Who We Are
TechConnectWV is a statewide economic development organization dedicated to the advancement of science, technology, and the innovation economy in West Virginia, focused on four technology sectors: advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biosciences, and biometrics. With members representing education and research, private industry, and the public sector, TechConnectWV works to grow and diversify West Virginia’s economy through innovation-based economic development.
Established as a non-profit organization in 2006, TechConnectWV serves as a forum and facilitator to enhance awareness, spur collaboration, and raise the discussion of issues needed to strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Mission
TechConnect West Virginia seeks to diversify the state’s economy through innovation-based economic development, primarily in the areas of advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biometrics, and biotechnology. TechConnectWV works to build R&D and commercialization capacity, a culture that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, access to capital, and a proactive business climate with incentives for innovation-based start-ups.
Areas of Focus: advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biotechnology, and biometrics.
History
Recognizing that innovation-based economic development is a critical component of West Virginia’s economic future, a group of economic developers, researchers, industry experts, and service providers from throughout the state began meeting informally in 2005. With the leadership and support of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the organization began under the Vision Shared initiative and was incorporated in 2006 as the West Virginia Coalition for Technology-Based Economic Development, Inc., or TechConnect West Virginia. Soon after, TechConnect West Virginia partnered with the Battelle Institute to publish the West Virginia Blueprint for Technology-Based Economic Development, which identified the state’s four areas of technology strength and laid out strategies for growing jobs in each one. Those four platforms include advanced energy, chemicals and advanced materials, biometrics, and biotechnology.