Innovation

Innovation

Innovation

Innovation

1^st

Risk Capital and Entrepreneurial Infrastructure Index (Milken Institute, 2022)

5^th

Highest Concentration of Employed PHDs in Health, Science, and Engineering (NSF, 2021)

6^th

Best Innovation Environment in the Country (WalletHub, 2023)

Top
10

State Technology & Science Index (Milken Institute, 2022)

Innovation in Delaware

A Legacy of Innovation and Opportunity

In Delaware, collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships drive the transformation of new ideas, products, and technologies into thriving businesses and meaningful jobs. Our innovation legacy includes globally recognized companies like DuPont, Gore, and Incyte, and spans a wide range of industries. Startups and entrepreneurs are key to our vibrant ecosystem, supported by high-performing incubators, collaborative co-working spaces, and essential resources.

Today, innovation in Delaware is supported by a skilled, diverse workforce and an optimal location near over 150 top universities. Delaware’s pro-business legal and regulatory environment, anchored by the renowned Delaware Court of Chancery, offers a unique foundation that accelerates innovation and empowers entrepreneurs.

Quick Links

Startup Resources Tool

Explore DPP’s Delaware Startup Resources – a guide designed especially for entrepreneurs and innovators. These business ecosystem references are a helpful resource for those both in and outside of Delaware, offering information about many of the tools to create, launch, or grow a start-up. Resources covering Delaware and its regions are provided.

See Available Startup Resources

Supporting Your Business from the Start

Delaware supports innovation in many ways including R&D tax credits, financing options, workforce training, and business development assistance. Find more information about financing and incentives in Delaware here.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI): Participation Loan Through the federal SSBCI program aimed at providing capital to small and diverse businesses, Delaware supports the following initiatives:

Delaware Loan Participation Program (DELPP)
Delaware Capital Access Program (DCAP)
Delaware Accelerator & Seed Capital Program (DASCP)
Delaware Early State Venture Capital Program (DESVC)

Delaware Technical Innovation Program

Delaware Technical Innovation Program: An incentive program that provides transitional grant funding for companies that have received Phase I and applied for Phase II of the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

EDGE Grants

EDGE Grants: Encouraging Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 and support entrepreneurs with most of their labor force and operations in Delaware that have been in operation for seven years or less and have 10 or fewer full-time employees.

Graduated Lab Space Grant

Graduated Lab Space Grant: A grant assisting early-stage, small, and medium-sized companies expanding in Delaware or considering relocating and expanding in Delaware.

Workforce Training Grant

Workforce Training Grant: A matching program that funds specialized training for companies of up to $100,000 per project.

R&D Tax Credits

R&D Tax Credits: A tax credit to promote new research and development by lowering payments on taxable expenses.

Helping Your Business Grow

For Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

Delaware is proud to provide business development support with the following resources:

Small Business Development Center

The Delaware SBDC delivers training programs and no-cost, professional consulting services to help entrepreneurs, startups, and existing businesses formulate and execute strategies to grow and succeed. For over 40 years, our innovative, inclusive, and impactful solutions have helped grow Delaware’s economy. The Delaware SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited program that provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and resources for small businesses.

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University of Delaware Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships

The Office of Economic Innovations and Partnerships brings together the collective and integrated resources of the University of Delaware and the State’s business, academic and entrepreneurial communities to achieve new levels of innovation and economic development.

Partner of choice in matters of economic development, commercialization of innovation, entrepreneurship and building businesses.
Enable entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate ideas into the marketplace, grow businesses and form partnerships through access to University assets, space, capital, counsel and connections.
A unique, integrated model centered on long term, productive partnerships.
Support the University, state and region’s entrepreneurial, technical and business communities to reach new levels of economic development.
Create a culture where ideas and innovation thrive.

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Tech Council of Delaware

The Tech Council of Delaware envisions a state where a robust and inclusive tech workforce drives a thriving economy and equitable career opportunities for all Delawareans.

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Delaware State University CURE

The DSU CURE initiative is poised to make a transformative impact on small businesses, particularly those led by minority and under-served entrepreneurs. By providing essential resources, personalized mentorship, and unique opportunities, DSU CURE helps level the playing field where such support might otherwise be limited. Recognizing the distinct challenges faced by these entrepreneurs, DSU CURE offers a customized incubator and shared workspace experience designed to significantly enhance their path to success. As the nation’s first initiative of its kind, DSU CURE represents a groundbreaking model for business incubation and support.

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