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Students use AI to learn Chinese culture
A field trip to Chengdu, China, may be out of reach for students at Shue-Medill Middle School in Newark, but thanks to a new immersion program with a connection to the AIWhoo School, they can visit virtually and interact with “locals” using ChatGPT.
“These kids are growing up in an environment that’s completely new,” local teacher and founder of AIWhoo, Matt Saponaro, said. “If we teach what we’ve been teaching, we’re not capitalizing on that, and we’re not going towards their potential.”
Officials tap major state, local appointees
This month’s power moves include several incoming government appointments.
Former Wilmington City Council Chief of Staff Mona Parikh will move to a role as New Castle County Executive-Elect Marcus Henry’s chief administrative officer. Plus, Delaware Director of the Office of Management and Budget Cerron Cade is transitioning into a new role as John Carney’s chief of staff as he swaps his role as governor for mayor of Wilmington.
In addition to government transitions, there are power moves this month in agriculture tech, education, economic development and the arts.
➡️ Read this month’s power moves here
News Incubator: What else to know today
• The second annual Delaware State of the Tech Economy is out now, available for free download. [Technical.ly]
• Delaware State University students on TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarships fear for their futures as the Trump Administration and its planned mass deportations loom. DSU, a historically Black university, is one of five colleges that accepts opportunity scholars. [Spotlight Delaware]
• Tech Impact’s ITWorks graduated its 1,000th student on Dec. 6 in Wilmington. The free IT workforce development program for people from 18 to 26 years old launched in Philadelphia in 2011. [Tech Impact]
• BioCurie, based in Wilmington and Philadelphia, has been selected as one of the 150 Top Innovators worldwide by the New England Venture Summit. Cofounder Irene Rombel will be pitching at the event this week. [LinkedIn]
• An offshore wind farm involving 15 miles of Sussex County coastline is a step closer to reality after Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control released an order outlining revocable 20-year permit and authorization approvals for the project. [Delaware Business Times]
• Delaware has one of the lowest EV charger costs in the country, according to a new AAA study. [Delaware Business Now]
• Landsdale-based marketing fulfillment company Encompass Elements plans to consolidate its operations — and add more than 30 new jobs — at its Delaware location in New Castle. The company is seeking $250,000 from the state’s Council for Development Finance to help with relocation and expansion costs. [Town Square Delaware]
• Despite growing climate risks, Delaware’s coastal economy is thriving, according to a new report from the University of Delaware. Since 2011, it’s grown by 95% — nearly five times the rate of the national GDP. [Delaware Public Media]
• French global aircraft manufacturing company Satys has chosen New Castle as the site for its second US location. It will invest nearly $1.3 million in facility improvements in the currently shuttered hangar at Wilmington Airport. [Delaware Prosperity Partnership]
Introducing the Technical.ly Map of Innovation Ecosystems
Just about every region in the United States has somebody with a plan for entrepreneurs and tech workers. Where are they, and how do they compare? That’s where our new tool — we’ve been calling it the iMap — comes in handy.
The resource offers a snapshot of each region, and features the debut of the Technical.ly Innovation Index, which uses several weights to better understand regional strengths. In this inaugural rendition, we use five inputs to assess regions: research and development spending; total regional startup value; ease of doing business rankings; economic mobility and cost of living. How does it all shake out?
➡️ Check out the index and explore the map
🗓️ On the Calendar
• Wednesday, Dec. 11 — The State of Local Tech Economies 2024 webinar [Details]
• Wednesday, Dec. 11 — Tech Council of Delaware’s Thanks-A-Brunch! Celebration at CSC Station [Details]
• Wednesday, Dec. 11 — Tech the Halls: Learn & Celebrate with the AI Center of Excellence at the University of Delaware [Details]
• Wednesday, Dec. 11 — Tech Forum Holiday Party at University and Whist Club [Details]
• Thursday, Dec. 12 — TEDxWilmingtonSalon focused on leadership and growth, Theatre N [Details]
• Thursday, Dec. 12 — Delaware Black Chamber Down State Mixer at JD Shuckers Georgetown [Details]
• Friday, Dec. 13 — The Mill Holiday Celebration and Market at Market West [Details]
• Tuesday, Dec. 17 — Delaware Business First Free Networking Mixer, Holiday Edition at the Post in Trolley Square [Details]
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