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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, along with the WV Investor Collaborative, proudly hosted the inaugural Trailblaze Conference in Fairmont on October 1, bringing together founders, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the state. The summit offered panels, resources, and connections to help startups grow, addressing funding, strategy, and community-building for West Virginia’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out the article below, as published by WVNews.

TechConnect West Virginia Holds Inaugural Trailblaze Conference for Area Entrepreneurs

TechConnect West Virginia held its inaugural Trailblaze Conference in Fairmont on Wednesday, opening to doors to founders and entrepreneurs across the state to give them the tools for growth and success.

TechConnect West Virginia Executive Director Ariana Shives said Trailblaze was created thanks to a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant that funds the West Virginia Investor Collaborative.

She said Trailblaze has been aiding the cause by connecting tech entrepreneurs to funding.

“It came out of a focus of how we connect tech entrepreneurs to funders and how we get them to better understand the options for funding,” Shives said. “What do they need to be prepared for? What is the process? What qualifies them for funding? Once we decided to make it a full-day summit for founders, we added in other content that founders care about right now so we can help them.”

Throughout the conference, attendees heard from speakers and panels regarding social media practices, team-building, managing cash flow, working with investors and more.

Nova West Virginia Investment Fund Director of Capital Investments Matt Hartsog, who sits on the TechConnect West Virginia board, said West Virginia is a great place for tech startups to grow and thrive, but the state’s entrepreneurs just need an extra bit of support to take their ideas to the next level.

“We have a very engineering-minded people. We’re hardworking and we roll up our sleeves,” Hartsog said. “We have proximity to a lot of big, complicated challenges. Put all of that together, and it’s a great reason entrepreneurship should thrive.

“This conference is focused on providing a forum to enable founders to come together, ask tough questions and hear answers from folks who have founded, grown and scaled here.”

Shives said that building a community and giving area startups role models and mentors with whom to work has been a priority for TechConnect in 2025, with the Trailblaze Conference taking a big step towards achieving that goal.

‘The more people we have building things, the better,” Shives said. “The more exposure those people have, everyone that that trickles down to believes they can do it as well. I hope we can continue to trickle down the belief that entrepreneurship is just as possible here in West Virginia as it is anywhere else, and begin to show ourselves and each other that we can build really great things here.”

Fairmont News Editor John Mark Shaver can be reached at 304-844-8485 or jshaver@theet.com.

​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.

​Morgantown Conference Gives Glimpse in How Life-Saving Medical Startups Are Grown​

Entrepreneurs and researchers gathered in Morgantown on Tuesday for the 13th annual West Virginia Bioscience Summit at the WVU Innovation Corporation. The summit, hosted by the Bioscience Association of West Virginia, focused on how to take research from university settings and commercialize it. Conference attendees spoke about how successfully doing so will provide innovative treatments for patients and create new jobs.

​WVU Student Entrepreneurs Breathe New Life Into Thrifted Threads At Old School​

West Virginia University undergraduates Shelby Cavender and Tyler Jeffries started small, collaborating to sell fashion finds on social media — WVU gear, graphic tees, sneakers and more. Then their resale operations grew. And grew. And grew.

​Marshall Cyber Programs See Record Growth​

Marshall University’s cyber programs are projecting a significant enrollment increase this fall. The Bachelor of Science in cyber forensics and security program has seen a more than 100 student enrollment increase since the fall 2020 semester.

​Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program Offers Business Opportunities and Jobs in Southern West Virginia​

Southern West Virginia entrepreneurs have a new chance to build businesses and create jobs through Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner program. The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) is working with the company to recruit local partners for operations at Amazon’s Beaver facility. The program gives entrepreneurs the ability to run their own package delivery companies under the Amazon network.

​Upshur County, West Virginia Official Excited To Offer Start-Up Grant to Entrepreneurs​

Applications have yet to be made available for the area’s latest grant opportunity for entrepreneurs, but officials from the City of Buckhannon and the greater Upshur County area are excited about the program’s potential. Soon, $25,000 will be distributed to five or more new business owners in Buckhannon.

​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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