A Legacy of Discovery, A Future of Innovation
Delaware’s history of innovation began centuries ago with DuPont’s breakthroughs in chemistry and materials science, laying the groundwork for a thriving tech ecosystem. Today, that legacy continues with companies like Corteva Agriscience, a leader in sustainable agriculture, and Incyte, which has spurred new startups like Prelude Therapeutics.
Over the past decade, Delaware has seen a 65% increase in biotech R&D firms, reflecting a surge in innovation (Choose Delaware, 2023). The state ranks 7th nationally for life sciences venture capital per capita, showing strong investor confidence (Choose Delaware, 2023). Research hubs like the University of Delaware are pushing boundaries in biotech, AI, and sustainable energy, fostering a collaborative environment where professionals from diverse fields work together to shape the future.
As President of Adesis, Andrew Cottone has played a key role in the company’s growth in Delaware. A chemist and experienced leader, he’s helped build a culture that attracts top scientists and supports cutting-edge research. His long-standing connection to the area and focus on local collaboration have made Delaware a natural fit for Adesis’s continued expansion.
Watch this video to learn more about Adesis, a leading science-driven company based in Wilmington, Delaware. As an innovative contract research organization, Adesis is known for its work in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. The company continues to thrive thanks to having a strategic location in Delaware- a state that fosters access to research institutions, talent and a supportive business environment.
Click the video to hear Andrew Cottone share his Delaware experience.
Delaware’s history of innovation began centuries ago with DuPont’s breakthroughs in chemistry and materials science, laying the groundwork for a thriving tech ecosystem. Today, that legacy continues with companies like Corteva Agriscience, a leader in sustainable agriculture, and Incyte, which has spurred new startups like Prelude Therapeutics.
Over the past decade, Delaware has seen a 65% increase in biotech R&D firms, reflecting a surge in innovation (Choose Delaware, 2023). The state ranks 7th nationally for life sciences venture capital per capita, showing strong investor confidence (Choose Delaware, 2023). Research hubs like the University of Delaware are pushing boundaries in biotech, AI, and sustainable energy, fostering a collaborative environment where professionals from diverse fields work together to shape the future.
A Smart Move: Delaware’s Science & Tech Programs That Set You Up for Success
elaware’s educational institutions are committed to preparing the next generation of innovators, making it an ideal place for professionals and families alike. The University of Delaware (UD) is a research powerhouse, offering programs in biotechnology, materials science, and AI, with access to cutting-edge labs and incubators. Delaware State University (DSU), a leading HBCU, focuses on fields like optics, neuroscience, and agriculture, providing a supportive environment for students. Wilmington University offers flexible, tech-focused degrees and certificates, perfect for professionals looking to reskill. Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech) plays a critical role in workforce development, offering hands-on training in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT. With strong ties to local employers, Delaware Tech ensures graduates are job-ready and aligned with real industry needs.
These programs are deeply connected to Delaware’s innovation ecosystem, offering internships and collaborations with local companies that often lead to full-time roles. For example, UD’s computer science program, ranked among the top 100 nationally (UD Website, 2023), graduates hundreds of students annually who join employers like JPMorgan Chase and local startups.
Delaware Ivy Science & Technology Fund
For those interested in the financial side of innovation, the Delaware Ivy Science & Technology Fund, a global mutual fund, reflects the state’s commitment to supporting science and tech worldwide. This fund invests in companies driving technological advancements, symbolizing Delaware’s influence beyond its borders. Locally, entrepreneurs benefit from proximity to East Coast venture capital firms in New York and Philadelphia, making it easier to secure funding for innovative projects.
Delaware’s STEM Education and Jobs
Delaware invests heavily in STEM education to build a strong talent pipeline, from K-12 to higher education and beyond. Programs like Delaware Pathways give high school students hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities, often with local tech firms or university professors. At the college level, UD and DSU offer outreach initiatives like robotics competitions and coding camps to inspire young minds.
For adults, Delaware provides reskilling opportunities through programs like Zip Code Wilmington, a coding boot camp that trains software developers, and NERDiT Cares, which offers IT education for career transitions (Labor Delaware, 2023). The state’s Workforce Development Board collaborates with employers to align training with job needs, ensuring a diverse, skilled workforce. Delaware ranks in the top 5 for workforce talent nationally (Expansion Solutions Magazine, 2023), offering clear career paths for professionals in science and tech.
What is the Future of Science & Tech in Delaware?
Delaware is shaping the future of science and tech by focusing on emerging sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and clean energy. In AI, Wilmington’s fintech legacy has spurred startups working on credit analysis, cybersecurity, and blockchain. Biotech advancements include gene editing at ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute and collaborations with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). Clean energy efforts are led by companies like Bloom Energy, which manufactures fuel cells, and UD’s research in offshore wind energy (UD College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, 2023). These initiatives, backed by state and private-sector partnerships, position Delaware as a leader in innovation.
A Scientific Community That’s Invested in You
Delaware’s small size fosters a tight-knit community where collaboration thrives. Whether you’re a biochemist or a software engineer, you’ll find peers and mentors eager to connect through groups like the Delaware BioScience Association and First Founders. Pitch nights, industry meetups, and local tech events provide opportunities to network with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, creating a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
Delaware Accelerators, Incubators, & Co-working Spaces
Delaware offers additional support through the Delaware Innovation Space, a state-of-the-art incubator providing lab facilities for startups, and the Small Business Development Center, which helps early-stage companies grow. The state’s business-friendly policies, including no sales tax and favorable corporate tax rankings, make it an attractive location for tech businesses (Expansion Solutions Magazine, 2023). The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) at UD further supports biomanufacturing innovation through industry-academia collaborations.
University of Delaware Star Campus Research Park The University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus – STAR Campus – combines top academics and research, with industry and community partnerships. Focused on turning new knowledge into positive impacts for the world, STAR Campus shines bright as a nexus for cutting edge research, top-notch academics, community service and economic development. The Tower at STAR, named one of the nation’s most “amazing university buildings” by USA Today, showcases how the University of Delaware is inspiring partnerships across campus, with the community and the world. Also located on STAR campus is the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) community service and headquarters, as well as several incubators and accelerator programs dedicated to innovation.
Delaware Innovation Space (DIS): The Innovation Space fuels the growth of science-based startups and entrepreneurs through ready-to-go lab space and customized support. DIS has more than 130,000 SF of multi-use lab space, offices, conference rooms, and common areas. Based at DuPont’s Experimental Station, DIS labs are designed to support biotechnology, chemistry, and materials science research. In addition to the physical space, companies at the DIS benefit from access to mentoring programs, fundraising assistance, grants and collaboration opportunities.
The Delaware Technology Park (DTP) is a research park, providing development-stage life science, information technology, advanced materials, and renewable energy companies with access to the resources and connections needed to drive and accelerate their economic success. DTP offers cutting-edge physical infrastructure, including wet labs, office space, conference facilities and a park wide fiber optic network, to meet the varying needs of its companies and organizations. DTP is currently home to 54 tenants, ranging from multinational corporations to university spin-outs and support organizations. The DTP campus houses five buildings, and three multi-tenant buildings. DTP also has co-working/lab facilities, called DTP@STAR, on the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus and will welcome a new 90,000SF building in 2026. DTP@STAR is home to over twelve promising young companies representing innovation in agriculture, life sciences, advanced materials, renewable energy, sustainable chemistry, medical devices, and information technology.
The Growthstage Incubator is an exclusive work focused membership club that provides collaborative Class-A workspaces and wraparound services designed to accelerate growth for forward-thinking companies. It is on the 6th floor of the Fintech Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art facility situated at the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus.
The Mill is a community and co-working space that provides shared workspace for entrepreneurs, remote workers, startups and established businesses. Featuring three locations in Delaware, one in downtown Wilmington, Seaford, and one in north Wilmington, The Mill offers state of the art design that incorporates modern architecture with timeless roots. Onsite staff, mail services, conference spaces, printing, and common spaces are just a few of the amenities offered.
CSC Station offers coworking options for startups and small businesses ranging from reserved desks to dedicated office space and multitude of other workspace solutions, including conference solutions, parking, mail services, printing, and security. CSC Station is located adjacent to the Wilmington Train Station, which has daily services to Philadelphia via Septa and the entire east coast via Amtrak.
The Science Inc.TM Accelerator is a virtual, cohort-based accelerator for early-stage startups in the sciences. Over four months, participants work to advance their startup toward major goals to move their businesses more quickly toward success. The hub is committed to empowering startups with world-class resources, strategic mentorship, and innovative solutions. The goal is to create a supportive ecosystem that drives your vision forward and accelerates your success.
CAFE is a non-profit organization that advances financial health & wellness for low- to moderate- (LMI) and other underserved populations through financial technology (fintech) innovation and partnerships. Through their Alagship CAFE Fintech Accelerator Program, they support and scale “real world” innovation by helping to grow revolutionary businesses that not only create disruptive technologies but also have a strong focus on leveling the financial playing field.
Bronze Valley’s mission is to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing holistic venture capital solutions that catalyze innovation and impact. The organization aims to dismantle barriers and foster an inclusive landscape in venture capital that transcends race, ace, gender, networks, and educational backgrounds. Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. Participating companies receive:
- Individualized coaching and mentorship from the team of nationally ranked accelerator gener8tor on company growth and investor readiness
- Weekly “Lunch & Learns” and “Mentor Swarms”
- Investor and accelerator pitches
- $1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, PayPal, Zendesk, HubSpot and Microsoft
Delaware is an Ecosystem for Science and Tech Professionals
With over 11,000 life sciences jobs and a thriving hub for R&D, Delaware offers a wealth of opportunities for science and tech professionals (Choose Delaware, 2023). The state’s diverse industries—from developing life-saving drugs to engineering sustainable materials—mean you can find a role that matches your expertise. Delaware’s high concentration of chemical engineers (1st in the U.S.) and PhDs in health, science, and engineering (4th nationally) ensures a talented peer network (Choose Delaware, 2023). Whether you’re looking to join a global leader or a startup, Delaware is a place where your skills can shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Delaware’s science and tech industry? We’ve got answers—whether you’re exploring career options or just considering a move, this FAQ section covers the key things you need to know about Delaware’s emerging industry.