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.

TechConnect WV Director Ariana Shives Champions Entrepreneurs in the Mountain State

Despite being a recent transplant, TechConnect WV Executive Director Ariana Shives has found her calling in helping residents achieve their dreams by strengthening support for rising tech entrepreneurs.

Shives, originally from Minnesota, attended the University of Southern California for both undergraduate and master’s degrees. After a brief stint in Raleigh, North Carolina, she moved to West Virginia just under four years ago.

She admitted there was some culture shock when she first arrived in the Mountain State, but said she quickly grew to love West Virginia and its people.

“There’s a tremendous sense of community here,” Shives said. “The way that people are willing to share their knowledge, resources and connections has been not only tremendously helpful to me, but has been really inspiring, and it makes me want to do the same.

“It feels like a place where I can have a positive impact, and a place where my experience feels valuable and like something I can share in a productive way. That’s not entirely unique to me, but I feel like my perspective is valued here, and I can use it for good as opposed to being one in a million in a big city that doesn’t need me or my experience in any way.” Read more as published by WVNews.

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.

WVU Start-Up, Iconic Air Acquired By Japanese Tech Company

It started in a townhouse after their graduation from West Virginia University and is now a global sustainability software company. Iconic Air has been acquired by Tokyo-based Asuene, Inc. to lead their Asuene USA operation.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: Leaders In Small Business Development And Economic Growth In West Virginia

October marks National Women in Small Business Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women entrepreneurs across the country. From Main Street to Silicon Valley, women-owned businesses are driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. Their impact is not only economic, it’s transformational.

Student Entrepreneur Manuel Furmento Balances Studies, Golf, Internships and a Small Business Startup

A student-athlete at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) was motivated to become an inventor and entrepreneur after helping his father install a mounted television. Manuel Furmento is now Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SkyMounts, Inc. and on his way to seeing his vision come to life.

Secretary of State Kris Warner Issues Letter To Encourage Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners To Consider Opportunities Such As "Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses"

I’m excited to inform small business owners across West Virginia about a fully-funded program offered by the Goldman Sachs Foundation. This unique program is called “Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses”. The Goldman Sachs team is now recruiting a dedicated group of forty (40) businesses currently operating in West Virginia.

Mountain State Cyber Summit Set for November 12 in Morgantown

Join top leaders to explore the latest advances in cyber defense, threat intelligence, AI, and the digital future. Strengthen your skills, network, and gain invaluable insights into what's next. This is where cyber meets collaboration. Help shape a more secure future, together.

Beacon Webinar Series Featuring Bling Capital’s Ash Panchang Nov. 5^th

The Beacon Webinar Series brings together founders, investors, and builders to share real stories, hard-earned insights, and lessons from the trenches of operating and scaling companies. We're excited to welcome Ash Panchang as our inaugural Beacon Webinar guest.

Ash is a Harvard Business School alum and investor at Bling Capital, a seed-stage venture firm that’s raised over $270 million and invested in companies like Palantir, Airtable, and Square. Tune in to hear his journey from operator to investor and the lessons he’s learned backing world-class founders.

November 5 , 2025 at 8 pm EST

Register for free at bit.ly/beaconwebinar01

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!

SXSW Pitch Startup Showcase

SXSW Pitch is a premier startup showcase spotlighting the most ambitious entrepreneurs and disruptive technologies from around the world. Now in its 18th year, this dynamic event invites startups to apply through an open call process for a chance to be featured as a finalist.

Join us March 13-14, 2026, as startup innovation takes center stage in downtown Austin. Over two high-energy days, a live audience and a panel of expert investor judges will explore the forefront of emerging technology sectors.

The 2026 SXSW Pitch will feature 45 cutting-edge startups across nine industry categories:

· Enterprise & Future of Work

· Entertainment, Media, Sports & Creator Content

· Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech

· Innovative World Tech

· Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Multisensory Technology

· Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics

· Smart Data, Security & FinTech

· Student Startups

· Sustainability, AgTech & Food

Apply now to share your vision, connect with top-tier investors, and gain exposure on a global stage. Click here for more information.

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