Page 41 - Innovation Delaware 2021

INNOVATION
IN THE
COVID AGE
The pandemic that ravaged the world in 2020 hit Delaware just as hard as it did other places. But the First State’s close-knit entrepreneurial ecosystem and resilient spirit cushioned the blow for the state’s business owners and residents in a number of ways.
For example, COVID-19 laid bare painful gaps in at lightning speed when the pandemic hit. On PAGE 48, we share
access to technology. But the state government stepped up to expand broadband access, while organizations like Zip Code Wilmington and entrepreneurs like NERDiT NOW’s Markevis
Gideon have been playing a major role in putting Delawareans on an even playing field, as you’ll read on PAGE 40.
Meanwhile, state government, nonprofits and colleges pulled together to launch a massive retraining effort that is set to convert former employees of the hard-hit hospitality and service industries into recruits for health care, IT and other growing sectors. Read more on PAGE 44.
Speaking of colleges, the state’s institutions of higher learning were forced to implement virtual instruction models
how they did it, what lessons they learned and what changes are likely to persist past the COVID age.
Similarly, health care systems throughout Delaware had to quickly adjust to provide continuity of care to their patients and keep them from becoming isolated. ChristianaCare, Nemours, Beebe and Bayhealth share their approaches on PAGE 54.
Particularly hard hit by the pandemic’s effects were Delaware’s entrepreneurial co-working spaces, accelerators and incubators. On PAGE 60, we share how they pivoted to serve their tenants’ changing needs and managed to stay afloat.
Throughout this section, you’ll also find testimonials from Delaware companies that embraced a new business model during the pandemic and are thriving as a result.
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