WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 17, 2026 — In November, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation marked the 11th Reinventing Delaware Dinner, convening leaders and innovators from across the state to share practical ideas focused on Delaware’s future. Following an initial scoping process, six ideas were selected to advance as semi-finalists in the 2026 Reinventing Delaware program.

The semi-finalists reflect a range of approaches aimed at strengthening Delaware’s economy and communities. They are:

· Apprenticeship Degree, championed by Paul Herdman & Luke Rhine — Building efficient, hands-on pathways to high-demand careers to help Delaware reclaim its legacy as a hub of innovation.

· Sensory Innovation for Inclusive Futures, championed by India Williams — An immersive sensory museum and therapy model supporting neurodivergent children through inclusive play, workforce training, and community education.

· Wavestock: Delaware Ocean Securities Exchange, championed by Asa Quesenberry — A community investment platform enabling the public to invest in and grow Delaware’s coastal aquaculture and blue economy.

· TriState 3D – ScanUp, championed by Keith Roper — A statewide LiDAR, drone, and immersive media initiative creating jobs, youth-led ventures, and applied innovation across industries.

· Sindri Materials: Delaware’s Advanced Material Manufacturing Hub, championed by Christopher DiMarco & Brian Checchio — Establishing a scalable graphene manufacturing and R&D hub to anchor Delaware as a national leader in advanced materials.

· NeuroSync: Innovating Mental Health Care, championed by Saman Uppal — Expanding access to non-drug mental health treatments like TMS through clinics, mobile units, and community-based programs.

The semi-finalists have already completed a structured ideation and scoping session led by Cat Lindroth, focused on assessing viability and identifying clear, near-term action steps. Support provided during this phase was valued at $5,000 per team and helped move each proposal closer to execution.

Next steps

Following the first phase, a review committee will select up to three finalists to advance in the program. Committee members include Thère du Pont, PDFF board chair; Jacqueline Disabatino Flowers, PDFF board member; Stephanie Johnnie, PDFF executive director; Scott Malfitano, chair of the Delaware Workforce Development Board and vice president at CSC; Ted Lauzen, partner at Grey Fox; and Yvonne Deadwyler, president and CEO of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.

Finalists will receive development resources valued at more than $20,000 and will have the chance to win up to $15,000 in grant funding to support implementation of their ideas. The program is designed to strengthen Delaware’s economy, support job creation, and improve quality of life across the state.

Support the program

The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is seeking additional supporters and sponsors for the next phase of the Reinventing Delaware program. Contributions that underwrite development services or support the program through a donation help advance ideas with the potential to benefit communities statewide.

Those interested in sponsoring the initiative can contact Lynn Roberts at [email protected]. Donations are also accepted through the foundation’s website.