Over the course of its history, Delaware has built an outsized reputation as a hub of innovation, blending a rich legacy of discovery with a dynamic, modern STEM ecosystem. Here, groundbreaking ideas thrive in an intimate community that offers cutting-edge opportunities. Researchers, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals can make a tangible impact in Delaware while enjoying a collaborative, supportive network. Delaware’s spirit of innovation is everywhere, from world-class labs to a skyline lined with Fortune 500 science companies.
Ready to explore Delaware’s unique tech scene? Read on to discover why Delaware’s science and technology sector is one of the nation’s best-kept secrets – and how you can be part of this exciting, inclusive innovation economy. Explore Delaware’s opportunities in the science and technology field.
A Top Contender in Science & Technology
What makes Delaware such fertile ground for science and tech? A combination of strategic advantages sets Delaware apart. The state’s research and development inputs rank among the top in the U.S. (3rd nationally) [choosedelaware.com], thanks to robust federal, academic, and private R&D investments.
Delaware’s business climate is equally a draw with one of the most favorable tax environments (including no sales tax and top rankings for business tax friendliness), so innovating here is cost-effective [expansionsolutionsmagazine.com]. The high density of tech companies and startups (Delaware has the 4th highest share of tech companies nationally [choosedelaware.com]) means an energized community of peers and partners is nearby.
Add in practical perks like the nation’s fourth-fastest average internet speeds [choosedelaware.com] and Delaware’s strategic East Coast location (situated between major metros of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C.). Here, you will find an innovation ecosystem where resources are rich, connections are easy, and progress moves at lightning speed, all backed by a personable, accessible community that wants you to succeed.
Delaware’s science and tech industries thrive across various sectors, creating a hub for research, development, and innovation. Delaware hosts a diverse ecosystem of biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, and advanced material companies despite its modest geography. Major players with global reach choose Delaware for their headquarters and R&D centers, while homegrown startups flourish alongside them. The result is a unique mix of industry giants and agile innovators collaborating nearby. This diversity means opportunities abound, from developing life-saving drugs to engineering sustainable chemicals, cutting-edge lab research, and high-tech materials manufacturing. Delaware truly offers the full spectrum of science and technology careers and businesses.
Today, companies like DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva Agriscience continue to operate significant research facilities here, alongside newer firms like Solenis (water technologies), which is investing $40M in a state-of-the-art R&D center in Wilmington [expansionsolutionsmagazine.com]. The pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca maintains a manufacturing campus, and Siemens Healthineers has a major diagnostics facility – contributing to a broad healthcare technology base [technical.ly]. In addition, cutting-edge materials companies like W.L. Gore & Associates (maker of Gore-Tex) are a growing cadre of biotechnology startups. Delaware’s industry landscape is rich and varied.
The numbers tell a story of momentum: Delaware’s life sciences sector employs about 11,000 people and generates $2 billion in GDP annually [choosedelaware.com]. Over the past decade, the number of biotech R&D firms in the state grew by 65%, reflecting an influx of startups and expansions [choosedelaware.com]. Delaware now ranks 7th nationally for venture capital funding in life sciences per capita [choosedelaware.com] – an impressive statistic that underscores investor confidence in Delaware-based innovation. The state’s bioscience industry is a powerful economic driver, accounting for 2.5% of Delaware’s employment and economy by itself [choosedelaware.com].
Delaware also has a strong presence in agricultural science, renewable energy technology, financial technology (FinTech), and more. This convergence of industries creates fertile ground for cross-disciplinary innovation – for example, chemists from the pharmaceutical sector collaborating with AI experts in fintech or material scientists partnering with biotech firms. Delaware’s tight-knit community makes such collaborations common, spurring novel solutions that might not emerge in siloed, larger markets.
Delaware knows education is the key to sustaining a tech hub, so the state invests heavily in STEM programs from K-12 through college and beyond. Innovative public-private initiatives are preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and coders starting as early as middle school [expansionsolutionsmagazine.com].
Across Delaware, schools are forging partnerships with companies to create real-world learning experiences. High schoolers can join programs like Delaware Pathways to intern at local tech firms or conduct research with professors. At the higher education level, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University each run extensive outreach: robotics competitions, summer coding camps, and mentorship programs that encourage youth to pursue STEM fields.
Delaware’s approach to workforce development is holistic and inclusive. There are apprenticeships and certificate programs for adults switching careers into tech, such as coding boot camps like Zip Code Wilmington (which rapidly trains software developers) and non-profits like NERDiT Cares that provide IT education to those who need a second chance. The state’s Workforce Development Board partners with employers to align training with real job needs [labor.delaware.gov]. All these efforts ensure that Delaware’s talent pipeline remains strong and diverse. The outcome? Companies in Delaware can hire from one of the nation’s most educated workforces (Delaware ranks in the top 5 for workforce talent by CNBC) [expansionsolutionsmagazine.com], and young professionals know they have pathways to thrive in cutting-edge careers without leaving the state.
The science and technology landscape constantly evolves. Delaware is proactively cultivating a niche in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, particularly in fintech and business analytics, which is building on the state’s financial industry presence. Wilmington’s legacy as a banking hub has led to a cluster of fintech startups and labs working on AI-driven credit analysis, cybersecurity, and blockchain applications.
Meanwhile, biotech remains a cornerstone, focusing on emerging fields like gene editing and immunotherapy. Delaware’s scientists are exploring CRISPR gene editing (the Gene Editing Institute at ChristianaCare in Wilmington is led by a pioneer in the field) and cell therapy, often in collaboration with global partners. Expect to see more Delaware breakthroughs in medical technology and pharmaceuticals – the foundation is already here with institutes like NIIMBL and companies such as NIH-funded startups sprouting from UD’s research.
Delaware is punching above its weight on the clean energy and sustainability front to drive green innovation. Companies like Bloom Energy operate facilities in Delaware and manufacture fuel cells that provide clean power solutions worldwide. Delaware’s coastal location and research expertise also position our state to contribute to offshore wind energy developments and climate science (UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment is a leader in wind power research).
Furthermore, the state’s chemical industry is pivoting toward sustainable chemistry: firms are developing new materials like biodegradable plastics and advanced batteries in their Delaware R&D labs. Delaware is helping to ensure that the next generation of AI, life sciences, and clean tech breakthroughs have a strong foothold here.
Enthusiasm is building in Delaware’s science and tech scene, and now is your chance to be part of this vibrant movement. Whether you are a growing company seeking an ideal location, a researcher looking for your next career move, or an investor scouting the next breakthrough, Delaware welcomes you with open arms.
You will be a valued member of a tight-knit, collaborative community here. Delaware offers the chance to have a significant impact in a small state – to be a big fish in our little pond, with room to make waves. Now is the time to take the next step and discover what makes Delaware unique for science and technology professionals. Ready to dive in? Delaware’s unique mix of opportunity, community, and impact is only a click away.
