroft, co-chair of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and director of Bridging Innovation Institute, facilitated a pitch opportunity to help women entrepreneurs connect with resource partners present. Presenters showcased a variety of innovative ideas, from protein shake technology to medical interpretation apps, encouraging women to share their visions confidently and seek valuable assistance.

As technology continues to thrive and infiltrate every industry, the Women & Tech Conference is dedicated to inspiring women to stay engaged and actively participate in local initiatives, mentorship programs, and upcoming events. West Virginia BusinessLink believes in empowering women to become the driving forces behind West Virginia’s digital evolution and community advancement. Together, we are building a brighter future for our state.

​TechConnect West Virginia Secures Truist Foundation Grant to Launch Skills Training Program​

TechConnect West Virginia has been awarded a grant from the Truist Foundation to launch the gener8tor x TCWV Skills Accelerator program in partnership with Generation WV. Building off the success of Tech Connect and Generation WV’s Tech-Industry job board, the initiative will provide low-income West Virginians with training in high-demand digital skills to secure well-paying employment in the technology sector.

The gener8tor Skills Accelerator is a virtual workforce development training program designed to support graduates in obtaining high-quality jobs in diverse, professional workplaces. The program specifically targets underemployed and unemployed individuals, with a focus on people of color and women, helping them secure meaningful employment in technology, insurance, professional services, and other sectors requiring technical and administrative expertise.

Participants in the gener8tor x TCWV program will receive training in IT Foundations and Customer Service, with additional modules covering generative AI applications and business essential skills as needed. As part of the program, participants will prepare for and take the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam, earning an industry-recognized credential that validates their foundational technology skills. Upon completion, graduates will be positioned for professional roles that offer competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities. Read more​

TechConnect Launches Membership Program

TechConnect West Virginia has launched a new membership program to strengthen and connect our state’s tech, startup, and innovation ecosystem!

TCWV membership is more than a subscription; it’s a way to actively participate in building West Virginia’s innovation-driven economy.

As a member, you’ll gain:

• Access to statewide programs, events, and early opportunities
• Increased visibility through member spotlights and listings
• A voice in the future of TechConnect WV and the ecosystem
• Direct connection to founders, startups, and partners across the state

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, startup, institution, or ecosystem partner, there’s a membership tier designed for you.

Join today by clicking here and become a Founding Member.

Thank you to the following organizations and individuals for their commitment:

· Marshall University

· West Virginia University

· WV Regional Tech Park

· WV Jobs Investment Trust

· WV Manufacturer’s Association

· INNOVA Commercialization

· Chemical Alliance Zone

· CART Inc.

· USRIA

· Bioscience Association of West Virginia

· Black By God

· Stitch AI

· MíMíroír Technologies

· Hey Coach Team

· Erin Treacy Coaching

· Riveting Data Consult Limited

· Watkins Design Works

· Tottico

· 2LookLocal

· Bryan Brown

· Tyler Brown

· Justin Cameron

· Angelica Dumapit

· Sally Fry

· M.E. Yancoek Gamble

· Bridget Isner

· Jason Markle

· Jennifer Mason

· Alec Moran

· Jimmy Lemon

· Dr. Alan Letton

· Richard Rosner

· Jacqueline Shaulis

· Gary “Nick” Stewart

· Raj G. Tadipatri

​Bridging Innovation Week 2026 Registration Now Open: West Virginia’s Premier Entrepreneurship Event Heads to Morgantown​

The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (WVEE) is proud to announce that registration is officially open for Bridging Innovation Week 2026. This year’s week-long celebration of innovation, small business, and economic growth will take place from April 27 to May 1, 2026.

Now in its fifth year, Bridging Innovation Week has become the cornerstone event for the state’s entrepreneurial community. The 2026 program features a robust lineup of educational programming, pitch competitions, hands-on workshops, and networking activities designed to connect business owners with the resources they need to scale.

“Bridging Innovation Week is more than just an annual event; it’s a movement that proves West Virginia is a national leader in grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Amber Ravenscroft, WVEE Director. “Our strong partnerships help us provide a world-class stage for West Virginia entrepreneurs to shine. We invite every dreamer, builder, and leader to join us in Morgantown this April.”

Registration & Full Agenda: Attendees can now view the full 2026 program and secure their tickets via the event website.

TechConnect Launches Tech Trailblazers Podcast

TechConnect is passionate about telling the real stories behind the people shaping our state’s tech and innovation economy. To share our stories more broadly, TechConnect is launching Tech Trailblazers – a new podcast highlighting founders, technologists, researchers, and builders who are doing meaningful, innovative work in West Virginia.

​This project is meant to celebrate the work underway while helping amplify it to a wider audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters across the state (and beyond).

Want to be part of it? Just fill out this quick form to share a bit about yourself and your availability.

If you join us a guest, here’s what to expect:

• A relaxed, friendly conversation (30–45 minutes)
• A focus on your story — what you’re building, why it matters, and what it’s like innovating in WV
• Professional editing and promotion by TechConnect WV
• Opportunities to be featured beyond the podcast, like in our newsletters, blogs, and social media

We’ll schedule recordings on a rolling basis, and of course, there’s no cost to participate.

Digital Accessibility Bootcamp – Summer 2026 Application Now Open

The American Foundation for the Blind invites computer science, UX design, and related majors to apply for the 2026 Digital Accessibility Bootcamp, a three-month remote learning experience running June 1–August 28, 2026. This hands-on program empowers students to design and build inclusive digital solutions by understanding how people with disabilities use and interact with technology. Participants will gain real-world experience testing digital interfaces with assistive technologies like screen readers while learning how to integrate accessibility principles into their projects.

Students who complete the program will earn a $1,000 Midpoint Milestone award, a $2,000 Scholarship award, and receive professional tools, including an iPad and access to Udemy’s learning platform. With mentorship from accessibility experts and industry professionals, participants will graduate ready to lead in inclusive tech design. Applicants must be full-time college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply is January 30, 2026. Learn more and apply at afb.org/internships/bootcamp or by clicking here.

​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.

​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.

​Registration open for CyberCon 2026​

Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security has opened registration for CyberCon 2026, an annual, three-day cybersecurity conference scheduled for March 25–27, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Huntington.

​University of Charleston Business Accelerator Program​

The Downtown Innovation Hub at the University of Charleston is more than a space. It’s a launchpad for change. Located in the heart of the capital city, the Hub brings together students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community changemakers to explore, experiment, and elevate ideas that drive meaningful progress.

The Downtown Innovation Hub’s flagship initiative is the Business Accelerator Program, which helps launch and grow small businesses across West Virginia. Through mentorship, networking, and hands-on support, the program equips entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed. Each new cohort brings fresh energy and innovation, strengthening Charleston’s economy and reinforcing UC’s role as a hub for business growth. Learn more by clicking here!

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