Incyte Corporation, the Wilmington-based biopharmaceutical company, will expand its Delaware headquarters with a $180 million campus investment creating approximately 300 new jobs over three years.

The expansion includes a 120,000-square-foot research building for oncology and inflammation drug development, an expanded clinical operations center, and upgraded laboratory facilities. New positions span research scientists, clinical data managers, regulatory affairs specialists, and support staff.

Incyte will partner with University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College on talent pipelines. ‘Delaware is our home, and we’re committed to growing here,’ said CEO Herve Hoppenot.

Incyte currently employs 2,000+ in Delaware with over $3 billion in annual revenue.

Tourism spending in Delaware’s coastal communities hit a record $4.2 billion in 2025, a 12% increase over the previous year.

Factors include expanded shoulder-season programming, new hotel openings including the 200-room Coastal Grand Resort in Dewey Beach, increased international visitors for tax-free shopping, and growing agritourism and culinary tourism in Sussex County.

Rehoboth Beach generated $1.8 billion in visitor spending. Bethany Beach and Lewes saw fastest growth at 18% and 16% respectively. Tourism now supports 47,000 jobs in Sussex County — nearly one-third of all employment.

The Tourism Office announced a $2 million campaign targeting the Baltimore-Washington corridor, positioning Delaware’s beaches as a closer, less-crowded alternative to Ocean City and the Jersey Shore.

Wilmington has been named one of America’s top 10 emerging technology hubs by the Brookings Institution, citing the city’s growing fintech sector, talent pipeline, and supportive business environment.

The report highlights Wilmington’s concentration of financial services companies transitioning to digital-first models, the University of Delaware’s expanding computer science programs, a 34% increase in tech startup formations since 2023, and co-working spaces like 1313 Innovation driving early-stage growth.

Governor Matt Meyer called it ‘a validation of Delaware’s strategic investments in technology education and infrastructure’ and announced $15 million in additional state funding for tech workforce development.

The Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington celebrated the grand opening of its newest exhibit this weekend — a $5 million habitat expansion that adds three new species and significantly upgrades existing animal enclosures.

The expansion, called “Wild Delaware & Beyond,” features a river otter habitat with an underwater viewing tunnel, a red panda exhibit with elevated walkways and bamboo gardens, and an expanded bald eagle aviary that’s triple the size of the previous enclosure.

The project also includes a new educational pavilion with interactive exhibits about Delaware’s native wildlife, a nature play area for children ages 2–8, and improved accessibility throughout the zoo with ADA-compliant pathways and sensory-friendly spaces.

“This expansion transforms the Brandywine Zoo from a pleasant afternoon visit into a must-see destination,” said Zoo Director Dr. Brint Spencer. “The river otter exhibit alone is worth the trip.”

The Brandywine Zoo is located in Brandywine Park and is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 3–17, and free for children under 3. Delaware residents receive $2 off with proof of residency. Annual memberships start at $55 for families.

The zoo expects the new exhibits to increase annual attendance from 75,000 to over 120,000 visitors.

A new coworking space called WorkHub Wilmington officially opened its doors this week at 620 Market Street, adding much-needed flexible office space to downtown Wilmington.

The 8,000-square-foot facility features 50 hot desks, 12 private offices, two conference rooms, a podcast recording studio, and a community lounge with complimentary coffee and snacks. The space was designed by local architecture firm Bernardon, incorporating exposed brick and industrial design elements that complement the historic building’s character.

WorkHub founder and Delaware native Jessica Park said the space fills a gap for freelancers, remote workers, and small startups who need professional space without the commitment of a traditional lease.

“There’s incredible entrepreneurial energy in Wilmington right now,” Park said. “We wanted to create a space where people can collaborate, grow, and build something meaningful.”

Memberships start at $199/month for hot desk access and $599/month for a dedicated private office. A free day pass is available for first-time visitors. More information at workhubwilm.com.

Newark is getting a major new entertainment destination! Lefty’s Alley and Eats has announced its grand opening in Newark, Delaware, bringing bowling, dining, and family fun to the heart of the University of Delaware’s hometown.The entertainment venue features state-of-the-art bowling lanes, an arcade, a full-service restaurant and bar, and private event spaces. It joins a growing wave of new businesses choosing Delaware as their home.The grand opening is expected to draw visitors from across New Castle County and beyond. Stay tuned to Delaware Thrive for updates on hours, specials, and opening week events.

The State of Delaware has announced a new statewide program designed to help support and grow small businesses across all three counties. The initiative brings together resources from the Division of Small Business, local chambers of commerce, and private sector partners.The program provides small business owners with access to mentorship, technical assistance, and streamlined pathways to state contracting opportunities. It also includes a digital toolkit to help businesses establish and improve their online presence.Businesses interested in the program can learn more through the Delaware Division of Small Business at business.delaware.gov.