The WVU community is invited to attend the 5th annual Bridging Innovation Week in Morgantown from April 27-30.
Hosted by the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, the event welcomes entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators and leaders to collaborate and elevate emerging ventures and advance economic development.
With Morgantown as this year’s host site, WVU colleges and units will play an integral role in the week’s events, including hosting receptions, curated tours and pitch competitions.
This is a great opportunity to connect with statewide leaders and innovators while showcasing the vast entrepreneurial ecosystem on our campus. It also underscores the University’s commitment to convening partners across higher education, industry, government and community organizations.
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and Bridging Innovation Week 2026 is co-chaired by Tara St. Clair, director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, April 27
The WVU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Tour Day programming is hosted by the WVU Innovation Corporation and the WVU Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Programming will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a curated series of tours and networking opportunities to showcase the University’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Lunch will be provided at the WVU Innovation Corporation, followed by a tour, meet and greet and tenant showcase highlighting research commercialization and startup activity through the Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Participants will then visit multiple Evansdale Campus locations, including Evansdale Crossing, home to the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab and the Media Innovation Center; the Lane Innovation Hub within the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resource; and the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
In collaboration with the Morgantown Area Partnership, the afternoon will include a Downtown Morgantown Opportunity Tour hosted by Main Street Morgantown and conclude with a welcome reception at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, hosted in collaboration with Vantage Ventures.
Registration is free to participate in all Monday activities, though you must register in advance for each individual event. If you are interested in bus transportation, you must register to reserve a seat. Transportation will be provided between all scheduled stops for registered bus participants. Participants are also welcome to drive separately between event locations.
Tuesday, April 28
The West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Annual Conference will take place at the Morgantown Marriott from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bridging’s signature conference will feature speakers, panels and facilitated discussions focused on strengthening entrepreneurial pathways, workforce development and regional collaboration across the state.
President Michael T. Benson will speak on the University’s leadership role in innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
On Tuesday evening, participants can attend a community-focused hackathon that focuses on rapid problem-solving, collaboration and idea generation aligned with regional and industry needs. Hosted by Vantage Ventures, the University’s startup accelerator and venture development program, in partnership with Beacon, expect to join entrepreneurs, students, technologists and ecosystem partners.
Wednesday, April 29
Competition Day at the Metropolitan Theatre will serve as a marquee day for entrepreneurship. Multiple pitch competitions will take place, featuring IgniteWV, supporting early-stage and growing businesses across the Mountain State, and Vantage Ventures’ Validation Day, showcasing companies that have completed its accelerator program.
Founders will present to investors, partners and ecosystem leaders, demonstrating the University’s role in advancing commercialization and capital readiness.
Thursday, April 30
Youth Entrepreneurship Day will engage high school students through hands-on activities, exposure to entrepreneurship and connections to innovation pathways. Hosted by Bridging Innovation Week and WVU Extension, activities will be held at the WVU Innovation Corporation.