Delaware weekly roundup: AI hiring; Digital navigators and the tech gap; Developers call for reform

Welcome to the roundup of the latest from Delaware's tech and entrepreneurship scene. Want this in your inbox? Subscribe for free.

How companies use AI for high-volume hiring

The holiday season is one time of year when companies may need to hire a lot of workers in a short amount of time. Automation and AI can make the process more efficient, with tools that can do things like resume screening, skill assessment and interview scheduling. 

HR technology firm Phenom audited 101 job listings and found that they all used some automation — and few used the tools to their maximum capacity.

➡️ Read the full report here

Can digital navigators close the tech gap?

When a stark digital divide was exposed during the pandemic, digital navigators cropped up to help people lacking digital resources, internet connection and tech devices.

As progress inches forward, advocates in the digital equity space agree that navigators play a crucial role in improving access in daily life. Others question if the model is a temporary band-aid, pushing off larger systemic change. 

➡️ Read Sarah’s report here

News Incubator: What else to know today

• After recent sales of community-owned property, the city of Dover is exploring options for special projects using the money. But first, it has to create a new fund. [Delaware Business Times]

• Chicken beer? DogfishHead is collaborating with Lloyd’s Market in Lewes for a brew that pays tribute to its WondeRoast rotisserie chicken. WondeRoasty Stout features the herbs and spices used to season the famed chicken. [Delaware Online]

• Delaware Tech has renamed its Student Success Center in Stanton after First Lady Jill Biden, who once taught English at the community college. [WDEL]

• Faced with a serious teacher shortage, Delaware is considering adding a state funding mechanism that supports teacher leadership roles to improve attraction and retention. [Delaware Public Media]

• Is Bardea the new MBNA of downtown Wilmington? Through a partnership with the Buccini Pollin Group, restaurant group Bardea is set to take over Stitch House and DE.CO. [Town Square Delaware]

• With the rapid growth of development below the C&D Canal, Delaware developers call for reform in planning codes to make building more creative mixed-use projects more viable. [Spotlight Delaware]

• The Tech Council of Delaware is seeking lobbyists to advocate for the tech industry at Legislative Hall. [Tech Council of Delaware]

• Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick upheld the cancellation of Elon Musk’s $56 billion payout package, citing Delaware Supreme Court rulings. [Delaware Business Now]

A year’s worth of insights in 45 mins

Technical.ly’s annual State of the Tech Economy reports drop next week, but you don’t have to navigate the jam-packed downloads yourself — let Chris Wink walk you through them! That’s what’ll happen at the webinar he’s got lined up.

Tune in on LinkedIn Live as industry leaders from across the Mid-Atlantic join Chris to break down trends from the past year and look forward to 2025. What does the new federal administration mean for the local innovation landscape? Which communities are thriving and which are in danger of being left behind? What’s the best way to tell your region’s success stories?

➡️  RSVP for the virtual event at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Wednesday, Dec. 4 — AI for Non-Techies webinar hosted by the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce [Details]

• Wednesday, Dec. 4 — Guest Bartender Fundraiser with Ayanna Kahn, CEO of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce [Details]

• Thursday, Dec. 5 — 2024 Blue Hen Innovation Fest [Details]

• Friday, Dec. 6 — Wilmington History For Sale, Spaceboy Clothing (Art Loop event) [Details]

• Wednesday, Dec. 11 — The State of Local Tech Economies 2024 webinar [Details]