Since its inception in 2014, Reinventing Delaware—an initiative of the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF)—has ignited innovation, driven change, and launched groundbreaking ideas through a structured entrepreneurial incubator process. This year also marks a very special milestone—the 10th anniversary of the annual Reinventing Delaware Dinner.

The Reinventing Delaware program follows a comprehensive, multi-stage evaluation and pitch competition. Each year, the program starts with the highly anticipated Reinventing Delaware Dinner event, where 100 attendees have the opportunity to present ideas with the potential to create jobs and improve life in Delaware. The most promising ideas then undergo rigorous development for over six months, transforming them from conceptual visions into actionable projects.

Several significant competition dates are approaching: the submission window will open on September 30, and the final deadline to apply is October 28. On October 22, we will publicly announce the year’s top idea as the 2024 Reinventing Delaware winner, and over the next few weeks, we will highlight each of our dynamic finalists before the ceremony.

Could Your Idea Be the Future of Delaware?

Whether it’s a revolutionary concept for a new business, an approach to education, or a unique solution to community challenges, PDFF is now seeking bold, innovative ideas focused on addressing:

  • Economic development 
  • Education 
  • Workforce development 
  • Advancing the Delaware brand 
  • Attracting young talent to Delaware 

If your idea is selected, you will receive an invitation to join us on Thursday, November 21. 

As Brian DiSabatino, CEO of EDiS Company, chairman of the Delaware Business Roundtable—and this year’s first-ever honorary Reinventing Delaware Dinner host—puts it, “The best and brightest ideas of Delaware have come from Delawareans.” 

Inspired by Pete du Pont’s legacy of championing innovators and entrepreneurs in Delaware, Reinventing Delaware is a call to those who wish to lead and inspire. DiSabatino invites individuals who are not just thinking about change but are ready to be catalysts for it.

As PDFF celebrates ten years of Reinventing Delaware, Board Member Scott Malfitano, Vice President of Corporation Service Company (CSC)—and the concept’s originator—reflects on the event’s history and impact. Over the years, he’s seen Reinventing Delaware grow, evolve, and launch groundbreaking ideas. 

Malfitano encourages anyone with a great idea and a passion for innovation to consider applying for Reinventing Delaware and attending the annual dinner. He emphasized that the event is a fun opportunity to meet and connect with everyone from fellow entrepreneurs to community leaders and CEOs from some of Delaware’s most influential enterprises. 

“You’ve got all walks of life here, and that’s one of the exciting things,” he said. “It’s a real microcosm of Delawareans trying to make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Spotlight on Last Year’s Winner: First State Hydrogen, Championed by Andrew Cottone

Last year’s Reinventing Delaware winner was Clean Hydrogen—newly incorporated as First State Hydrogen—championed by Andrew Cottone, President and CEO of Adesis, a chemistry Contract Development and Research Organization (CDMO). The initiative earned the prestigious title and a $15,000 grand prize to further develop First State Hydrogen’s concept of the nation’s first wind-powered hydrogen electrolysis plant.

This innovative project aims to generate clean energy for Delmarva and establish Delaware as a leader in clean energy. The plant will use electrolysis to split fresh water into hydrogen and oxygen gasses, producing an enriched by-product of heavy and semi-heavy water for additional processing and sale. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive significant economic growth in Delaware.

Other notable Reinventing Delaware alums include Spotlight Delaware, Zip Code Wilmington, Wilminvest, The Warehouse, Intern Delaware, PayForSuccess, Wilmington Green Box, Zero Homelessness, #MOVE2DELAWARE, TRIC Robotics, NERDit NOW, and the Delaware Collective for Creative Economy.

The Top Three Finalists in 2024

Earlier this year, three standout ideas advanced to the next stage. After a rigorous selection process, Kerriann Otaño, William Repetto, and Laura Randa were chosen as finalists, each presenting a unique proposal for Top Idea of the Year.

  • Kerriann Otaño, VP of Engagement at OperaDelaware, proposes establishing an artist hub to transform Delaware into a thriving center for the opera industry.
  • William Repetto, CEO of Repetto Writing Solutions and graduate liaison for the University of Delaware, aims to boost federal grant funding for Delaware companies.
  • Laura Randa, CEO and Chair of Toivoa, plans to expand digital therapy services to address mental health disparities for people with disabilities.

About the Annual Reinventing Delaware Dinner

Every year, PDFF’s annual Reinventing Delaware Dinner brings together 100 of Delaware’s leading innovators and change agents. This event marks the annual launch of the Reinventing Delaware program, setting the stage for collaborative efforts aimed at transforming the state’s future. As a nod to the program’s history, this year’s dinner will return to the Wilmington Club, where it was first held ten years ago.

During the event, guests attending the dinner must pitch an idea to create jobs and make Delaware a better place to live, work, and raise a family. These ideas are then evaluated based on their potential impact on private or social enterprises. The most promising proposals advance through a six-month development program, and each year a new winner is announced at the annual Pete du Pont Freedom Award ceremony.

Submit Your Vision for Reinventing Delaware

If you’re a Delawarean with a vision to shape the state’s future, Reinventing Delaware offers you a unique opportunity to shine. Submit your ideas by October 28 at https://www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/reinventing-delaware-2025-idea-submission-form

 Sponsorship opportunities for the 10th Annual Reinventing Delaware Dinner and the 2025 program are now open. For more information, contact Stephanie Johnnie at [email protected].

The winning idea(s) for Reinventing Delaware will be announced at the 2024 Pete du Pont Freedom Award, and tickets are still available for this highly-anticipated event. Purchase your tickets at petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/events.