What moves innovation forward? Diverse perspectives. Supportive and welcoming tech communities. Funding and programs. Leading universities. See, startup success isn’t just about who you know… it’s where you go. So if you’re ready to startup and never stop, consider a place that has everything to support your big idea.
#1
Emerging venture capital investment
Source: Site Selection Magazine, Emerging Tech Hubs, Jan. 2023.
#9
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) awards
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Census Bureau, 2024.
#2
Federal obligations for R&D
Source: National Science Foundation and U.S. Bureau of the Census; ranking excludes Washington, DC., 2023.
The Ideal Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs
For tech startups, you’ll be hard pressed to find a location that is better for your business. With D.C. as our neighbor, Maryland entrepreneurs can tap into funding and innovation associated with the federal research projects. Early-stage companies in Maryland are surrounded by top talent, pulling from leading universities like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland. The icing on the cake? Doing business in a city like Baltimore costs 60% less than San Francisco and 44% less than New York City.
“Maryland has an ongoing commitment to be at the forefront of innovation and technology. Start-ups have a real chance at success here.”
Jeanette Ortegon CEO Waverly Technology, LLC
Powerful Partners
In Maryland, find more than a talented workforce and access to federal resources. Maryland is home to an ecosystem of individuals and institutions that are vested in the success of local startups. Whether you need affordable incubator space, a strategic investor, or a strong mentor, these organizations in Maryland who can help you get your big idea off the ground.
TEDCO
Maryland Technology Development Corporation
TEDCO provides funding, resources and connections to early-stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive. Programs are designed to boost tech transfer, support economically underserved founders and communities, and help entrepreneurs in all stages.
bwtech@UMBC focuses on commercializing cutting-edge technology and life science innovations from Maryland entrepreneurs and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a leading research university. The center offers three focused incubators – the Cyber Incubator, Biotech Incubator, and Govtech Incubator.
W Ventures is the nation’s only VC firm that provides full service and integrated marketing and communications work for its portfolio companies in exchange for equity. In addition to the marketing support, W Ventures offers facilities and housing to the startups it works with.
The Discovery District, Maryland’s largest research park, offers flexible office space, including incubator space for early stage startups. The District is home to more than 60 companies, agencies and organizations, including the National Quantum Lab, the nation’s first user facility that enables the scientific community to pursue world-leading research through hands-on access to a commercial-grade quantum computer.
The Maryland Entrepreneur Hub is a resource to help startups succeed. The Hub’s robust search capabilities connect entrepreneurs to the right resources for their business, regardless of its stage, industry or location in the state.
The Maryland Global Gateway Program provides international companies the opportunity to test out the U.S. market at an affordable rate. Maryland companies looking to test foreign markets may be eligible for the Soft Landing Exchange.
