Welcome to the Tech Council of Delaware!

The Tech Council of Delaware connects employers, training providers, workforce partners, policymakers, and community leaders to strengthen Delaware’s tech economy and expand access to tech-enabled careers. We align talent, training, and industry demand so more Delawareans can build the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in a changing economy.

We’re excited to share that the Tech Council of Delaware has been selected as a 2026 People-First AI Fund grantee from the OpenAI Foundation.

This support will help advance our growing role in coordinating Delaware’s response to AI and its impact on the workforce. Our work will focus on connecting employers and training providers, strengthening navigation and partnerships, and helping ensure Delawareans have access to the skills, information, and opportunities they need as AI continues to reshape work.

We’re honored to be among this year’s grantees and excited to build on the momentum already underway across the state.

Learn more about the Fund and this year’s grantees: https://openaifoundation.org/news/2026-people-first-ai-fund-grantees

Tech a Walk Returns

Tech a Walk returns on Wednesday, November 18 at 8:45 AM at White Clay Creek State Park for our fourth monthly walk, hosted in partnership with Formerge.

We’ll meet at the Nine Foot Road parking lot before heading out for an easy 2-mile walk and another morning of fresh air, good conversation, and networking outside the usual conference room.

The format is simple: get outside, meet new people, and make the kinds of connections that don’t always happen at a traditional networking event

Keeping Delaware Competitive in the Age of AI

Join the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast (CACCNE) on Tuesday, October 27 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Route 9 Library & Innovation Center for its October Monthly Caribbean Networking Event.

The evening will feature Joshua Berkow, CEO of the Tech Council of Delaware, and José M. Colón, Board Chair of the Tech Council of Delaware, for a timely conversation on what Delaware must do to remain innovative, competitive, and prepared as AI reshapes industries, economies, and the future of work.

The discussion will explore how AI is transforming business and industry, opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, the role of workforce development and technology leadership, and how collaboration can help Delaware attract growth and stay competitive.

The event will also include networking, open discussion, and audience Q&A.

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.

Help Shape Delaware’s AI-Ready Future

As we continue to expand our statewide AI-readiness work, we want to make sure the right corporate voices are part of the conversation helping to shape strategy, identify workforce needs, and inform what comes next.

Whether your priorities are developing the next generation of tech talent, engaging your employees through events and networking, shaping technology policy, or supporting Delaware’s broader tech ecosystem, there are a number of ways to get involved through the Council.

If your company is not yet a member of the Tech Council of Delaware, we’d love to talk about how membership can support your priorities.

Interested in corporate membership? Reach out today to start the conversation.

You Can’t Hire Your Way Out of the AI Skills Gap

As demand for AI skills continues to grow, employers may need to rethink the idea that they can simply recruit the talent they need.

In a new blog post, Jennifer Carlson, Founder and CEO of Apprenti, makes the case that the AI skills gap will require employers to build talent from within through structured training and apprenticeship, rather than waiting for the labor market or higher education to catch up. She also highlights ways employers can use existing education benefits, including Section 127 plans, to help fund apprenticeship and AI upskilling programs.



It’s a timely perspective for organizations thinking about how to build the workforce they’ll need as AI adoption accelerates.

New Member Benefit: Free AI

Black Belt Training for Your Entire Team

As AI continues to reshape work, we want to make it easier for our members to build practical skills they can use right away.

Through our partnership with Xcelerate AI, every employee at a Tech Council corporate member company can now access Xcelerate’s AI Native Foundations Black Belt training at no cost. The training is practical and action-oriented, helping employees move beyond AI fundamentals and start applying AI to real work.

CEOs of member companies with 10 or more employees also receive an expanded benefit that includes a company-wide AI transformation plan, monthly CEO peer forums, and access to Xcelerate’s full suite of AI training courses for the first year. Access the free training and CEO benefit here.



Members can also take advantage of additional Xcelerate AI offerings, including discounted enablement cohorts, advisory and implementation support, and custom AI agent development. 

Leadership Is a Team Sport

We’ve spent decades trying to improve organizational performance by developing individual leaders. But what if the real unit of performance isn’t the individual leader, but the system of people working together?

In her latest Hot Take, Heather from Awesome People Leaders explores why the traditional cascading model of leadership development can dilute the message as it moves through an organization. Building stronger teams requires more than developing a few leaders. It means giving everyone a shared playbook, common language, and the skills to work more effectively together.



Check out Heather’s latest hot take video and learn more about the Awesome Leadership Program through our partner resources page below.

Seats are filling quickly! Register today to reserve your spot for Tuesday, November 18^th!

Reinventing Delaware begins with a dynamic dinner on Tuesday, November 18, bringing together 100 thought leaders and innovators to showcase bold ideas that can create jobs and make Delaware an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. This year's dinner will be hosted by Governor Jack Markell and Carla Markell at the historic Wilmington Club in downtown Wilmington.

This invitation-only event is limited to 100 guests. To confirm your reservation, please click the link below to RSVP, select your meal preference, and share your idea or topic(s) of interest. Please note this invitation is exclusively for you and is non-transferable.

We're seeking creative, conceptual ideas from Delaware's premier business leaders and influencers that address challenges in: Economic Development, Education, Workforce Development, Advancing the Delaware Brand, and Attracting Younger Talent to Delaware.



Whether you are a returning guest or joining us for the first time, we look forward to hosting you for this unique, fun, and collaborative experience!

Elevate Delaware

Did you know that employees of Delaware businesses with 50 or fewer employees may be eligible for up to $10,000 in approved upskilling and certificate training at no cost to the employee or employer?



The Delaware Department of Labor’s Elevate Delaware program helps small businesses strengthen their workforce while supporting employees’ career advancement and earning potential. See the flyer below for eligibility and program details.

For more than 30 years, the Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference has been where healthcare, technology, and growth-stage companies get their spark and where meaningful connections lead to investment, growth, and long-term success. 

Join PACT on November 9–10, 2026, in Philadelphia for one of the East Coast's premier venture conferences. Cap Con brings together entrepreneurs, investors, advisors, and corporate innovation leaders for two days of company presentations, networking, business meetings, and thought-provoking discussions designed to create new opportunities and drive innovation.

Attendees will hear from more than 45 up-and-coming companies spanning healthcare, technology, and growth sectors, while connecting with key players from across the private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurial communities.  

The conference will once again culminate with the always exciting Lion's Den, where real investments are made live in front of the audience. 

2 Days • 1,000+ Attendees • 45 Pitching Companies • 30+ Years 

Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the conversations, connections, and investments shaping the future of innovation in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. 



Secure your tickets today. 

Delaware Technical Community College’s Workforce Development and Community Education division is seeking employer partners to provide 50-hour internship opportunities for participants who have successfully completed 500 hours of comprehensive Java programming training.

Participants have received training in object-oriented development, MySQL databases, debugging, application development, and software testing. We currently have three candidates seeking supervised, hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional IT environment.

We invite technology companies and IT departments to partner with Delaware Tech to engage with emerging talent while helping participants gain valuable real-world experience.

To learn more, please contact: Shante Childs, Program Manager, Workforce Development & Community Education.

Interested in sponsoring or getting involved? Contact Voices Still Speaking

Oltac Unsal brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of venture capital, technology entrepreneurship, and innovation policy.

As the President of Smyrna Capital, he has backed over 45 startups in technology, renewable energy, and other high-growth sectors. His investment approach extends beyond capital, providing direct mentorship on product development, financing, market positioning, and international growth. Through Smyrna and his advisory work, he has helped founders translate breakthrough ideas into scalable ventures with measurable impact.

Mr. Unsal will also be available for 1:1 investor conversations if participants are interested in individualized support. Please reach out to Elyce Hall for more information: elyceth@udel.edu

The holiday season fills up quickly, so be sure to save the date for one of the season's best events!

Join us on Wednesday, December 2, for our annual Holiday Party at the beautiful University & Whist Club!

Reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and celebrate the season with Delaware's tech community.

Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, complimentary drink tickets, door prizes, and a silent auction presented by Dynasty Sports!

We hope to see you there!

The STAR Fund helps eligible STEM graduates reduce student loan debt while building their careers with Delaware-based employers. By supporting talented STEM professionals, the program helps strengthen Delaware's workforce.

Applications open November 2nd!

William Flynn, Aspiring Tech Professional

Steph Chance-Deputy, Current Tech Professional

Van Sedita, Current Tech Professional

Vinit Raju Dekkapati, Aspiring Tech Professional

The Tech Council of Delaware’s 2026 event calendar is filling up fast—stay tuned! For any companies looking to sponsor Council events, send us an email! If you have an announcement or message for an upcoming newsletter, use the Contact Us button below to get featured.