Delaware
Governor Meyer and DSB Announce EDGE 2.0 Winners – State of Delaware News
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
Delaware
When will Delaware warm up? After snow, ice Tuesday, temps will rise
Ever seen a spring peeper peep?
A spring peeper singing in the Millsboro area.
Meteorological winter has ended and we’ve entered spring.
However, there’s still a last winter blast hitting Delaware early this week before a spring warm up hits at the end of the week.
Here’s a look at the Delaware forecast.
Will Delaware see more snow?
After a brisk Monday, March 2 with sunny skies and highs only reaching 35 degrees, there’s a chance of snow after 1 a.m. Tuesday, March 3 with freezing rain after 4 a.m. in New Castle County. Snow and freezing rain are expected before noon Tuesday, March 3. The county may receive less than a half inch of accumulation.
In Kent County and Sussex County, there’s a chance of snow and freezing rain after 1 a.m. Tuesday, March 3.
When will it warm up in Delaware?
It will start feeling like spring as warmer air moves into the First State on Tuesday evening, March 3, but wet weather is coming as well.
Rain is predicted from Tuesday, March 3 through Friday, March 5, but spring-like temperatures will make it bearable. In New Castle County temperatures will range from the mid-50s on Wednesday, March 3 to the 60s on Thursday, March 4 and Friday, March 5. Kent County should see temperatures in the 60s and Sussex County will see 70s during the mid- to later part of the week
What’s the weekend forecast?
Remember when you were daydreaming about warm weather during the polar vortex or blizzard? Well, it is coming next weekend.
The forecast is calling for sunny to partly sunny skies throughout Delaware on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Highs will reach the upper 60s in the north to the low 70s in the south.
Delaware
Law enforcement increases security across Delaware Valley after U.S. strikes on Iran
PHILADELPHIA – Law enforcement agencies across the Delaware Valley are boosting security at religious and cultural sites following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, even as officials say there is no credible threat to the area.
The Department of Homeland Security also issued an alert after Operation Epic Fury, warning agencies to remain vigilant for suspicious activity despite assessing that a large-scale attack on U.S. soil is unlikely.
Hours after the strikes, protesters gathered in cities nationwide. In Phoenixville, dozens rallied Saturday afternoon, calling the military action “senseless.”
“Stop the war. People are suffering in this country with food prices, rent, healthcare, money for the people’s needs here,” said Curry Malott, a West Chester University associate professor of educational foundations and policy studies.
President Donald Trump has said the joint operation would eliminate Iran’s nuclear and military programs and change the regime. Some demonstrators criticized the president’s decision.
“Trump has broken his campaign promises with no new wars, and here he is going into another,” said Kyle Horstmann of Phoenixville.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said in a statement that Iran poses a grave threat, adding, “Iran and its proxies are responsible for countless deaths of Americans and our partners. That record is long, deliberate, and undeniable-and it cannot be ignored.” He adds sustained military engagement should be done with consent of Congress.
Democratic leaders, including Senator Andy Kim, argued the president failed to seek congressional approval for the strikes.
“I have zero confidence in this president who has so flagrantly violated our constitution,” Kim said. He called for Congress to immediately reconvene to vote on a war powers resolution.
“I hope there can be unanimity that when it comes to strikes of this magnitude, when American service members lives are at risk, what greater responsibility do we have in Congress than to look out for our service members and the national security of our country?” he said.
The Homeland Security alert also warned of potential low-level cyberattacks targeting U.S. networks, adding another layer of concern for authorities monitoring threats at home.
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Delaware
Delaware County looks to boost maternal services in face of need
As the Delaware County Health Department recognized success over a year period, county officials also voiced work needed to be done particularly in light of infant and maternal outcomes.
“Unfortunately, in Delaware County, we do still have some issues with maternal and child health,” county Executive Director Barbara O’Malley said. “Between 2019 and 2023, 1.3% of our births were classified as ‘very low birthweight.’
“That’s actually higher than our neighboring suburban counties, which are all under 1%,” she explained. “And Philadelphia is at 1.6. So, we know we have work to do and that’s what our health department is here to do.”
O’Malley added that 15.6% of Delaware County residents received inadequate prenatal care, which is determined by when someone begins their prenatal care.
In addition, County Deputy Health Director Stephanie Reese said the disparity among communities of color has grown.
“While Pennsylvania’s Black and white infant mortality gap has narrowed in recent years, Delaware County’s gap has widened. Black infant mortality in Delco increased from 2.9 to 3.9 times that of whites,” she said.
That’s a factor driven by low birthweights linked to premature birth and preventable social and environmental factors.
Last week, Delaware County Council approved to advertise a request for proposals for an awareness and education campaign for the county health department’s Centralized Intake System and the Delco Doula Collaborative. This is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant.
This action will allow the DelcoDoula.org to go live once completed. This site for the Delco Doula Collaborative is a web-based registry of perinatal doulas offering doula information and matching services in Delaware County.
“We have so many resources available to people but they may just not be aware of how much we can do for people that are around maternal and child health issues,” O’Malley said.
She said the intake system would be a single point of entry for maternal and child health resources, including eligibility-based matching.
“Once we maybe learn about you, we can give you customized services and resources that you would qualify for,” O’Malley added.
The executive director explained why it’s critical to focus on these outcomes.
“We do know that maternal and child health is very important for so many reasons,” O’Malley said. “A healthy infant, a healthy pregnancy obviously gives people a healthy life, a great start in life, has better health outcomes, educational outcomes and better outcomes for the families.”
Doula programs can help, she explained.
“Research shows that doula programs such as the one that is supported by grant funding through the health department (and) through The Foundation for Delaware County … that there are lower rates of pre-term births, lower rates of low birthweight, lower rates of Caesarian section and higher rates of breastfeeding,” O’Malley said.
One way to support this is through increased awareness of these programs and initiatives, something O’Malley said is hoped to improve birth outcomes and advance health equity in Delaware County.
While the awareness campaign is coming, many of these programs already exist.
“People can avail themselves of them right away,” O’Malley said, directing the community to the health department website.
There, moms and moms-to-be can get support through virtual pre- and postnatal partum doula groups, where moms can learn how to care for their baby, free supplies including diapers and baby essentials, immunizations for infants as well as mental health support for new moms.
“It is critical that we get our Delaware County infants and youth off to the right start and taking care of their moms and families is the way to do it and we do have a lot of resources and we want to make sure that people take advantage of them,” O’Malley said.
Other health programs
Among some of the efforts the Delaware County Health Department have done include meeting with residents during February to offer free blood pressure screenings across the county, including Yeadon, Lansdowne, Chester and Springfield.
Through its Delco Revive! program, it also continues to offer free CPR classes with another one being held at the Yeadon Wellness Center at 125 S. Chester Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.
“According to the American Heart Association, about 70% of cardiac arrests that happen outside the hospital occur in homes,” county Council Chair Richard Womack said. “Please take the opportunity to learn how to save a life by participating in one of these classes.”
The health department also released its 2025 Annual Report that focused on strengthening public health infrastructure, expanding equitable access to services, and deepening community partnerships across the county.
Some of the accomplishments included expanded doula services, maternal wellness programming, and youth health initiatives to support healthy families and improve early-life outcomes; comprehensive Back-to-School events and community-based education efforts, including the Lead Free in 1-2-3 campaign connecting residents to screenings, supplies and preventive services.
Over the last year, the department has also offered continued implementation of Delco Revive! by increasing community training, lifesaving supply distribution, and overdose response capacity while also strengthening data-driven monitoring and outbreak response to guide prevention strategies and protect residents from communicable diseases; and also expanded the public health kiosks.
The department is also responsible for conducting inspections, investigations and regulatory enforcement to safeguard food safety, monitor environmental hazards, respond to complaints, and prevent vector-borne disease.
The annual report stated that 83% of the department’s $11.4 million budget came from federal and state funding and that the remainder for that time period was funded through American Rescue Plan Act revenues.
“As we reflect on 2025, this report represents the dedication of our staff and partners who work every day to protect and promote the health of Delaware County residents,” county Health Director Lora Siegmann Werner said. “We remain committed to building a resilient, equitable public health system for the future.”
The full Delaware County Health Department annual report can be viewed at https://delcopa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/DCHD-2025-Annual-Report-Revised.pdf.
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