Although the high-tech landscape is new in comparison to other economic sectors , the state is no longer at the starting block in the high-tech race .
“ This is only the beginning of West Virginia ’ s transformation as a startup state ,” Wright says . “ More and more people are going to be talking about West Virginia in the same way they ’ re talking about Austin , Boston and other startup hubs around the country . West Virginia has been very welcoming , and my hope is that many more companies will want to come to the state . I like the idea of a new Silicon Valley in West Virginia , one that is accessible to an entirely new employee base with fresh perspectives and game-changing ideas .”
Chambers says a startup economy ’ s impact on the state will be positive and expansive .
“ The impact will dramatically increase our average household income ,” he says . “ We have a much better chance for inclusiveness in the income gross . This will change education forever and the ability of business and government and the citizens of the state to work for a common goal . This was a dream five years ago . The dream is happening now . The question is : can we continue to have the confidence and the courage to go forward ?” •
National Weather Service West Virginia Regional Technology Park
South Charleston , WV
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Powers and Nickel continue to boost their momentum as they work with early adopters , such as Morgantown Brewing Company , and grow a wait list of potential users and their network of investors .
West Virginia natives Kyle Gillis and James Carnes began work on their high-tech company , Iconic Air , in 2018 , while they were still students at WVU ’ s Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources .
Iconic Air supplies software that gives the world ’ s largest emitting industries the tools to track , analyze and reduce their emissions footprint .
“ Our society is experiencing a shift in how we measure and evaluate environmental impact ,” Gillis says . “ For companies , this means monitoring your carbon footprint and climate risk is as important as tracking revenue .”
Recently , Gillis and Carnes raised more than $ 5 million to expand Iconic Air and support product development . Country Roads Angel Network , one of the company ’ s first investors , helped Iconic Air leverage the latest funding .
Iconic Air is a remote company with employees stretched across the U . S . However , with their Morgantown office , Gillis , a Wheeling , WV , native , and Carnes , a Weirton , WV , native , choose to maintain a strong state presence .
“ Who wouldn ’ t want to work from a trendy mountain town but still have access to employees and networks available around the world ?” Gillis says . “ I think West Virginia is set up for a golden era .”
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