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Tech-based economic growth in West Virginia a key theme at ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol’ March 16

In its 17th year, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol” offers entrepreneurs a place to network and meet with key state officials.

In its 17th year, “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol” offers entrepreneurs a place to network and meet with key state officials.

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What’s on the horizon for West Virginia’s emerging tech-based economy? Join TechConnectWV and West Virginia University’s TransTech Energy Research and Business Development Program to see firsthand the state’s groundbreaking innovations and companies at the 2017 “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol.”

More than 40 of West Virginia’s technology innovators and entrepreneurs will showcase their latest ideas, technologies, and initiatives for growing and diversifying the state’s economy in the Capitol Rotunda in Charleston on March 16. They work in fields ranging from energy efficiency and solar energy to advanced manufacturing and robotics.

The event offers opportunities to network with legislators, key state officials, companies, manufacturers, investors, and innovators, and to exchange ideas for energizing and growing West Virginia’s tech-based economy.

“Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day at the Capitol is a great networking opportunity for all who want to help build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state,” said Carl Irwin, director of WVU’s TransTech Energy program. “Participants are strongly encouraged to share their thoughts with their delegates, senators and key state officials.”

Participants can also connect with the many West Virginia entrepreneurial services that assist community members, students and university researchers to commercialize their innovations or form startup companies. These groups are an important part of the state’s business development efforts. They provide coaching on business planning and financing, host business plan competitions and help entrepreneurs successfully navigate business opportunities.

Event registration begins at 8:15 a.m. in the second floor Rotunda. At 12:30 p.m., awards will be given to outstanding West Virginia companies, including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Industrial Energy Efficiency, the Governor’s Award for Leadership in Advanced Green Manufacturing, and TechConnect’s Spirit of Innovation Awards for Outstanding Woman in Technology and its StartUp Innovation of the Year. The event ends at 3:30 p.m.

The public can register to attend here. A few spaces for exhibitors are still available.

TechConnectWV is an economic development organization that works with innovative people and ideas across West Virginia to foster and promote innovation-based businesses and entrepreneurial activities throughout the state.

The TransTech Energy Research and Business Development Program at WVU highlights start-up companies and commercializable innovations coming out of universities, national labs, private companies, and even garages and basements. “TransTech” refers to transitional technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions, promote advanced manufacturing, and help build an energy efficient and sustainable economy for the future.

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