West Virginia’ s Emerging Technology Ecosystem
KENZIE DYE
Leaders across West Virginia have worked for years to build an economy that not only preserves the Mountain State’ s heritage but also secures its future. From fostering homegrown tech startups to preparing residents for high-paying digital jobs, West Virginia’ s emerging technology ecosystem is being shaped by partnerships, collaboration and a shared belief in the state’ s potential. Organizations like TechConnect West Virginia, NewForce, LG NOVA West Virginia and Vantage Ventures are at the forefront of these efforts.
TechConnect West Virginia
Since its founding nearly two decades ago, TechConnect West Virginia has helped shape the state’ s technology landscape. Kevin DiGregorio, Ph. D., executive director of the Chemical Alliance Zone and board chair for Tech- Connect, reflects on the organization’ s long-term impact.
“ After two decades, we now have many more organizations involved in the state’ s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including many more angel and venture capital investors and groups as well as startups launching and growing,” he says.“ It’ s a testament to the foresight and vision of TechConnect’ s founders and the persistence of so many across the state.”
Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Ariana Shives, Tech- Connect remains focused on addressing persistent gaps— particularly the need for visible, accessible pathways into tech entrepreneurship.
“ Innovative West Virginians often don’ t see entrepreneurship as a viable career path because they don’ t see people like them succeeding in it or don’ t know where to start,” Shives says.
Through efforts like its Tech Fellows program, CatalyzeWV venture events and one-on-one startup support, TechConnect is building community around entrepreneurship and making tech founders in West Virginia feel supported and seen. TechConnect’ s efforts as a connector— linking founders with funding, universities with startups and small companies with big ideas— are central to making the tech ecosystem more accessible.
“ One of our favorite success stories is Parthian Battery, founded in 2020 by West Virginia University( WVU) graduate Auggie Chico,” Shives says.
66 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE