EDGE Winner Group Photo: EDGE 2.0 Winners – front row (l to r) NFN Brain Connections (2), KiposTech, Jupiter Modern Market. Back Row (l to r) Prismm (2), Lectrolyst, KiposTech, Crystron (3), Director CJ Bell

 

Newark, Del. – It was an evening of celebration and excitement as Governor Matt Meyer, and the Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) announced the winners of the EDGE 2.0 Grant Competition. EDGE, the Division’s flagship pitch and funding competition, stands for Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion.

Seven awards totaling an enhanced allocation of $1.15M dollars, were presented to Delaware small businesses in a ceremony at the Audion at the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus Wednesday evening. Seventeen companies pitched their projects to an expert panel of judges in late October in two categories: Nine in Entrepreneur and eight in STEM.

The winners for the Entrepreneur category are Insight Ag Scouting (Wyoming), Juniper Modern Market (Milton) and NFN Brain Connections (Dover).

The winners in the STEM category are Crystron Technologies (Wilmington), KiposTech (Newark), Lectrolyst (Wilmington), and Prismm (Newark).

Three of the eight STEM finalists also competed for $1M dollars in federal funding, as part of a special bonus round in this year’s competition. Prismm is the recipient of that award which comes in the form of a direct investment through the Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program (DASCP). DASCP is one of three programs providing funding to small businesses under the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) administered by DSB.

“EDGE 2.0 winners are turning ideas into paychecks and pride across our state, hiring Delawareans, investing in equipment, and keeping opportunity close to home,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Delaware is a state of neighbors, and we will keep clearing the path for these entrepreneurs with practical support, fast service, and accountability. From shops and farms to labs and kitchens, their success strengthens every community.”

EDGE 2.0 is an expansion of the Division’s program which launched in 2019. EDGE 2.0 still features two established tracks – Entrepreneur and STEM – applies to businesses in operation for less than 7 years and requires a 3:1 funding match and for more than 50% of the company to be located in Delaware.

But there were extensive changes designed to take the program and small businesses to the next level. They included: more funding: $1.15M total available dollars (up from $750K in prior rounds) – $400K available for Entrepreneur (60% increase) and $750K for STEM (50% increase), a new online submission process, no set number of winners, no set amount awarded to each one, eligibility expansion to businesses with 15 or fewer full-time employees, having under $700K in assets, and finalists and awardees receiving additional post-pitch in-kind services and/or award supports. These supports will include memberships to networking organizations and expedited pathways to DSB funding programs and more.

“We wanted to enhance the ability of small businesses to not just get funding, but to receive practical support and tools to help them scale in way that will provide a foundation for longevity,” said DSB Director, CJ Bell. “These companies are the best of the best applicants and I’m excited to see where they go from here.”

Including this round, EDGE has supported 127 small businesses by distributing a total of $9.1 million in grant funds since its inception. This includes 83 businesses in New Castle County, 27 in Kent County, and 17 in Sussex County.

“We are thrilled to help these businesses expand and growThese seven businesses are joining an elite group of entrepreneurs,” said Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “Small businesses enhance economic diversity in our state by helping create new industries, jobs and markets. When small businesses thrive, we all thrive.”

EDGE is conducted twice a year. Grants are awarded through an extremely competitive selection process. After thorough internal review, finalists are selected to pitch their proposals to an outside expert panel of judges, who recommend whether to fund them and at what level. In August, 179 businesses applied for funding. Of those, 136 were in the Entrepreneur category and 43 in the STEM category.

Since 2019, more than half (53%) of the 127 awardees have been either woman, minority, or veteran-owned small businesses. Another 14% have been both women and minority owned, and 16% fall into more than one additional categories previously listed.

This was the twelfth round of the program. To learn more about EDGE visit de.gov/edge!

Entrepreneur Awardees:

Insight Ag Scouting (Wyoming) – $75,000

Insight Ag Scouting is a crop and field health monitoring company that uses advanced technology such as drones, sensors, and data analytics to assess crop health, pest infestations, soil conditions, and other key factors. EDGE grant funding will be used to support their growth and expansion plans through the purchase of soil sampling and necessary transportation equipment.

 Juniper Modern Market (Milton) – $125,000

Juniper Modern Market is a community-based gourmet grab-and-go cafe, grocery and marketplace planning to open in downtown Milton, January 2025. The company will use EDGE funding to purchase commercial-grade equipment systems including coolers, ovens, grab-and-go hot equipment, a dishwasher, juicer, espresso machine, and extra ovens.

NFN Brain Connections (Dover) – $200,000

NFN Brain Connections works with individuals to restore confidence, focus, and mental balance. Many of those served come to them after experiencing a concussion, brain fog (i.e., Menopause), or early signs of memory loss. EDGE funding will be used to support its office expansion needs, including establishing a larger location in Dover, the purchase of technology infrastructure, the development of an online hub for clients and families, and website upgrades.

 

STEM Awardees:

Crystron Technologies (Wilmington) – $ 162,500

Crystron produces advanced battery materials and are on the edge of commercializing a breakthrough Cathode Active Material (CAM) for the Lithium-ion batteries. The company reports that its CAM eliminates 65% of current manufacturing steps, reduces energy consumption and emissions by 80%, lowers production cost by 40%, generates no waste, and consumes no water. The company will use its EDGE funding to take its prototype to market by enhancing production capacity, building a larger prototype, and expanding its testing infrastructure.

KiposTech (Newark) – $300,000

KiposTech is a Delaware-based agri-tech startup pioneering next-generation poultry biosecurity. Its flagship innovation, KiposPro, is a patent-pending “plasma bazooka” that uses ionized gas, to continuously eliminate airborne pathogens, dust, and ammonia inside barns 24/7, without filters or chemicals. EDGE funding will be used to take its machine from pilot to production – supporting manufacturing setup, on-farm validation, and safety certification.

Lectrolyst (Wilmington) – $162,500

Lectrolyst uses its innovative “electro-agriculture” technology to convert CO2 waste into valuable chemical products including acetate which then gets fed into precision fermentation for protein products. The company reports that this process enhances solar-to-food efficiency by 4x, reduces land use by 88% and reduces fertilizer use by 60% making it a sustainable alternative for producing fermented proteins, pharmaceutical ingredients, and vertical agriculture. Lectrolyst will use its EDGE grant funds for equipment, materials and testing to optimize its electrochemical stack systems for incorporation into the new containerized systems, and for designing, building and testing a new stack/assembly system.

Prismm (Newark) – $1,000,000 SSBCI/$125,000 EDGE

Prismm is a Delaware-based fintech SaaS company that has built a transaction-enabled digital vault to help banks, credit unions, and wealth managers simplify and automate the inheritance process, so assets transfer seamlessly. The company’s platform automates beneficiary mapping, pre-onboards heirs, and enables compliant transfers upon verification of death. SSBCI and EDGE funds will be used to expand its team, complete technical integration of its platforms, and also for marketing.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and Office of Supplier Diversity.

Media Contact

Andrea Wojcik

Division of Small Business

O: (302) 672-6802; C: (302) 554-0060

andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov 

DOVER, Del. – Applications are now being accepted for the FY 26 Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund (CIF).  The Fund, administered by the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO), provides financial support to new or existing Delaware sports facilities that host events attracting out-of-state visitors and contributing to state and local economies. New this year, the application can be submitted entirely online at https://dsbservice.delaware.gov/s/login/. You will need to create an account and then locate the CIF icon on the page to apply.

The application window is November 12th through December 12th, 2025. More information about the Fund and eligibility can be found on the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund page.

Reviews will take place from mid-December through early 2026 and will be followed by two public meetings. Funding is expected to be awarded in March. Ten million dollars has again been allocated for this round, the third round of the program, which was originally established through the FY24 Bond and Capital Improvements Act.

“Sports tourism continues to play a key role in Delaware’s economic and community growth,” said Tourism Director Jessica Welch. “By investing in the facilities that make these events possible, we’re not only attracting visitors but also supporting local jobs, small businesses, and year-round opportunities for Delawareans.”

“We’ve already seen the tremendous results of these investments—facilities that once hosted a few yearly events are now welcoming national championships,” said Ryan Wolfe, Sports Sales Leader at the Delaware Tourism Office. “This new round of funding builds on that success, ensuring Delaware remains a top contender for major sporting events.”

During its first two rounds, the Delaware Tourism Office received 35 applications requesting more than $101 million and awarded $21.3 million to nine sports tourism facilities across the state. Past awardees have used the funding to add courts and lights, as well as upgrade and modernize existing facilities.

Delaware has increasingly become a destination for national sporting events, including the USA Lacrosse Youth Nationals, Zap World Championships of Skimboarding, the annual Senior League Softball World Series, the 2025 PBA Season Opener, and the state’s first PGA Tour event, the 2022 BMW Championship.

Sports tourism is also a major economic driver in the state. In 2023, 1.1 million sports travelers attended a sports tournament, race, or other event – either as a participant or spectator – in Delaware. The 1.1 million sports travelers spent $231.4 million while at the sports venue and at off-site establishments in Delaware, including local restaurants, hotels, retailers, and recreation / entertainment venues.

The Delaware Tourism Office, a division of the Delaware Division of Small Business, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware.

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Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Director of Communications
O: (302) 672-6802; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov 

 

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is excited to announce the finalists and dates, for the EDGE 2.0 Grant Pitch Competition. The pitch competition will be held on Oct. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Tower Audion & Atrium at STAR Campus, University of Delaware, 100 Discovery Blvd., Newark, 19713. The public is invited to watch the competition in-person. Registration is required: bit.ly/3IVaAYG.

There are nine Entrepreneur category finalists and 5 STEM category finalists.

The Entrepreneur finalists are: Atomic (Milton), Focus Pharmacy (Smyrna), Insight Ag Scouting LLC (Wyoming), Kiyamel (Dagsboro), NFN Brain Connections Inc (Dover), Rooted Properties Group (Lewes), Stay Jung LLC DBA Holding Hands (Newark), Still Water (Townsend), TAM IV (Rehoboth Beach).

The STEM Finalists are: BVP Coffee Co. (Newark), CarbonForm Inc. (Wilmington), FR888T LLC (Dover), Grad Village LLC (Wilmington), KiposTech (Newark).

In addition, three more companies will compete in a bonus round for $1M in funding through the Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) under the Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program. Those businesses are: Crystron (Wilmington), Wunderwood Corporation DBA Prismm (Newark), Lectrolyst (Wilmington). These finalists will be judged on STEM Day and are also eligible for the same post award supports as all recipients.

“As Delaware’s business community continues to evolve, it’s critical that our support evolves with it.” said DSB Division Director CJ Bell. “EDGE 2.0 is not just funding – it’s a statement that Delaware backs its boldest entrepreneurs and invest in businesses that will shape our future.” They are visionaries and innovators who with help to back their plans will make an impact on Delaware’s economy.” Applicants undergo several rounds of internal review by DSB Business Finance Unit staff and leadership. They will be judged by an independent panel of expert judges.

Entrerpeneur judges: Mike Bowman (Delaware SBDC), Ayanna Khan (Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, Linda Parkowski (Kent Economic Partnership), James Williams (City of Wilmington), Laura Wisler (Del-One Federal Credit Union).

STEM judges: Ken Briscoe (A6 Media), Dora Cheatham (Aternium) Noah Olson (Delaware Prosperity Partnership), Bill Provine (Innovation Space), Troy Wilford (University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship)

EDGE 2.0 is a supercharged version of the original program launched in 2019. Among the upgrades for this round are a total amount of $1.15M in funding – double that of previous rounds, no pre-determined number of winners and no fixed award amounts. The Entrepreneur finalists are eligible for a portion of a $400-thousand-dollar pot, and the STEM finalists, will compete for a piece of the $750-thousand-dollar pot.

All finalists and awardees will also receive additional post-pitch in-kind services and/or award supports to help them grow. These supports will include memberships to networking organizations and expedited pathways to DSB funding programs and more.

EDGE stands for Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion. It is the Delaware Division of Small Business’ (DSB) flagship funding program, which has distributed nearly $8.0M to 120 small businesses in the last six years. Businesses eligible for the program are those in existence for less than 7 years, including startups not yet in the marketplace, having 15 or fewer employees, and fewer than $700-thousand dollars in assets. Additionally, businesses must be majority located (51% or more) in Delaware.

To learn more about EDGE visit de.gov/edge.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and Office of Supplier Diversity.

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Small Business (DSB) is closing in on its goal in the ‘Race to $14M’ initiative. DSB has allocated another $5.93M in federal funding since late August as part of its State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). That brings the total of funds obligated or distributed to $9.92M since April 24 and leaves just over $4M that needs to be awarded so DSB can access the next round of these federal dollars.

“December 31 is quickly approaching but our team thrives on making the impossible happen,” said DSB Director CJ Bell. “The big winners here are the small businesses that are the recipients of this funding. Through it they will scale, grow, and innovate, strengthening Delaware’s economy.”

There were nine allocations through the SSBCI Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program (DASCP). Four of them were $1M investments, including one to Aternium, who received a ceremonial check presentation from Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, Director Bell, Deputy Director Jaimie Watts on Sept. 25 at the company’s 2-year anniversary celebration. The funding will accelerate Aternium’s efforts to sustainably scale clean hydrogen production.

The remaining DASCP investments were to:

• 4th Phase Technology ($200K) – 4th Phase Technology is utilizing its funds to support ongoing research and development efforts, as well as to cover essential operational costs including rent and legal fees.
• Bio Curie ($1M) – BioCurie is leveraging the funding to accelerate product development and expand a patent, marking critical steps in their innovation pipeline. The funds are also being used to mitigate both execution and financial risks.
• Cosmos Pharmaceuticals ($500K) – Cosmos is allocating the funds toward essential business infrastructure, including furniture, fixtures, and inventory. Additionally, the investment is helping to support key personnel.
• Dunya Analytics ($500K) – Dunya Analytics is using the awarded funds to support key personnel and advance research efforts to develop cutting-edge data analytics solutions.
• Livestock Laboratories ($130K) – Livestock Labs is applying the funding to support its core team, advance research initiatives, and cover professional fees.
• Nanothem Therapeutics, Inc. ($1M) – Nanotherm is utilizing the funding to invest in essential infrastructure such as furniture, fixtures and inventory. The support also enables the company to grow its team.
• Sindri Materials ($500K) – Sindri is using the funds to enhance its facilities, strengthen day-to-day operations, and support its technical team.
• Versogen ($1M) – Versogen is allocating the funds to support key personnel, cover rent expenses and address legal and technical fees.

There was also a $100,000.00 loan to Rooted Power Yoga through the SSBCI Delaware Loan Participation Program (DELPP), who will use the funding to build out their location, and for marketing and working capital.

In 2023, Delaware was awarded $60.9M in federal funding from the U.S. Treasury Department to be provided to the State, in three allocations. It received its first $20M and must spend 80% of that to access its next round. As of early April, just over $2.0M had been distributed, leaving another $14M to hand out by the end of December.

Information on all of the SSBCI programs is available at de.gov/ssbci.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity

Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Division of Small Business
O: (302) 672-6802; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov

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DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Tourism Office is announcing the application timeline for the next round of the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, established through the FY26 Bond and Capital Improvements Act. The fund provides financial support to new or existing sports facilities that host events attracting out-of-state visitors and contributing to state and local economies.

Applications will be accepted from November 12th through December 12th, 2025. An informational webinar will be held Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. Registration is required. The link can be found here or on our Delaware Tourism website under Sports Planners. Reviews take place from mid-December through early in 2026 and will be followed by two public meetings. Funding is expected to be awarded in March. Ten million dollars has again been allocated for this round.

Delaware has increasingly become a destination for national sporting events, including the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championships, USA Lacrosse Youth Nationals, WKA National Muay Thai & Kickboxing Championships, the annual Senior League Softball World Series, the 2025 PBA Season Opener, and the state’s first PGA Tour event, the 2022 BMW Championship.

“Sports tourism is a $128 billion global industry that is continuously growing, and Delaware faces stiff competition from neighboring states to attract and retain sporting events,” said Ryan Wolfe, Sports Sales Leader at the Delaware Tourism Office. “This fund helps ensure Delaware remains competitive by investing in the facilities that allow us to bring prestigious tournaments and championships to the First State.”

Additionally, says Wolfe, with Philadelphia set to host several major sporting events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, the Tourism Office will be working to draw sports professionals across state lines to show them what Delaware has to offer.

“Sports tourism is a significant economic driver for Delaware, and we are thrilled to be able to reopen the program for new applications,” said Deputy Director Jaimie Watts. “These facilities contribute greatly to our state’s economic growth and help promote Delaware as a prime destination for out-of-state visitors. By continuing to invest in this industry, we are helping strengthen our tourism sector and create long-term benefits for communities across the state.”

During its first two rounds, the Delaware Tourism Office received 35 applications requesting more than $101 million and awarded $21.3 million to nine sports tourism facilities across the state. Past awardees have used the funding to add courts and fields, as well as upgrade and modernize existing facilities.

More information about the program, including details on prior awardees, can be found on the Delaware Tourism Office website.

The Delaware Tourism Office, a division of the Delaware Division of Small Business, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware.

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Media Contact
Andrea Wojcik
Director of Communications
O: (302) 672-6802; C: (302) 554-0060
andrea.wojcik@delaware.gov