Where bold thinking meets real-world impact.
Delaware is home to a startup landscape built on partnership and purpose.
People have been coming to Delaware to turn bold ideas into real change for over 200 years. Today, that same spirit of invention is alive in every lab, coworking space, incubator, and community event.
Delaware isn’t just business-friendly — it’s founder-friendly. With access to decision-makers, a collaborative environment, and a growing support ecosystem, it’s a place where entrepreneurs can move quickly and stay focused on what matters: progress.
Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your company, or seeking a community of fellow innovators, Delaware gives you room to grow — and the tools to get started.
All good ideas need a place to call home, and entrepreneurs new to the state or returning will find that Delaware has numerous business parks and incubators dedicated to building entrepreneurship. From incubators and accelerators to co-working spaces and labs, founders in Delaware will find an accessible network of state-of-the-art facilities supporting community and building innovative networks.
The University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus – STAR Campus – combines top academics and research with industry and community partnerships. A nexus of research and innovation, the STAR Campus brings together academics, industry, and entrepreneurs. It’s home to the FinTech Innovation Hub, National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) headquarters, the AI Center of Excellence, and incubators like DTP@STAR.
The Innovation Space fuels the growth of science-based startups and entrepreneurs through ready-to-go lab space and customized support. The Innovation Space has more than 130,000 SF of multi-use lab space, offices, conference rooms, and common areas. Based at DuPont’s Experimental Station, labs at Innovation Space are designed to support biotechnology, chemistry, and materials science research. In addition to the physical space, companies benefit from access to mentoring programs, fundraising assistance, grants and collaboration opportunities through multiple accelerator/incubator programs at the Innovation Space.
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 also has co-working and lab facilities, called DTP@STAR, on the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus. DTP@STAR is home to twelve promising young companies in a range of industries, including agriculture, life sciences, advanced materials, renewable energy, sustainable chemistry, medical devices, and information technology.
With locations in downtown Wilmington, north Wilmington, and Seaford, The Mill provides coworking space and private offices in stylish, community-driven environments with full amenities. 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.
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 flagship 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.
The Emerging Enterprise Center (EEC) is a business incubator and resource hub in New Castle County that supports early-stage startups and small businesses through a combination of affordable workspace, mentorship, and hands-on training. Operated by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the EEC offers a structured incubation program designed to help entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable companies. With access to a collaborative environment, experienced advisors, and business development resources, the center plays a key role in growing Delaware’s startup ecosystem and strengthening the regional economy.
The Middletown Business Incubator and Collaborative Workspace (MBI) at the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce provides entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners with affordable office space, resources, and networking opportunities in the heart of southern New Castle County. Designed to foster business growth and entrepreneurship, the incubator offers flexible workspaces, access to business support services, and opportunities to connect with a dynamic community of local professionals. With a focus on empowering emerging enterprises, MBI serves as a launchpad for new ventures and a hub for economic development in the Middletown region.
WIN (Wilmington INclusive) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities by providing them with the tools, resources, and connections needed to grow successful businesses in Wilmington, Delaware. Through access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and culturally competent support services, WIN aims to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where diverse founders can thrive.
The Delaware State University Center for Urban Revitalization and Entrepreneurship (CURE) is a hub for research, business support, and community engagement that supports economic development in underserved urban areas. Through entrepreneurship training, technical assistance, and partnerships with local organizations and HBCUs, CURE empowers individuals and small businesses to drive sustainable growth in their communities. Located at DSU, the center also fosters student involvement in real-world projects, promoting inclusive development and advancing equitable
CoWork Reho is a modern, flexible workspace located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, offering entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small teams a professional environment just steps from the ocean. With high-speed internet, private offices, shared desks, and meeting rooms, CoWork Reho is designed to support productivity and collaboration year-round. Whether you’re a local freelancer or a seasonal startup, the space provides a vibrant community and the amenities needed to work efficiently in one of Delaware’s most scenic beach towns.
The Hive on Loockerman is a dynamic coworking and event space located in the heart of downtown Dover, designed to support entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses. Offering a mix of flexible workspaces, private offices, and community-driven programming, The Hive fosters collaboration and innovation in a welcoming, modern environment.
Delaware’s innovation ecosystem is built on the belief that the best ideas come from everywhere — and everyone. With a deep commitment to inclusion, the state actively supports founders from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship, funding, and access to networks.
A standout initiative is Startup302, Delaware’s flagship pitch competition offering non-dilutive funding to women and BIPOC-led startups. Hosted by Delaware Prosperity Partnership and its partners, Startup302 draws founders from across the U.S. and connects them with investors, accelerators, and a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
Delaware also supports equitable access to capital through its network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which offer loans, training, and technical assistance to small businesses—particularly those led by minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs. Additionally, through the Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity, underrepresented business owners can access state contracts, certifications, and procurement opportunities.
Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or new to the state, you’ll find that Delaware is a place where diverse founders are not only welcomed — they’re prioritized and empowered to thrive.
Delaware has long been home to bold thinkers and doers whose ideas have left a lasting impact. From artists and inventors to engineers and entrepreneurs, the individuals featured here represent just a small sampling of the many who have helped shape their industries and sparked change far beyond our state’s borders.
Scroll through a snapshot of Delaware’s journey below.
Founded DuPont and revolutionized gunpowder manufacturing on the Brandywine River, laying the foundation for a global science and innovation company.
Transformed visual storytelling as the “Father of American Illustration” and established a new style of American art education in Wilmington.
Invented Kevlar at DuPont’s Experimental Station — a super-strong, lightweight fiber now used in everything from body armor to aerospace.
Designed the Apollo Moon landing suits that protected astronauts on the lunar surface — still made in Delaware today.
Created the affinity credit card model at MBNA in Wilmington, shaping modern consumer finance and helping make Delaware a financial hub.
Co-invented multi-touch technology at the University of Delaware, which became a foundational feature in smartphones after its acquisition by Apple.
Developed Jakafi, a groundbreaking FDA-approved cancer therapy, in its Wilmington-based labs — a leader in targeted treatments for blood cancers.
Produced the 3Dimensions™ mammography system in Newark, DE — advancing early detection and saving lives through cutting-edge imaging technology.