Grounded in Science and Tech, Soaring Toward the Future

Talent is a huge competitive advantage for Delaware, with more than 10,000 life science professionals and a high concentration of chemical engineers and PhDs in health, science, and engineering. The University of Delaware anchors the state’s research community with nationally recognized programs in biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence and materials science, while Delaware State University is expanding research in optics, neuroscience and agriculture. Delaware Technical Community College works closely with employers to deliver hands-on training in healthcare, advanced manufacturing and information technology, while Wilmington University and Goldey-Beacom College prepare students and working professionals with flexible programs in technology, business and leadership.

Just as important, these institutions are deeply connected to industry. Research partnerships, internships and collaborative projects help create a steady pipeline of skilled talent and opportunities for reskilling while giving businesses access to emerging technologies and new ideas.

Meanwhile, Delaware continues to invest in the infrastructure that helps innovative companies thrive. Programs such as the Delaware Strategic Fund and the Graduated Lab Space Grant Program support research, development and business expansion, while the Delaware Innovation Space provides startups with laboratory facilities and entrepreneurial resources. At the University of Delaware, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) brings together industry, academia and government to strengthen America’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing Delaware’s leadership in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors.

The First State’s compact size supports this collaborative culture. Business leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers are remarkably accessible, creating an environment where partnerships form quickly and ideas move efficiently from concept to commercialization. Organizations such as the Delaware BioScience Association and First Founders further strengthen these connections through networking events, mentorship opportunities and programs that support growing companies.

Add a strategic location between New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., a business-friendly climate, no sales tax and an exceptional quality of life that helps companies attract and retain talent, and it’s easy to see why businesses continue to choose Delaware.

Innovation has always been part of Delaware’s story. Today, the state is building on that foundation by creating an environment where science and tech businesses from promising startups to global leaders can innovate, collaborate and grow.