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Ariana Shives, Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia

West Virginia, known for its rugged landscapes and resilient communities, is on the brink of transformation. This moment of opportunity is fueled by the leadership and investment of visionaries like Brad Smith, whose dedication to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in his home state has inspired a new wave of optimism. The state’s growing infrastructure for remote work, increased focus on emerging technologies like digital identity and artificial intelligence, and supportive policy environment are laying the groundwork for a tech-driven future.

As the incoming Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia, I see this as a pivotal opportunity to redefine what our state is known for, not just natural beauty or resource extraction, but as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress. This is a story of deliberate growth, one rooted in collaboration, resilience, and the belief that big changes begin with bold ideas.

TechConnect West Virginia’s (TechConnect) mission is simple but powerful: to cultivate and strengthen West Virginia’s innovation ecosystem, empowering startups and entrepreneurs to create a lasting impact. For nearly two decades, we have worked to identify and support industries with high growth potential, from advanced materials to biometrics. But today, our focus is sharper and more ambitious than ever. With the rise of emerging technologies and a national shift toward innovation-driven economies, we are positioned to turn West Virginia into a leader in the tech space, creating a home for sustainable, exciting, impactful growth.

Through my work with students at Marshall University, I’ve seen firsthand that our state is brimming with talent and ambition. These students have no less caliber, ability, or excitement than the undergrads I learned alongside and taught at USC. What they lack is not capacity or drive but an ecosystem that seamlessly connects their potential with opportunity. Similarly, as a state-wide advocate for Right to Start, I’ve encountered entrepreneurs of all kinds, those with groundbreaking ideas, deeply-rooted small businesses, and everything in between. Yet, West Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem suffers from siloed access to resources and a lack of cultural understanding and celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Our work takes on even greater urgency when viewed through the lens of the capital landscape in America. As Steve Case noted in The Rise of the Rest, “75 percent of venture capital for startups flows to [California, New York, and Massachusetts], with the rest of the country left to fight it out for the remaining 25 percent.” I haven’t found a reliable, exact percentage for West Virginia, but we receive less than 1% of total venture capital in the United States. West Virginia is not asking for pity or special treatment. Our entrepreneurs are worth no less than those on the coasts. They have the ideas, the work ethic, and the grit, it’s the access to resources and funding that lags behind, and I am determined to change that. By advocating for increased investment in our state, we aim to ensure that West Virginia’s founders have the financial backing to bring their innovations to life, create jobs, and drive meaningful economic growth.

At the heart of this transformation is the recognition that thriving ecosystems don’t happen by chance, they are built. They require infrastructure, mentorship, funding, and, most importantly, a shared vision of what’s possible. This is why TechConnect has prioritized creating opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs through connections and programming, including one-on-one mentorship, pitch competitions, speaker series, and more. By fostering a culture of support and collaboration, we aim to enable startups to grow roots in West Virginia and contribute to the larger economic ecosystem.

The timing for this effort could not be better. State policies are increasingly supportive of innovation. Talent is emerging from our universities, and remote work has expanded the pool of professionals willing to consider West Virginia as a base for their ventures. Coupled with a groundswell of interest in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy, the foundation is set for sustained growth. What’s needed now is a commitment to execution, ensuring that the resources we have today translate into opportunities for tomorrow.

This isn’t just about numbers, although we’re proud of them: TechConnect has helped launch 83 companies and create 230 jobs and aims to double those numbers in the next five years. It’s about the people behind those numbers, the entrepreneurs who see potential in our state, the investors willing to take a chance, and the communities that will benefit from economic revitalization. It’s about proving that West Virginia can be a place where big ideas flourish.

TechConnect is building a bridge to the future, one initiative, one partnership, and one success story at a time. This isn’t just a professional mission; it’s personal. As someone deeply invested in this state’s growth and prosperity, I believe in the power of innovation to transform lives and communities. I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can reimagine what West Virginia can be.