West Virginia’s growing entrepreneurial community is key to creating new businesses, good jobs and prosperous communities for the future. More than 40 organizations will exhibit their products and services and network with colleagues, legislators and state officials at the 18th “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol” on Thursday (March 1).
West Virginia University’s TransTech Energy Research and Business Development Program has partnered with TechConnect WV to organize the event. “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day is a great networking opportunity for all who want to help build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state,” said Carl Irwin, TransTech Energy director.
Attendees work in fields ranging from energy efficiency to advanced manufacturing and robotics. Entrepreneurial support services include business and financial planning, pitch competitions for start-up companies and assistance with business plan development. Exhibits will be setup in the House and Senate Hallways and around the Capitol Rotunda.
Event registration opens at 8:15 a.m. in the second floor Rotunda area. An Awards Luncheon starts at noon in the Attorney General’s Rotunda located on the ground floor, east end of the main hallway. Award presentations at 12:15 pm include the “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Industrial Energy Efficiency” and the “Governor’s Award for Leadership in Advanced Smart Manufacturing.” TechConnect will also present three “Spirit of Innovation Awards,” for Outstanding Woman in Technology, Innovative Manufacturer of the Year, and the Phoenix Award. The day’s activities end at 3:30 p.m.
The public is invited to this free event. The schedule and registration is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-innovation-entrepreneurship-day-at-the-state-capitol-tickets-40913577612. A few spaces for exhibitors are still available.
“This event is an opportunity to highlight exciting new ventures and entrepreneurs across the state, and recognize the people and organizations that support innovation-based economic development,” said Anne Barth, executive director of TechConnect.
TechConnect WV is a technology-based economic development organization that works with innovative people and ideas across the state to foster innovation-based businesses and entrepreneurial activities.
The TransTech Energy Research and Business Development Program at WVU highlights start-up companies and viable projects coming out of universities, national labs, private companies, as well as garages and basements across the multi-state area. “TransTech” refers to transitional technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions, promote advanced smart manufacturing and help build a vibrant and sustainable economy for the future.