Tag: Innovation

Startup302 Accepting Entries Jan. 2 to 28

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Delaware’s 5th annual Startup302 funding contest accepting entries January 2 to 28

Ventures with underrepresented founders can win share of over $100,000 in grants, mentoring and connections

December 20, 2024

Applications for Delaware’s fifth annual Startup302 funding competition will be accepted January 2 through 28 from technology-enabled startups with high-growth potential and at least one founding team member from an underrepresented group. Prizes include cash grants from a pool of over $100,000 along with mentorship opportunities and connections with potential investors and key influencers.

Coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership and innovation-supporting partners from throughout the Delaware business community and beyond, Startup302 launched in 2020 and has provided $800,000 in funding to 52 ventures since 2021. This year’s categories of FinTech, Life Sciences, and Environmental Impact reflect Delaware’s evolving innovation and industry landscape.

Startups must be tech-enabled with at least one founder from an underrepresented group: women; people of color, including African Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans; and members of the LGBTQ+ community – all groups whose ventures are underinvested in relative to their demographic’s percentage of overall United States population. Because Startup302 seeks to foster diverse perspectives, promote inclusive and equitable consideration and attract diverse communities of founders to the region, startups don’t have to be Delaware-based to enter. Thanks to sponsors, there is no charge to enter.

“Providing access to key funding and facilitators who can make a difference in their development is a vital part of helping startups realize their potential,” said DPP Director of Innovation Noah Olson. “Startup302 strengthens Delaware’s innovation ecosystem by providing this access to entrepreneurs seeking financial and networking boosts for their businesses.”

This year’s competitors will be chosen from applicants in the Delaware business community who enter by the January 26 deadline. After going through multiple rounds of consideration, finalists will be notified of their status on March 17. The finals for each of the three categories will take place in person during a different industry event taking place in Wilmington. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of each day’s competition.

This year’s Startup302 prize sponsors include the Delaware Division of Small Business, Discover Bank, DuPont, FMC, M&T Bank, Highmark Delaware, JPMorganChase, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, The Mill, Bronze Valley VentureLab and University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.

Organizing partners include the Innovation Space, Chartline Capital Partners, CAFÉ (Center for Accelerating Financial Equity), the Delaware Small Business Development Center, the Delaware Bioscience Association, the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA), The Emerging Enterprise Center, the Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation, the Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital and World Trade Center Delaware.

An online information session for prospective entrants was recorded December 1 and is available for prospective applicants to review at startup302.org. The video answers frequently asked questions regarding the competition’s requirements and judging criteria and includes commentary from 2024 winner Megan Pillsbury of Dunya Analytics.

Full contest details and the application also are at startup302.org. Additional questions may be directed to DPP Innovation Manager Erica Crell at ecrell@choosedelaware.com.

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DPP Signs MOU with UK’s Port of Blyth

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DPP Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UK Port to Further Innovation, Market Growth

Port of Blyth CEO Martin Lawlor, left, and Delaware Prosperity Partnership Global Advisor David Smallman sign the five-year memorandum of understanding at the Port of Blyth offices in Northumberland, England.

Partnership aims to support economic development and growth of energy transition opportunities in both regions

November 4, 2024

Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), the lead statewide economic development organization for Delaware, and the Port of Blyth (PoB), a leading offshore energy base in the North East of England, have signed a cooperative agreement to leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster innovation, facilitate market expansion and enhance workforce capabilities in both Delaware and Blyth.

The five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines areas of action for a partnership that will enhance the visibility of both DPP and the Port of Blyth while also supporting economic growth for Delaware and the North East of England. The agreement, which was signed in Northumberland, England, aims to drive mutual benefits through potential economic development, knowledge sharing, promotion and consulting services.

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.

Located on the East Coast of the UK, the Port of Blyth is a leading offshore energy support base, an important hub for the movement of a range of project, containerized, dry bulk and break-bulk cargoes as well as a key location for offshore decommissioning. The Port is a single day’s drive from all mainland UK destinations and is used as a strategic hub by shippers serving Northern England and Scotland.

“The Port of Blyth is one of the leading ports in the world that really know how to handle companies in the energy transition space, and DPP is eager to tap into its expertise,” said Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of DPP, who attended the signing virtually. “Formalizing our cross-Atlantic relationship will allow DPP to leverage the port’s considerable capabilities and experience and enhance our ability to assist companies from Delaware and abroad, build further connections and, where possible, aid in creating more jobs and more revenue both here and overseas.”

Representing DPP at the signing on-site was DPP Global Advisor David Smallman, who worked with DPP Director of Innovation Noah Olson – who also attended virtually – to craft the agreement. Representing the Port of Blyth was PoB CEO Martin Lawlor.

“We look forward to working together with DPP to share best practices and explore new markets,” said Lawlor. “The signing of the MOU reflects a strong commitment to building a collaborative framework that prioritizes mutual benefits, innovation, and sustainable growth for both the Port of Blyth and DPP.”

North East England includes Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear. The Port of Blyth has a strategic central location on the east coast of the UK and is well placed for offshore wind-related opportunities in the North Sea and beyond.

DPP has a longstanding relationship with the region and the organizations that support its business community. DPP previously had signed an MOU with the former North East Local Enterprise Partnership in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

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Advancing Precision and Predictive Medicine: Delaware’s Role in Two EDA Designated Tech Hubs

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Delaware Innovative Environment Helps Businesses Thrive

Delaware’s strategic location and robust life sciences ecosystem play a pivotal role in two major tech hubs designated in 2023: the PROPEL Tech Hub in Philadelphia for precision medicine and the Baltimore Tech Hub for predictive medicine. Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (tech hubs), as designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), signal a strong endorsement of a region’s plan to become a global leader in a critical technology ecosystem over the next decade. A key member of the Philadelphia PROPEL Tech Hub and adjacent to the Baltimore Tech Hub, Delaware features an innovative life sciences ecosystem as well as a fundamental commitment to building partnerships between industry, academia, and government. 

Delaware’s Involvement in the PROPEL Tech Hub 

The PROPEL Tech Hub, anchored in Philadelphia and organized by the Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, aims to accelerate the development and implementation of precision medicine solutions by leveraging robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data processing, and other cutting-edge technologies. Delaware emerges as a key player in this initiative through the active involvement of leading tech entrepreneurs, incubators, and advocates, including the Delaware Innovation Space, the Tech Council of Delaware, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), Zipcode Wilmington, and more. 

Central components of the tech hub led wholly or in part by Delaware companies and institutions include workforce development, biomanufacturing, and entrepreneurship. These efforts highlight the strength of Delaware’s life sciences and biotech ecosystem. The Tech Council of Delaware, in partnership with Philadelphia Works, will continue initiatives in workforce development, aiming to expand regional biotech training programs to reach a diverse, skilled workforce. NIIMBL and the University of Delaware will spearhead the biomanufacturing component of the PROPEL Tech Hub, focusing on increasing the capacity of training programs, advancing technologies, and improving speed-to-market in the sector. For entrepreneurship, the Delaware Innovation Space and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners will accelerate the commercialization of new technologies and expand founder, corporate, and venture networks. 

Delaware’s Role in the Baltimore Tech Hub 

The Baltimore Tech Hub focuses on combining biotechnology with AI and ML to create predictive medicine solutions, aiming to transform healthcare by accelerating the commercialization of precision healthcare technologies. While Delaware is not officially a partner in the Baltimore Tech Hub, its proximity to Baltimore and wealth of innovation resources can support the hub’s entrepreneurship and commercialization efforts. Delaware offers access to capital, lab space, and mentorship programs, providing startups and entrepreneurs with valuable opportunities to develop and test innovative products. Additionally, Delaware’s highly skilled life sciences workforce offers a significant advantage for companies and institutions in the Baltimore Tech Hub, positioning them for success from the start. 

Leading the Way as a New U.S. Tech Hub

Delaware’s distinct contributions in the PROPEL Tech Hub in Philadelphia and its proximity to exciting developments in the Baltimore Tech Hubs underscores the state’s substantial biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem. By leveraging its strengths in workforce development, biomanufacturing, and entrepreneurship, Delaware not only enhances regional collaborations but also positions itself as a critical player in the future of healthcare innovation. This integrated approach promises to deliver groundbreaking solutions that improve health outcomes and drive economic growth, benefiting the entire region and beyond. 

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The Blue Economy in Delaware Opens Doors for Opportunities

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June 24, 2024

The coastal regions of Delaware represent significant drivers of economic growth in maritime industries, including blue tech and tourism. As the lowest-lying elevation state in the country, Delaware has unparalleled access to a variety of water bodies as well as the ability to address key issues around climate change and coastal resilience to open up doors for the blue economy in Delaware. From the estuaries and salt marshes of the Delaware River and Bay to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the Blue Economy in Delaware continues to innovate and expand.

Blue Tech Innovation

The Blue Economy can refer to multiple ideas, including economic activity related to the ocean or marine-driven projects focused on sustainability and resilience. In Delaware, key advancements in the Blue Economy revolve around blue tech like ocean robotics, offshore wind, and aquaculture. A major component supporting innovation in these fields stems from Project Align, Build, Leverage, and Expand (Project ABLE), a workforce development initiative at the University of Delaware (UD) in support of advancing the Blue Economy.

While Delaware’s unique geographic and oceanographic characteristics provide the foundation for advancements in blue tech, it’s the collaborative commitment between academia, industry, and government that provides the framework to support advancements in blue tech. For example, University of Delaware’s (UD) operates a fleet of research vessels that facilitate research not only for faculty, students, and scientists, but also government agencies and private industry across the country. Additionally, UD’s Robotic Discovery Laboratories at the campus in Lewes support the advancement of underwater robotics with seven robots housed in the labs.

Aquaculture and offshore wind also make up a significant portion of Delaware’s blue economy. Delaware Sea Grant, another UD initiative, works in numerous inland bays to enhance shellfish aquaculture, supporting local oyster farmers and cultivating a sustainable food source as well as improving water quality due to the oysters natural filtration ability. In terms of offshore wind, UD is again on the frontlines, partnering with a Delaware Technical Community College to create an offshore wind training initiative to prepare students with the prerequisite safety skills to enter the industry. Delaware sits near multiple offshore wind projects from New Jersey to Virginia that are under development, and the state is also within driving distance of three ports integral to the assembly of offshore wind turbines.

Tourism and the Culinary Coast

The innovations and advancements in blue tech are not the only thing cooking on Delaware’s coast and supporting economic growth. In Sussex County, locals and tourists alike can indulge in the Culinary Coast: “Life tastes better here”. The Culinary Coast refers to a region encompassing all southern Delaware, from the pastoral landscapes of Greenwood to the lively boardwalk and beaches in Rehoboth. Reflecting its agricultural roots, the region features exceptional restaurants with world-class chefs, such as past James Beard-nominated restaurants Heirloom and One Coastal, that focus on locally-grown, farm-to-table produce and seafood. Not only does the reputation of the Culinary Coast reflect its economic impact, but it also exemplifies the quality of life in Delaware.

In addition to the fantastic food, the coastal areas of Delaware continue to draw thousands of people each year to its stunning beaches. The pristine sands and clear waters of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Cape Henlopen not only provide a picturesque escape for tourists but also serve as significant economic drivers for the region. These beaches are hubs of activity, offering a blend of family-friendly attractions, vibrant boardwalks, and a plethora of recreational activities that boost local businesses. Not just a seasonal beach town, a growing number of residents stay year-round down the shore, supporting a wide range of enterprises from hospitality to retail, and spurring investment in infrastructure and real estate. The thriving beach economy fosters job creation, contributes to the state’s revenue through tourism taxes, and enhances Delaware’s appeal as a prime destination for both relaxation and business opportunities.

Maritime Economy Grows Opportunities

In conclusion, Delaware’s coastal regions are not just picturesque vacation spots but pivotal economic engines driving growth and innovation. From the cutting-edge developments in blue tech and sustainable aquaculture to the bustling tourism and culinary delights of the Culinary Coast, the state leverages its unique geographic and oceanographic advantages to foster a robust Blue Economy. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government play a crucial role in supporting these advancements, ensuring Delaware remains at the forefront of maritime innovation and resilience. As Delaware continues to attract visitors with its stunning beaches and exceptional food, the economic benefits extend well beyond tourism, creating a dynamic and thriving coastal economy that supports local businesses, generates jobs, and enhances the overall quality of life in the state.

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Startup302 Recognizes 15 Ventures

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Fourth Startup302 Pitch Competition Awards Grants, Prizes to 15 Ventures with Underrepresented Founders

Funding, connections and other resources provided to winning tech-enabled startups led by members of underfunded groups

May 28, 2024

WILMINGTON, Del. – Fifteen tech-enabled startups with at least one team member from an underfunded demographic are sharing $170,000 in nondilutive, nonrestricted grant monies from Delaware’s fourth Startup302 competition, which was coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) and partners from throughout Delaware and beyond.

Companies competed in five categories and represented multiple industries in the live pitching round, which took place May 16 at Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. All three finalists in each category were awarded as follows:

Delaware Impact

  • 1st: Futures First Gaming (Wilmington, Delaware) – $20,000 plus a one-year membership to World Trade Center Delaware and a marketing consultation with Aloysius, Butler & Clark
  • 2nd: The LeGrand Company (Hockessin, Delaware) – $10,000 plus a one-year membership to World Trade Center Delaware
  • 3rd: Tri-State 3D Tech & Design Firm (Wilmington, Delaware) – $5,000 plus a one-year membership to World Trade Center Delaware

Early Stage

  • 1st: Inclusion Unpacked (New York, New York) – $9,500 plus a marketing consultation with Aloysius, Butler & Clark
  • 2nd: HouseCall VR (Wilmington, Delaware) – $6,500 plus a one-year membership to World Trade Center Delaware
  • 3rd: Kazi Konekt (Atlanta, Georgia) – $4,000

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

  • 1st: Dunya Analytics (Wilmington, Delaware) – $20,000 plus a one-year membership to World Trade Center Delaware and a marketing consultation with Aloysius, Butler & Clark
  • 2nd: Baleena (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – $10,000
  • 3rd: Sundial Foods (Albany, California) – $5,000

FinTech

FinTech

  • 1st: Lipaworld (New York, New York) – $20,000 plus a marketing consultation with Aloysius, Butler & Clark
  • 2nd: Sharely (Fort Myers, Florida) – $10,000
  • 3rd: Instarails (Alpharetta, Georgia) – $5,000

Life Sciences

Life Sciences

  • 1st: Swan NeuroTech (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) – $20,000 plus a marketing consultation with Aloysius, Butler & Clark
  • 2nd: BioLattice (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – $10,000
  • 3rd: Graftable (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – $5,000

Finalists with University of Delaware-affiliated founders also were considered for the Blue Hen Prize, which was sponsored by the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship program:

  • 1st: Dunya Analytics (Wilmington, Delaware) – $7,500
  • 2nd: The LeGrand Company (Hockessin, Delaware) – $2,500

In addition to the finals-day activities, competitors benefited from participation in educational networking events with potential advisees and funders. These included a welcome reception on May 15 and a breakfast with investors on May 17.

“We’re so grateful for the ongoing support from sponsors and community members for this exciting competition, and, as usual, we were extremely impressed by the quality of the startups who made it to the finals,” said DPP Director of Innovation Noah Olson. “Startup 302’s mission to support founders from underrepresented backgrounds is such an important one, and this year’s finalists not only further enhance the wellspring of innovation developing in Delaware but offer technologies and solutions that truly will make the world a better place.”

Startup302 launched in 2020 and is coordinated by DPP and partners from the local, regional and national innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems with an aim to foster diverse perspectives, promote inclusive and equitable consideration and attract diverse communities of founders to the region. Competing companies must be technology-based or tech-enabled with high-growth potential and at least one founding team member from an underrepresented group: women; people of color, including African Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans; and members of the LGBTQ+ community – all of whose ventures are underinvested in relative to their demographic’s percentage of overall United States population. Including this year, Startup302 has awarded $813,000 in funding to 52 ventures since the first finals took place in 2021.

There is no charge for companies to enter. This year’s competition launched in December and attracted more than 100 applicants from throughout Delaware and across the United States as well as Mexico and two countries in Africa. Two preliminary rounds and a semi-final round, all conducted remotely, determined which ventures would compete in the final in-person round.

Finals day began with Michelle Harris, Delaware District director, Small Business Administration, giving the morning keynote address on how SBA assistance for small businesses helps boost the U.S. economy. Erika Lucas, founder of StitchCrew, gave the afternoon keynote “The Majority Economy: Economics of Why We Need to Invest in Diverse Founders.” Other speakers included Don Mell, executive director and site leader for the Delaware Market of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., who discussed Chase’s new program to help with environmental impact, and Molly Giordano, executive director of Delaware Art Museum, who welcomed participants to the venue and invited them to view the exhibition “There is a Woman in Every Color.”

The educational panel discussion “Preparing for Funding” was moderated by Troy C. Farmer, owner of EVA Enterprises and manager of the Delaware Small Business Development Center’s Community Navigator Program. Panelists were Christine Parrish of Ardent Technology Solutions; RoseAnn B. Rosenthal of the First Fund; Marcie Reilly of The Innovation Space; and Blessy Thomas of Innovative Capital Growth Fund.

Judges for the finals included Regina Barry of Ashland; Jonathan Burbaum, Entrepreneur in Residence, The Innovation Space; Dora Cheatham of First State Hydrogen; Cynthia Conway of Oakwise Marketing; Daniel Freeman of Horn Entrepreneurship; Christine Galib of Venture University Venture Partners; Juliana Green of FMC Ventures; Elyce Hall of the Small Business Development Center; Martin Hunt of Swanlaab USA Ventures; Anastasia Jackson of the Delaware Division of Small Business; Nicholas Moriello of Highmark; Dwayne Parker of Highmark; Janet Reed of Potter Anderson; Luz A. Sellers of the Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital; Billy Taki of ResilienceVC; Amy Walls of Discover Bank; Troy Wilford of Horn Entrepreneurship; and Laura Wisler of the Delaware Division of Small Business.

Judges for the preliminaries and semi-finals included Nathaniel Brese of DuPont; Desa Burton of ZipCode Wilmington; Leopoldo Carbajal of DuPont; Cora Castle of OmniPotential Energy; Ryan Hamilton of Ashland; Ellyn Herbert of the Small Business Administration; Lisa Hoffman of FMC; Garry Johnson III of First Founders; Katie Lakofsky of the Delaware BioScience Association; Jeff Meth of DuPont; Michael Mills of DuPont; Pedro Moore, Fintech Incubator/True Access Capital mentor; Liz Nutting of Discover Bank; Dwayne Parker of Highmark; Mike Rinkunas of Flying Pig Ventures; Maggie Schano of Highmark; Lori Sefton of the University of Maryland; Jeff Snellberg of Pennsylvania Angel Network; Lauren Swain of the Delaware Division of Small Business; Xavier Thomas of DuPont; Joe Zilcosky of the Delaware Division of Small Business; Deb Travers of The Innovation Space; and Matthias Weber of Mighty Capital.

Pitch sessions were moderated by steering committee members Alysse Bortolotto of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce; Troy Farmer of EVA Enterprises; Cathy Holloway of the Emerging Enterprise Center; Ayanna Khan of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce; and Marcie Reilly of The Innovation Space. Other steering committee members included Salaika Adams of the Women’s Business Center at True Access Capital; Daniel Anzueto of StartOut; Sara Crawford of Sara Crawford, Consultant; Emiliano Espinosa of the Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center; Sarah Mailloux of the Small Business Development Center; Darren Stephenson of Bronze Valley Gener8tor; Linda Walck of Horn Entrepreneurship; and Troy Wilford of Horn Entrepreneurship.

Sponsors included the Delaware Division of Small Business (Innovator Level); Discover Bank (Business+ Level); Chase (Supporter+ Level); DuPont, FMC, Highmark Delaware and the University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship Program (Supporter Level); Ashland, Bronze Valley VentureLab, Delaware Small Business Development Center Community Navigator, The Innovation Space, M&T Bank and Potter Anderson (Basic Level); and Aloysius Butler & Clark , Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Limo, Delaware Small Business Development Center, Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront, StartOut, True Access Capital Women’s Business Center and World Trade Center Delaware (In-Kind Level).

“DPP and its partners are excited to showcase these amazing companies and to help give them exposure, connections and a monetary boost to keep them moving forward on their entrepreneurial journey,” said DPP Innovation Manager Erica Crell. “We thank our sponsors and all of those who help bring this program to life and allow it to continue successfully impacting underrepresented members of the startup community.”

Descriptions of each competing company and biographies for the speakers and other participants are available in the Startup302 program booklet.

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UD Hosts SABRE Center Groundbreaking

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Focused on the Future

University of Delaware leadership, members of the UD Board of Trustees and elected officials break ground for the SABRE Center on UD’s STAR Campus.

UD marks milestone with SABRE Center groundbreaking

Article by Karen B. Roberts
Photos by Evan Krape

April 26, 2024

University of Delaware leaders, Delaware’s Congressional delegation and members of the life sciences industry gathered Monday, April 22, to mark the next chapter in the development of the Securing American Biomanufacturing Research and Education (SABRE) Center.

Despite the chilly breeze, there were smiles all around at the event, held on the University’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus.

The groundbreaking kicks off the construction phase of the SABRE Center, a pilot scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility that will sit adjacent to the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), which is housed in UD’s Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center. The SABRE Center will complement the biopharmaceutical research and development activities of NIIMBL and the larger biopharmaceutical industry in Delaware and the broader region.

The project is supported with federal and state funding and directly aligns with the State of Delaware’s priority of economic growth in the biopharmaceutical industry, and the larger life sciences sector. Together, SABRE and NIIMBL will provide Delaware with a unique position in the region of having resources to support research and development, pilot scale production and workforce training.

While still in the design phase, the SABRE Center is envisioned as a place to scale up and mature manufacturing innovations and technologies that are essential to ensuring broad access to novel biopharmaceutical medicines. It also is viewed as a place to design, develop and disseminate best practices and workforce training programs for people who want to develop the skills necessary to work in a biomanufacturing environment.

“I personally believe that the SABRE Center is going to mark an inflection point in our national competitiveness in this advanced manufacturing industry and to our resilience in the face of future public health threats,” said Kelvin Lee, UD interim vice president for research, scholarship and innovation and NIIMBL director, in opening remarks. “I also believe that the SABRE Center marks our local region’s journey moving from having a strong biotech community to ultimately being recognized as a home to a vibrant industrial ecosystem.”

UD President Dennis Assanis thanked the Congressional delegation and other dignitaries in the audience for their contributions to UD and the instrumental role they have played in fostering the biopharmaceutical ecosystem in Delaware. Groundbreaking ceremonies, he added, signal hope and the promise of new endeavors and exciting achievements to come, from the development and manufacturing of new products that can save lives and advance wellness to the creation of new manufacturing jobs that don’t yet exist.

“Through the SABRE Center, NIIMBL and many other public and private entities in the life science industry, Delaware is well on its way to becoming a unique and vibrant hub for biopharma research and manufacturing … a place where brilliant ideas become realities,” Assanis said.

UD President Dennis Assanis, joined by Delaware’s Congressional delegation, addresses UD leaders, members of the life sciences industry and other guests.

20 years in the making

Delaware’s strategic investment into the life sciences sector began about two decades ago, with the recruitment of private-sector investment to the state and higher education institutions with the goal of establishing a biotech community. One early outcome of that strategy was the formation of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper reflected on the bold and promising new direction that is developing on the STAR Campus to provide access to medicines and biopharmaceuticals that can help people lead healthier lives.

“Today’s groundbreaking builds upon all the years of work that have gone into transforming the once-shuttered Chrysler plant into the research and development hub it is today,” Carper said. “This facility will be a training center for our future biopharmaceutical workforce, as well as a testing center for biopharma companies to test their products in an FDA-regulated environment — giving us a competitive advantage to attract companies and researchers to the First State. I’m so proud of the different ways Delaware is continuing to be a force in R&D. Here, we have a vibrant research community at the University of Delaware, especially in the life sciences, thanks in large part to the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. This has served as a great model for collaboration among education, and the private and public sector.”

In 2017, UD launched NIIMBL, a national-scale public-private partnership focused on biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation to advance new technologies, to secure domestic supply chains and to train the biomanufacturing workforce.

A passionate advocate for economic growth, social justice and innovation, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons remarked on the more than 200 companies that are part of NIIMBL and the over $230 million in federal investment that already has been devoted to creating a biopharmaceutical ecosystem and the additional $350 million in private sector co-investment.

“But the potential is far greater. We’re about to do a groundbreaking for what is the next phase of this project. It’s not a manufacturing facility, but a test bed, a place where the new techniques of manufacturing are going to be tried out, proven out and demonstrated,” Coons said. “Spinning out from that will be a remarkable next generation of opportunities for Delawareans to work in biotech and manufacturing, for companies to be launched here and regionally and for [Delaware] to continue to be not just regional or national but global leaders in innovation.”

Kelvin Lee, UD interim vice president for Research, Scholarship and Innovation and director of NIIMBL, said the SABRE Center will mark “an inflection point” in national competitiveness in the advanced manufacturing industry.

Turning vision into reality

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a leading voice on issues related to the economy and the future of work, pointed to the SABRE Center’s planned 70,000 square feet of research space and modern technology that will one day train Delaware workers in manufacturing biopharmaceuticals.

“This is about turning vision into reality for our health, our economy and our future,” Blunt Rochester said. “It’s about safety and effectiveness. It is about the jobs of today and [the jobs] of the future. It’s about strengthening our supply chains.”

The need to create more domestic capacity for manufacturing is a reality that came into sharp focus during the coronavirus pandemic. Bringing lifesaving technologies and products to market is challenging. It requires infrastructure, investment and intentionality. Collaboration is key. These activities can be bolstered by marrying academia with the private and public sectors, Blunt Rochester said.

Designed as a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) environment, the SABRE Center will serve as both a testbed for new technologies and a hands-on training facility on STAR Campus, helping to bring lifesaving or life-enhancing medicines and vaccines to scale and ultimately into the market. In this way, the SABRE Center will support the innovation and R&D happening at NIIMBL, while filling the gap between developing new technology in a lab setting and commercializing it in a full-scale manufacturing facility.

“SABRE exemplifies the power of state and federal investments that support jobs and nurture innovation. This project, located right in a bioscience ecosystem, supports the First State’s student pipeline and ever-growing biopharmaceutical workforce,” added Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, the state of Delaware’s representative on NIIMBL and a professor of nursing at UD. “I’m competitive, so I want Delaware to excel regionally, be a destination and provide the best quality of life for our residents. SABRE is a solution to sustain and create jobs for the state as well as respond to industry and global challenges. As a research scientist and STEM champion, this is a big deal.”

Additionally, the UD STAR Campus’ location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to other biopharmaceutical activity nearby from New York to Greater Washington, D.C., is a tremendous opportunity for Delaware to add capacity in a key location along the East Coast.

Delaware Gov. John Carney, who was unable to attend the groundbreaking, is a long-standing champion of UD research and helped to secure funding support for the SABRE Center and NIIMBL, among other projects. In a statement, Carney illustrated the value of supporting such programs and the partnerships and collaboration necessary to bring them to fruition.

“Our partnerships with institutions of higher education have never been more important,” Carney said. “We need to support programs that build the future workforce and encourage businesses to land and grow in the First State. SABRE will complement the nationally recognized work in biosciences happening at NIIMBL and the University of Delaware. I look forward to SABRE’s contribution in Delaware’s science and technology sector.”

This article was originally posted on the University of Delaware website at: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/april/biopharmaceutical-manufacturing-research-education-center-sabre-niimbl/.

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PSI Will Expand in Newark, Delaware

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Phase Sensitive Innovations Chooses Delaware for State-of-the-Art Lab, Manufacturing and R&D Expansion

DPP’s Erica Crell, Dr. Dennis Prather of PSI, DPP’s Noah Olson and Dr. Ahmed Sharkway of PSI following the April 22 CDF meeting.

Growth of veteran-owned, Newark-based company supports production of semiconductor components and other advanced technologies for DOD contracts and private-sector clients

April 24, 2024

WILMINGTON, Del. – Phase Sensitive Innovations – a veteran-owned, University of Delaware spinoff that specializes in radio-frequency components, devices and systems – has chosen to expand operations in its hometown of Newark, Delaware, to support its continued growth within the domestic defense and global semiconductor industries.

PSI will occupy an approximately 12,000-square-foot site along with its current 20,000-square-feet facility, both of which are located in Sandy Brae Industrial Park in Newark. Along with the physical expansion, PSI plans to expand staff from its current roster of 80 – all but three of whom are engineers – to more than 100 by the end of 2024 and add 30 to 40 more jobs in subsequent years

All of the new jobs will be highly skilled technical positions that provide a high degree of on-the-job training. PSI plans to continue recruiting locally from the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College to fill these roles.

“It’s rewarding to see a Delaware-born company expand in its hometown, adding highly skilled jobs to our workforce and increasing manufacturing and lab space in Newark,” said Governor John Carney. “I’m pleased by Phase Sensitive Innovations’ work to recruit employees from our institutions of higher education. Those relationships and support from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership create a vibrant workforce and strengthen our economy in the First State.”

“I am thrilled Dr. Prather is going to continue expanding in Delaware,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Phase Sensitive Innovations is a remarkable innovative company that manufactures the next generation of technology which translates radio signals into optical signals in no small part because of their patent portfolio and great employees. Dr. Prather and his team of innovators have taken an incredible idea and turned it into a technology that is now contributing to the vibrancy of the Newark economy, the security of the United States and our global competitiveness. From my first meeting with Dennis in the basement of Evans Hall at UD, to my recent visit where I saw his facility in Newark bursting at the seams, PSI is one of the better examples of how strong IP, a great team of people and initial help from SBIRs and STTRs can help research move from the early development to rapidly scaling.”

PSI’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will include more than 8,000 square feet of lab space and will focus on thin-film lithium niobate wafers and devices. This technology enables next-generation communications and radio frequency systems, and PSI is believed to be the only domestic supplier positioned to manufacture these items domestically. The expansion also will free up space in the original building that will be used to expand research and development operations.

PSI has received $110 million in ongoing Department of Defense contracts – extending across Army, Navy, Air Force and Office of the Undersecretary of Defense programs as well as related work with the National Air and Space Administration and the Department of Energy – and other transactional agreements since its founding in 2007. The company expects to book more than $20 million in additional contracts over the next year.

PSI also works directly with prime contractors and other commercial partners to manufacture state-of-the-industry photonic components. The company recently signed a transition agreement to manufacture and supply original equipment manufacturer components to a global leader in photonic components and aims to grow further in the commercial sector with advanced technologies for wireless communications, broadband, smart devices and other applications.

“Congratulations to Dennis Prather and the entire PSI team on the expansion of their facility in Newark,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “It’s critical to Delaware’s job market to retain successful homegrown businesses and to ensure success by creating more high-paying jobs right here in our community.”

DPP has consulted with PSI for several years and worked with the company since mid-2023 to explore growth opportunities. DPP supported PSI’s request to the Council on Development Finance for a Jobs Performance Grant of up to $139,800 and a Graduated Lab Space Grant of up to $566,090 from the Delaware Strategic Fund. Distribution of these grants is dependent upon the company meeting commitments as outlined to the CDF, which reviewed and approved PSI’s request for up to $705,890 in total funding.

“Delaware is so well-placed – with a prime location in the Mid-Atlantic region – and it’s an untapped resource when it comes to technical talent,” said PSI President Dennis Prather, who is also a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Delaware and a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve and who founded PSI with fellow faculty member Christopher Schuetz. “We are very grateful to the State of Delaware for supporting the expansion of our manufacturing facility, which will enable PSI to become a major provider of a key technology to the defense and commercial sectors for years to come.”

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About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent. To learn more about manufacturing and research and development in Delaware click here.

About Phase Sensitive Innovations

Phase Sensitive Innovations (PSI) is a small, high-technology company specializing in radio-frequency (RF) photonic devices, components and systems, with a particular focus on the millimeter wave (mmW) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. PSI produces high-quality and high-performance RF photonic devices, components and systems with applications that include mmW imaging and wireless communications systems such as 5G/B5G cellular, communications, radar and vision enhancement markets.

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DSB Names Latest EDGE Grant Winners

Written on . Posted in In the News.

Delaware Division of Small Business Selects 10 Winners in Latest Round of Statewide EDGE Grant Competition

Application period for next cycle of Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion funding ends March 1

The Delaware Division of Small Business has recognized 10 small businesses as winners of the eighth round of the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) competition. Awardees in the latest round of the competition include a company looking to develop residential electric vehicle chargers, one developing an improved hand/arm prosthetic that’s easier to use, one developing an adapted mobility device for getting into bed and one looking to purchase cutting-edge computers and streaming equipment for its esports events and camps.

Governor John Carney, Deputy Secretary of State Kristopher Knight and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the grant recipients during an event on the site of one of the winning companies, Delaware Dynamix in Harbeson, Sussex County. All winners were selected from entries made during the Fall 2023 application round.

“Building a strong economy starts with supporting our small business community,” Carney said. “The EDGE Grant program provides young businesses with much-needed capital assistance that they may not have access to otherwise. I’m excited to see how this round of EDGE Grant recipients use this funding to grow their business.”

“Helping small businesses succeed in Delaware is so important to maintaining a healthy economy,” said Knight. “With the assistance of the EDGE Grants, the state is fostering innovation by giving them a much-needed financial boost to make their dreams become a reality.”

Businesses that are less than seven years old and employ no more than 10 full-time employees (or full-time equivalents) are eligible to apply. The grants are awarded through a competitive selection process, starting with a thorough internal review to select 16 finalists to pitch their proposals to an outside expert panel of judges. Ten companies are then selected for awards. Five STEM-based companies each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses while five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses each receive up to $50,000.

“The EDGE competition allows our division to do what it was created to do – help small businesses start and grow,” said Mitchell. “The quality of the fall applications was so strong, so it made it more challenging to select the finalists. Each EDGE round continues to show progress in terms of the quality of submissions.”

The first EDGE Grant round for 2024 began accepting applications on February 1. Deadline for this round is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1. Visit de.gov/edge for access to the application and other resources.

EDGE is a matching grant program, with the Division of Small Business matching a winning business’s investment on a 3-to-1 basis. The business can spend EDGE funds on expenses that help improve the company’s long-term chances of success, such as a marketing campaign to help acquire more customers or purchasing a needed piece of equipment that can increase production capacity.

Including this round, $5.6 million has been awarded to 90 promising Delaware small businesses since EDGE was launched in 2019. Industries represented have ranged from wearable medical devices to farming to restaurants.

This was the eighth round of funding for the program. Approximately 115 businesses applied for funding in September, and 16 finalists gave public presentations in November at the University of Delaware’s FinTech building on the STAR Campus. From those, the following recipients were selected:

Stem Class

Marin’s Med (Georgetown)
Marin’s Med is a pioneering prosthetics innovations company, distinguished by their woman-owned status and their Chief Technical Officer (CTO), an amputee and accomplished engineer. Marin’s Med’s goal with EDGE Grant funding is to move through the final stages of research and development prototyping through final design and manufacturing to ensure the innovative ProHensor reaches those with limb loss. Funding will be used to purchase manufacturing equipment and for marketing assistance.

OmniPotential Energy Partners (Wilmington)
OmniPotential Energy Partners will use funding to build a proof-of-concept pilot program of curbside, residential electric vehicle (EV) chargers and install them on Delaware properties. The company will use funds to finalize their supply chain, identify final business partners, solicit seed customers and tool-up to build and deploy a pilot program of approximately 10 Curbstar devices in Delaware over 12 months. Curbside, residential EV chargers are a potential solution to EV owners who live in multi-family units with street or lot parking only. Learn more from founder Cora Castle in this Delaware Prosperity Partnership “Profiles in Innovation” feature.

Read Cora Castle’s Profile in Innovation

RunDNA (Wilmington)
ACE Running LLC (doing business as “RunDNA”) brings running gait analysis to all levels of runner. Their service leverages innovative camera and software technologies at a competitive price point to provide real time analysis of running gait. This powerful tool is used by running professionals throughout the world to effectively modify a runner’s form to prevent injury and optimize performance. RunDNA’s flagship product is their Helix 3D running gait analysis device. The company’s EDGE award will allow them to expand their motion capture capabilities to walking gait. Funding will be used for purchasing equipment, software licenses and covering research and development staff costs. Learn more from founder Doug Adams in this Delaware Prosperity Partnership video.

Sindri Materials Corp. (Wilmington)
Sindri Materials is a manufacturer and product development company dedicated to delivering ultra-high quality (UHQ) graphene (carbon) materials and products to market. Sindri can produce graphene that is a completely continuous, large-area sheet that yields electrical performance. With the EDGE grant Sindri will develop a high-capacity graphene manufacturing system. Its product can accelerate drug and vaccine development by optimizing the speed and resolution structural biologists image macromolecules using a ground-breaking new method called cryogenic electron microscopy (the “cryo-em” market). The graphene grids essentially hold the macromolecules in place for imaging.

Studio Charter (Wilmington)
Studio Charter has begun making virtual studios that eliminate the need for costly video productions. These studios can be installed in any 10×15 or larger room at a customer’s home or office. They are permanent studio installations with true cinema cameras that can be run remotely, without a crew, for simple, repeatable genres like podcasts and testimonials. The studios allow recording of cinematic medium-closeups in any location, real or imagined. The goal of Studio Charter is to make video production accessible to anyone. Nonprofits, schools and government will all finally be able to produce video at a high level and volume. EDGE funding will be used for staff, design, prototyping and materials costs.

Entrepreneur Class

Baybird Orthodontics (Smyrna)
Baybird Orthodontics is a minority women-owned business located in Smyrna run by Dr. Sita Patel. The clinic offers a range of orthodontic treatments, including orthodontic appliances, traditional braces and clear aligners. However, the one service they currently do not provide is 3D printed braces in house. The EDGE Grant funding will be used to purchase a 3D printing system to allow production of clear aligners on site, reducing the cost of orthodontic care for customers. Funds will also be used to support the aligner machine by providing additional equipment, supplies and a computer. Marketing and advertising expenses are also included.

Delaware Dynamix (Harbeson)
Delaware Dynamix LLC, which just opened for classes, provides gymnastics instruction and associated activities for children up to age 17, as well as similar opportunities for adults. A market analysis determined a lack of services like theirs within a convenient drive to the Milton, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach area, thereby supporting the need for such a facility. The owners boast more than 30 years of experience in gymnastics and youth sports instruction. They will use EDGE Grant funds for equipment and staffing at their 7000-square-foot facility for a Little Ninja program aimed at young boys, as well as for gymnastics and trampoline programming for special needs children.

Futures First Gaming (Middletown/Wilmington)
Futures First Gaming LLC (FFG), is a STEM.org™ Accredited Educational Technology, Media and Esports Entertainment Company. FFG brings together gamers and esports enthusiasts to compete, build community and engage in educational opportunities to explore career pathways in STEM and relevant esports disciplines. The company is known for its accreditation in educational technology, media and esports entertainment. EDGE Grant funding will be used to acquire cutting-edge gaming and streaming computers, software and furniture for an esports technology workforce training facility. Funding will also allow the company to organize more workforce development trainings, esports events and esports camps. Learn more about Futures First Gaming from founder Stephen Sye in this Delaware Prosperity Partnership feature.

Read Futures First Gaming Feature

The Hive on Loockerman (Dover)
The Hive is a minority-owned, member-based business and event center that aims to support entrepreneurs and nonprofit founders by providing them with the space, equipment and resources necessary for business growth and long-term success. The Hive primarily offers hourly space rentals and a range of business-building services, including corporate event planning, marketing, basic brand development, document printing and secure shredding. EDGE Grant funding will be used for facade improvements and construction to meet code requirements and for design, technology and equipment upgrades to better serve customers.

The LeGrand Company (Hockessin)
Bed Ledge is an adaptive mobility product designed to assist individuals with decreased strength, coordination or balance in safely lifting their legs into bed. The inability to safely navigate in and out of bed leads to increased risk for injury and falls and can determine whether someone can safely live in his/her home without assistance. Bed Ledge is the first leave-in-place device that allows the user to move from a sitting position to reclining through incremental movements, thereby decreasing risk of injury and promoting independence. EDGE funding will be used to fund the creation of plastic injection molds and a first production run of 500 units, packaging and third-party product testing.

The EDGE Grant is just one of the many programs and services the Delaware Division of Small Business provides to help small businesses start and grow in Delaware. From startups to experienced business owners looking to expand, the DSB’s team is committed to providing one-on-one assistance and counseling to help small businesses succeed. Assistance is available in a variety of areas, including navigating government processes, connecting owners with the Division’s resource partner organizations and identifying funding opportunities for which businesses may qualify. All of the programs and services DSB offers are outlined at business.delaware.gov.

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Novo Fintech Firm Chooses to Grow in DE

Written on . Posted in Press Releases.

Forbes Fintech 50 Firm Novo Chooses Delaware as Expansion Site

Florida-based fintech platform for small businesses plans to grow as part of the Wilmington financial services hub

WILMINGTON, Del. – Novo, the powerfully simple financial solutions platform for small businesses that is a two-time member of the Forbes Fintech 50, has chosen to expand in Wilmington, Delaware.

Novo has built a platform for small businesses that combines a checking account with an ecosystem of financial applications — helping small businesses access their revenue faster, save time on business-critical tasks and manage their money anytime on any device. Since launching in 2018, Novo has surpassed $20 billion in small business transactions and was named to the Forbes Fintech 50 list, which highlights “the top private companies that are transforming finance through technology” in both 2022 and 2023.

Novo logo

Novo is headquartered in Miami and recently opened a U.S. location in Wilmington. In Delaware, the company is operating from the Stat International space on Orange Street. Novo has hired a dozen employees since May and will continue to grow the office in the coming years.

“Novo’s decision to expand to Wilmington is great news for the First State,” said Governor John Carney. “We want to be the place companies consider when starting and growing their businesses. Novo’s move to Wilmington shows that our efforts to make Delaware inviting to corporations are working and that the Delaware Prosperity Partnership is making a difference.”

One of Novo’s recently developed offerings is Novo Funding, a fast and flexible way for small businesses to access working capital. Since its launch, Novo Funding has issued more than $70 million in working capital.

Novo’s decision to choose Delaware for its expansion further confirms the state’s status as a hub for financial services and fintech companies. Wilmington and its environs continue to be the site of significant growth for existing businesses in the financial services and fintech sector while also attracting new firms to the area. Companies with recent Delaware expansions include Ally Financial, City National Bank, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.

“Small businesses make up more than half of Delaware’s workforce — an incredible testament to the work Delaware has done to make small business creation and growth as accessible as possible,” said Grant Sahag, VP of Operations at Novo. “The Novo team is honored to be a part of Delaware’s thriving small business community.”

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Person using Novo app on phone

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.

About Novo

Novo Platform, Inc. (“Novo”) is the powerfully simple financial platform for small businesses. To learn more, visit www.novo.co.

Disclosure

Novo is a fintech, and not a bank. Novo acts as a service provider to Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., and the deposit and banking products obtained through the Novo platform are provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. is a federal savings bank and an FDIC-insured depository institution (FDIC Certificate 28368). Deposits made at Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. through the Novo platform receive FDIC insurance protection on a pass-through basis up to the applicable legal limit. When determining the amount of your deposits covered by FDIC insurance, please note all deposits you make through the Novo platform will be aggregated with all deposit accounts of the same ownership and/or vesting held at Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. and Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. brands. Additional information regarding FDIC insurance coverage is available at www.fdic.gov. Merchant Cash Advance products and services are offered by Novo Funding LLC (“Novo Funding”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Novo. Merchant Cash Advances require a Novo checking account.

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Delaware Hosts Hydrogen Hub Conference

Written on . Posted in In the News.

Carney, Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Host Energy Department at Hydrogen Hub Conference

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) hosted U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary David Turk at the Clean Hydrogen for the Mid-Atlantic Conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of clean hydrogen to Delaware with more than 300 stakeholders from around the region. In October, the DOE chose the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen (MACH2) proposal, a public-private partnership between Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey, as one of seven regional clean hydrogen hubs. This designation came with a $750 million federal grant that was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Topics covered during the half-day event included how the hub would positively impact regional economies, public health, and the environment. Guests and panelists throughout the event included Bloom Energy’s Rick Buettel, Chesapeake Utilities’ Shane Breakie, First State Hydrogen’s Andrew Cottone, PBF Energy’s Matt Lucey, DART’s Michael McNeal, University of Delaware Center for Clean Hydrogen’s Yushan Yan, State Senator Stephanie Hansen (D), Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Pamela Keye, State Representative Larry Lambert (D), Steamfitters Local 420’s Jim Snell, and Delaware Workforce Development Board’s Joanna Staib.

MACH2 will advance President Biden’s goal of a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, strengthen our nation’s energy security, and create an estimated 20,000 good-paying clean energy jobs, including union jobs. MACH2 will produce, distribute, and use clean hydrogen to power our vehicles, airplanes, industries, and more. The proposal was chosen largely due to the highly trained, unionized workforce in Delaware and the surrounding area, as well as the region’s strong manufacturing, chemical, and bioscience presence and existing infrastructure capable of transporting and storing hydrogen.

Mach2 logo

“Hydrogen hubs present a win-win-win for our climate, our communities and union workforce, and for the economy,” said David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy. “Clean hydrogen is the Swiss Army Knife of clean energy technologies. It can decarbonize some of our hardest-to-abate sectors, like heavy industry and transportation, and can provide long-duration energy storage. With this investment in the MACH2 Hub, DOE is eager to help build this indispensable network of hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure in the region, while creating an estimated 20,000 jobs.”

“To be one of seven regional hydrogen hubs chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy – out of 79 that originally started the process – is a really big deal,” said Governor John Carney. “This designation will bring $750 million for Delaware and our partners in the region to build a clean energy industry that will create thousands of good union jobs. And Delaware communities are a significant part of this plan. The point of cleaner energy is to make things cleaner and better for people – especially those who live in disadvantaged communities. There will be an opportunity at each stage for the Delawareans to weigh in and shape these projects, and we encourage the public to participate.”

“Today’s conference brought together leaders from different levels of government, industry, labor, and academia to discuss how we are working together to grow the clean hydrogen energy sector in Delaware,” said Senator Tom Carper, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Clean hydrogen has a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping us meet our nation’s climate goals, while also creating good-paying jobs. Thanks to our region’s first-class labor workforce, existing infrastructure, and research and development capabilities, the future of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub is bright.”

“As the nation’s lowest-lying state, Delaware faces particularly acute challenges from climate change-related natural disasters, and so a transition to energy sources like clean hydrogen is crucial for our state,” said Senator Chris Coons, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. “To do that, we can’t leave behind the workers and the infrastructure and the systems that we’ve built. MACH2 is a critical opportunity to transition the skills of Delaware workers, upgrade the facilities of our local refineries and industrial pipelines and manufacturing facilities, and innovate, innovate, innovate. We have an opportunity here to show that we can transform, and that we can compete, and if we do that, we won’t just save our world and our climate – we will save our communities, as well.”

Clean Hydrogen for the Mid-Atlantic Conference logo with speakers and time.

“The big takeaway from today’s conference is that we all have a part to play in turning the vision of MACH2 into action – from elected officials and universities to businesses and environmental justice advocates – as we invest in clean hydrogen production and create-good-paying jobs in an equitable, just, and sustainable way,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Delaware has the ideal infrastructure, workforce, and positioning for the MACH2 framework, and I am eager to see the First State take its place at the center of our clean energy future.”

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Laura Randa, CEO & Chair of Toivoa

Written on . Posted in Success Stories.

Laura Randa, CEO and Chair of Prescription Digital Therapeutics Firm Toivoa

An Ongoing Series Highlighting Delaware Innovators

The United States is facing a severe mental health crisis that disproportionately impacts people with disabilities. It’s estimated that 54 million people with disabilities are suffering from mental health disorders and, according to the Centers for Disease Control, adults with disabilities say they experience frequent mental distress nearly five times as often as those without disabilities. But mental health services are often not easily accessible, widely available or affordable.

Laura Randa witnessed first-hand how her college-age daughter, who has hearing loss, experienced increased stress and anxiety while struggling to read lips during the COVID-19 pandemic, when face coverings were mandatory and clear masks weren’t available in most classrooms. Fortunately, Randa was in a position to help.

Laura left her 30-year career in commercial leadership and C-suite positions at biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Novartis, determined to revolutionize mental health treatment for people with disabilities. Assembling a passionate team of experts in cognitive behavioral therapy, digital therapeutics and clinical psychology, Randa started Wilmington-based Toivoa and its first-in-class digital therapy platform, Rauha, a platform designed to close the treatment gap for people with disabilities living with mental illness. The 2-year-old Wilmington-based company won $27,000 in the 2023 Startup302 competition, coordinated by Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP).

Toivoa, a Finnish word that means “hope,” is initially targeting its efforts for people with hearing and mobility disabilities and includes dozens of accessibility functions such as color contrast, closed captions, keyboard mobility and multiple navigational options. By the end of the decade, Randa expects to hire upwards of 1,000 people and have 1,300,000 patient users on the platform.

Initiated by a healthcare professional and accessed by a unique patient code, the Rauha app provides fully-accessible, cognitive behavioral therapy – the gold standard of psychotherapy. Based on responses to a series of questions about their disabilities, patients receive adapted, personalized exercises and therapy from Dr. Samantha Gaiez, a New York City-based clinical psychologist with more than 15 years of clinical experience, and a team of psychologists specializing in people with disabilities. Every patient will be matched to a certified mental health coach who has shared living experiences with disabilities and mental illness. Together with a vibrant patient community forum, patients will receive personalized support and encouragement throughout their 12-week journey.

“We are on a mission to radically change evidence-based therapy for people with disabilities living with mental illness,” says Randa, who earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Delaware. “We look forward to bringing a high-growth digital therapeutic community to Delaware and collaborating with the county and state economic development teams to address critical health inequities in one of the most excluded and marginalized groups.”

Randa recently shared her thoughts on innovation with DPP.

Why is Delaware a great state to be an innovator?

I grew up in Delaware and have seen first-hand that Delaware is the home of innovative businesses, cutting-edge research and transformative ideas that are meeting and exceeding the challenges of the 21st century economy. Delaware has a large and robust ecosystem fueled by the spirit of collaboration across all stakeholders, especially government leaders, businesses and academic institutions. To successfully build an innovative digital therapeutic business in a globalized market, businesses need access to high-quality, high-tech and diverse talent. Delaware was a natural fit for Toivoa because the breadth and diversity of talent in the finance, tech, pharmaceutical and consumer industries offered in Delaware is unparalleled.

In your view, what qualities should a successful innovator have?

My father – my lifetime mentor, who was a long-time DuPont R&D researcher with 28 patents – taught me many things about being an innovator. He used to say you had to have five top skills to demonstrate as an innovator: associating, questioning, observing, networking and experimenting. These skills are fundamental when you are developing solutions to address a critical unmet need in a way that no one has ever done before. But this is just the start. As I have launched Toivoa, and throughout my career, I’ve learned that innovation is best realized by building passionate, purpose-driven, cross-functional teams and leveraging mentors who can help you “slow down, to speed up.”

What advice would you give innovators just starting?

A great entrepreneur must become an expert in their market by digging deep to understand the nuances of how innovation can have the greatest impact and make a meaningful difference. You must push yourself to continuously challenge the status quo and be open to ideas outside of your comfort zone and realm of expertise. I’ve learned that this is not just a key entrepreneurial skill, but also a very valuable life skill. Take the time to create company and product positioning and value propositions that are simple, clear and concise and that resonate across your key stakeholders. Test your concepts and products with your stakeholders at every step along your development path. Investing your time and efforts in these processes will help you build high-impact, focused communications and strategies, let you stand out in a crowded innovator market and accelerate your success.

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Sussex Incubator Supports Food Startups

Written on . Posted in In the News.

Cooking up Success, Southern Delaware Kitchen Incubator Aims for Culinary Revolution

The Georgetown facility provides a much-needed solution for business owners facing challenges in finding a place to cook in southern Delaware.

By Johnny Perez-Gonzalez

Starting a small food business just got easier in southern Delaware after county officials unveiled a new kitchen incubator to support “foodpreneurs” looking for a space to cook up their fusion of food blends.

Items now being produced at the centralized kitchen range from key lime pies to hot sauce, breads, and pizzas. The initiative is helping pave a new career pathway for residents in mostly rural Sussex County.

The county’s director of economic development Bill Pfaff identified the need for a commercial kitchen to help small businesses produce their goods.

“One of the things that I constantly heard from foodpreneurs was there wasn’t space for them to produce their product to take the commercialization because you must produce your food products in a licensed commercial kitchen,” Pfaff said.

The pandemic hindered the county’s efforts to get the kitchen up and running.

“I started working on this kitchen incubator pre-COVID, and then COVID hit, everything had to come to a standstill, but we never gave up, we continued to work on it,” he said. “It ended up taking a little bit more work to do because of the federal shutdown.”

After years of effort, the incubator was finally made available for use in a soft launch in late April, with two dozen food business owners currently utilizing the space. The grand opening attracted a wave of entrepreneurs eager to leverage this innovative resource.

Jessica Williamson of Milton was part of that first wave with Coastal Key Lime Pie, the company she co-owns. The creation of the kitchen incubator allowed Williamson and her husband Lee to bring their unique key lime pie to the coastal area.

Since discovering the incubator at Delaware Technical Community College’s Georgetown campus, the pastry chef says the demand for her pies has skyrocketed.

“We were the one of the first ones to sign up, this was back in May,” Williamson said. “That allowed us to quickly get our permit to be able to sell the pies at our local farmers market and we really [have] grown since then pretty amazingly … it was just hard to keep up [with] the demand.”

After working in human resources for more than 15 years, Williamson says she never imagined branching out into a new career. But with the foundation provided by the kitchen incubator, the couple now plans to open their own kitchen nearby.

“This is like a totally new industry for us to learn and grow in. I’ve done this my whole career and now I’m ready to try something new and venture out and see where it takes us,” she said. “We’ve already started plans for renovating our own space and having our own little small kitchen, which will be in Seaford.”

Pfaff says the incubator helps entrepreneurs deal with the big expense of starting a food-based business, including building a kitchen from scratch, providing their own kitchen tools, and doing maintenance.

“The purpose of the kitchen incubator was to help remove restrictive barriers of high cost capital investment associated with leasing or purchasing a commercial kitchen and kitchen equipment,” Pfaff said. “We’ve taken that headache out of the mix.”

“The kitchen incubator also reduces the risk of failure by removing additional startup barriers in areas of managing and maintaining a commercial kitchen,” he said. “We take care of everything.”

In addition to providing the kitchen to cook with, the county also offers resources needed to elevate the business.

“We also provide technical assistance in training and value-added services related to distribution, branding, marketing, pricing, insurance, legal services and financial opportunities,” he said. “When you go into business being a foodpreneur, being an entrepreneur, you’re working for the business. You want to get it to a point where the biggest business begins to work for you and we give you those tools to achieve that.”

To take advantage of this resource, individuals have to be in good standing with state permit requirements, obtain the ServSafe certification, and be insured. Afterwards individuals are able to pay for a membership to gain access to the kitchen.

After that, it’s up to them to bring the food and start cooking away.

This article was originally posted on the WHYY website at: https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-georgetown-kitchen-incubator-foodpreneurs/

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