, Maryland鈥檚 economic engine for technology companies, announces two Requests For Applications (RFAs) from the Baltimore Innovation Initiative () Pilot Program. The BII Pilot Program falls under the Maryland Innovation Initiative (), fueling innovation and economic impact in the Baltimore region.
The BII was created to support an equitable innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem within higher education institutions in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As part of Maryland鈥檚 matching contribution toward the聽, the BII seeks to advance technology toward commercialization of a product or service and bolster support for entrepreneurs developing technology-based ventures.
鈥淲e are excited to unveil the BII program to the community, offering two grant opportunities to students and faculty at eligible higher education institutions throughout the Baltimore region,鈥� said聽, MII executive director. 鈥淭he creation of this program exemplifies the impact MII has on Maryland and offers new opportunities for diverse perspectives and equitable funding opportunities that will lead to an inclusive merit-based ecosystem.鈥�
The launch of the new program introduces two grant opportunities aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. 罢丑别听聽offers applicants support to commercialize a new or existing technology at an eligible institution while the聽聽supports the creation or enhancement of entrepreneurship programs and commercialization infrastructure for technology-based ventures. Both RFAs are due by 5:00pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
鈥淭he collaborative nature of Baltimore communities has already led to incredible innovations and growth,鈥� said聽, BII program manager. 鈥淚 firmly believe that, through the BII program, we will see the creation of more opportunities for faculty and students, a feat that will lead to more innovative solutions to everyday problems.鈥�
罢丑别听聽was established as a collaboration between the State of Maryland and five academic research institutions, and leverages each institution鈥檚 strengths while promoting the commercialization of research conducted there. Since its inception, the program has聽more than $59 million in promising research commercialization, supported nearly 200 companies and generated almost 400 jobs. The success of the MII led to several聽聽that expanded MII鈥檚 reach to two more comprehensive universities in addition to the creation of BII.
鈥淗ome to more than 50 accredited two- and four-year colleges and universities, Maryland has an abundance of brilliant faculty and researchers, including those at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University,鈥� said TEDCO CEO,聽. 鈥淏altimore is one of the聽聽and one of the聽聽for young professionals nationwide, and data will tell us, diversity allows for different knowledge and perspectives to be shared collectively, leading to the growth of our innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneurs looking to make a difference must consider the worldwide impact of Maryland.鈥�
To learn more about the MII and BII programs, eligibility and application details, visit聽
About TEDCO
, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at聽.
