The WV Digital Government Summit: Why I’m Excited About West Virginia’s Digital Future
Yesterday, I had the chance to attend the WV Digital Government Summit, and wow — I left feeling incredibly energized and optimistic about the direction West Virginia is heading. The conversations at the summit showed me that we are more ready than ever to embrace technology and innovation in ways that will truly change our state for the better. Here’s a quick breakdown of my key takeaways and why I’m so excited about what’s to come.
Our Department of Education is Ahead of the Curve on AI
One of the most inspiring parts of the summit was hearing from our Department of Education. They’re embracing AI in the curriculum in a way that feels both progressive and practical. Rather than fearing the rise of AI, they’re actively preparing students to understand and work with it.
This is exactly the type of leadership we need to ensure West Virginia’s students aren’t just participating in but leading the charge in tomorrow’s digital economy.
NewForce is Building West Virginia’s Talent Pipeline
The NewForce program is doing amazing work training West Virginians and building a pipeline of skilled talent. What’s even more impressive is that their leadership has a deep understanding of our state’s unique needs and challenges, making their approach highly effective.
By creating these training opportunities, NewForce is helping build the local tech workforce we need to support West Virginia’s future tech economy. This program is one of the most exciting things happening in workforce development right now!
Major Companies Are Looking to Invest in WV
I was excited to see that companies like ID.me are looking to come into West Virginia. Their interest shows that we’re starting to attract attention from major players in the tech world, which is HUGE for our state.
Outside companies setting up shop here means new jobs, more innovation, and a growing tech ecosystem. West Virginia is quickly becoming a state where tech companies want to do business, and that’s a win for all of us.
There’s a Buzz About Emerging Tech
The most striking thing about the summit was the sheer excitement around emerging technologies — especially AI. Whether it’s improving government services, enhancing education, or driving economic growth, everyone was buzzing with enthusiasm for how tech can transform everyday life in West Virginia.
The excitement is a clear signal: West Virginia is ready to go all-in on digital transformation. This energy is exactly what we need to push forward and start leading in the tech space.
TechConnect WV is Poised to Lead the Charge
With all this momentum around tech, now is the perfect time for organizations like TechConnect West Virginia to step up and help lead the charge. TechConnect is focused on science, technology, and innovation-based economic development, and it’s clear that these areas will be key to driving our state forward.
By connecting local talent to emerging opportunities and advocating for tech growth, TechConnect is playing a critical role in making sure West Virginia can capitalize on this exciting moment. We’re ready to help position WV as a hub for innovation!
The WV Digital Government Summit made one thing clear: West Virginia is READY. We have the talent, the excitement, and the momentum to become a leader in the digital world. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
