Delaware’s Innovation Ecosystem: A Strong Foundation for Growth

Built on industry-defining innovation – historically by DuPont – Delaware’s science and technology (S&T) sectors are thriving. Its S&T ecosystem combines with world-class research and development (R&D) assets to encourage creativity, support early-stage companies and promote long-term economic vitality. This collaborative innovation community continues to include DuPont along with fellow innovators like Incyte, Merck, Chemours and Solenis, among others, and makes the state an increasingly attractive place to develop a business.

Delaware’s innovation strength is its robust R&D foundation. The state ranks sixth nationally in industrial R&D intensity, with more than $2 billion in industry R&D investment annually – largely driven by chemicals, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. These investments support high levels of patent activity and fuel a vibrant knowledge economy, anchored by research institutions like the University of Delaware (UD) and Delaware State University (DSU), each of which has made substantial investments in research capacity and entrepreneurship infrastructure in recent years.

Providing further support is a network of organizations and programs, that include The Innovation Space, a nationally recognized science accelerator; UD’s Horn Entrepreneurship, which ranks among the top such programs in the United States; and co-working hubs, incubators and industry groups such as UD’s FinTech Innovation Hub and UD’s Center for Clean Hydrogen, the Delaware BioScience Association, the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance and the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). Meanwhile, underscoring the state’s commitment to inclusive innovation have been Startup302, which finances ventures with underrepresented founders, and the Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE), which supports inclusive fintech solutions.

Delaware is poised for further growth in innovation and is best positioned to compete globally in five existing S&T opportunity areas:

1. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing and discovery – Delaware is leveraging strengths in cell and molecular biology, genomics and bioprocessing to support next generation therapeutics and investing in infrastructure and talent to support growth in biopharma research and manufacturing.

2. Next generation specialty chemical products – Building on its chemical innovation heritage, Delaware is at the forefront of developing specialty materials for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.

3. Sustainable and high-performance materials – Delaware is advancing innovation in developing cutting-edge materials – from bio-derived substances and advanced composites to responsive nanomaterials – for markets ranging from aerospace to consumer products.

4. Fintech and emerging business services platforms – Delaware’s historic strength in financial services continues today with more than 34,000 sector jobs. The state is a leader in advancing research and workforce development in digital banking, alternative lending, blockchain and financial inclusion.

5. Clean energy systems – A member of the regional, federally backed Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) and with partnerships across academia, industry and government, Delaware is emerging as a hub for green hydrogen, fuel cells, solar and wind technologies.

In addition, Delaware’s three emerging opportunity areas reflect shifting global markets and evolving technologies. Bluetech innovation encompasses marine science, ocean technology, offshore wind and coastal resilience. Integrated agriculture and sustainable food production aims to create a self-sustaining, resource-efficient and environmentally friendly system. Rehabilitative and performance enhancement technologies focus on improving health outcomes in mobility and musculoskeletal care.

By aligning market demand with local research strengths and making strategic investments in infrastructure and talent, Delaware is a resilient, innovation-driven economy. It’s also strengthening its status as a place where early-stage companies can access research partners, tailored talent pipelines and other resources.

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware Prosperity Partnership is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent. Collaborating with partners throughout the state since its creation in 2017, DPP has supported more than 75 location and expansion projects that account for more than $3.5 billion in projected capital investment and almost 11,000 new and retained jobs.