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.

​The Nonprofit—Founder Parallel; Or, "Yes, We're Raising."​

Solving real-world problems for customers.

Operating quickly and stealthily.

Building trust, risk, and capital.

Rallying stakeholders behind a mission.

And yes—raising.

Depending on which world you live or work in, I might be describing a nonprofit leader or a high-growth startup founder.

I’ve been both.

When I stepped into the role of Executive Director at TechConnect WV, I knew the job would require plenty of strategic thinking, some political savvy, a deep love for the work, and functional knowledge of technology and economic development. What I didn’t expect—but maybe I should have—is that I’d feel like a founder again.

I started 2025 building a mission and strategic plan nearly from scratch. I’ve spent the rest of the year rallying people around the vision that was developed as part of that strategic plan. And I’m actively raising funds to execute on it.

My work feels very entrepreneurial (which I love!)—I spend my days crafting strategy, storytelling about our work and the people it leads me to, and I am constantly pitching.

My nonprofit pitch sounds a little different, but when I reframed it in my head as a pitch instead of just chasing grants, everything changed.

I’m pitching to support a mission I care about with capital and to fund my own salary—just like I have as a founder, co-founder, and founding team member at for-profit startups. Read more​

Wing 2 Wing Foundation Partners with TechConnect WV, Generation WV to Support Tech Job Board

TechConnect West Virginia and Generation West Virginia are proud to announce that the Wing 2 Wing Foundation has become an official sponsor of the WV Tech Job Board, an online resource connecting job seekers with employment opportunities in West Virginia’s growing technology sector.

The WV Tech Job Board, offered in partnership by TechConnect and Generation WV, serves as a centralized platform for tech-related job postings across the state, including positions in software development, IT, data science, cybersecurity, digital marketing, engineering, and other high-demand fields.

Ariana Shives, Executive Director of TechConnect, said, “The Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s sponsorship will help expand the Tech Job Board’s reach, enhance its features, and increase awareness of the wide range of technology career opportunities available in West Virginia and the region.

Job seekers interested in an open tech role in West Virginia or employers seeking to hire, can learn more at: https://generationwv.org/career-opportunities/

Max Knapp, Managing Director of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, said, “This sponsorship reflects our shared mission with TechConnect and Generation WV to create pathways for West Virginians to pursue meaningful, high-quality careers right here at home. The Tech Job Board is a tool for both job seekers and employers – and this support allows us to connect even more people to opportunity.”

Melanie Taylor, Career Development Director with Generation WV, added: “West Virginia’s technology economy is growing, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s sponsorship will further amplify the talent pipeline and strengthen our innovation ecosystem. We’re thrilled to have them engaged.”

Founded by Brad and Alys Smith, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation invests in initiatives that accelerate economic opportunity, promote innovation, and foster entrepreneurship in Appalachia. Supporting the WV Tech Job Board aligns directly with the Foundation’s focus of connecting people to the jobs and skills they need for success in a rapidly changing economy.

TechConnect, along with Right to Start and the WVU Office of Innovation and Commercialization, held an Entrepreneur Meetup on Aug. 20 at the WVUIC in Morgantown. Dozens of founders, creatives, and doers in the Morgantown area participated in an evening of connection and conversation!

​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.

​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!

​

​WVSOM Expansion Will Create A Research Hub, Help Drive Economic Development​

Construction of a $35 million expansion at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) will start in spring 2026 and position the school as a leading center of advanced research and education.

​Marshall University Institute For Cyber Security (ICS) Partners With Dronetrace To Advance Drone Security And Expands Aviation Cyber Training​

The Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with DroneTrace, LLC, a trailblazer in drone forensics.

​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.

​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.

​

CONNECT WITH US! Engage with us on our social channels - LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram - and join the conversation around growing the technology sector in West Virginia!