Since its creation in 2018, Maryland’s Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech)  is helping innovative technology companies partner with federal labs. DefTech supports companies interested in collaborative research to help further develop their technology and obtain licensing opportunities for commercializing federally-owned intellectual property. The joint initiative between Maryland Commerce, Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has provided members with connections to federal lab partners, educational resources on the technology transfer and commercialization process, and mentoring and technical assistance free of charge to dozens of cutting edge technology startups throughout the state.

With twice as many federal labs than any other state, opportunities are abound in Maryland. The success stories speak for themselves—read on to learn about a few local startups who have received DefTech assistance.

Policy and Governance

Christine and Ike Sanni are a husband and wife duo with a passion for helping people, which led to the creation of SYBAL , a government compliance framework organization. SYBAL operates under the assumption that government policy, much like the rest of the world, is always changing and industry must do everything in their power to ensure compliance with these ever changing policies. Christine and Ike have crafted a specialized “Proof of Governance” solution that offers extra assurance through detailed, real-time feedback. Through leveraging AI, blockchain, & unique digital ID, their patented system targets areas of weakness while simultaneously building up areas of strength within a company’s policy’s framework.

The pair has always wanted to influence policy, people and change but helping on a large scale, especially as a new business, can come with its challenges. The duo knew the fastest route to creating the systemic change they wished to see was by heading straight to the source, the federal government policy system. Tapping into the federal sector can be a difficult task for even the most established business, but thanks to Maryland’s DefTech program, SYBAL had hands-on support and resources to set them in the right direction.

“Having personalized support while learning to navigate the federal government business cycle helped to remove the guesswork from the process,” said Christine. “DefTech advisors made the industry more accessible and broke down the communication barriers we experienced, especially when it came to drafting federal proposals. Thanks to DefTech’s guidance and some practice, we were able to successfully land our first government contract!”

Accessible Dermatology

Lumo Imaging  is etching out a new way to make total body scans more convenient and equitable for everyone. The medical device company has devised a product line aimed at making forensic and dermatology imaging easy, the first of which being the LumoScan. The compact scanning system is capable of precisely scanning more than 90% of the body’s surface in under a minute! Its smaller design allows for easy mobility, meaning the scanner can be taken to the patient, without the use of a dedicated room.

In conjunction with the rest of the company’s product line, the system has made detailed dermatology imaging, tracking and processing more obtainable to patients and medical staff that may not otherwise have access to this kind of technology. Lumo has even used its compact scanning technology to develop a forensic imaging system designed to aid in crime scene and autopsy investigation, the LumoScan F.

With such a detailed product line and solid mission, Lumo needed a way to be able to market its product line to the right sources. Thanks to support representatives at DefTech, Lumo was able to cross a bridge that is typically tough to cross: establishing a connection with federal labs and medical centers. Through collaborating with DefTech, Lumo was able to qualify for federal grant funding and additional aid in skin cancer research. By gaining support and interest from federal organizations like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation, Lumo has been set straight on a path to success in equitable dermatology. Not to mention the extra helping hand from DefTech.

Steering Defense Solutions

Still in its infancy, Redhelm Labs  is keen to help navigate a new way to fly drones, one that’s almost limitless, by changing up the way we power unmanned aircraft systems. A drone is typically charged using a stationary charging device which results in a limited flight timeline for the drone as the aircraft must eventually return back to a base charging station. However, Neil Sorkin and Jake Muller have created a solar powered laser system that not only transmits a stronger charging signal, but allows for limitless flight time. An idea that surprisingly evolved from a high school science fair project!

After attending and graduating from University of Maryland, and securing a lab internship with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Neil was ready to take flight with his start up idea along with his partner Jake. Although the team had some experience working with the federal system, finding support and funding for their startup was a whole different concept. By utilizing Maryland’s DefTech resources Redhelm Labs was able to quickly get off the ground, learning how to take advantage of funding programs like the Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research through the Department of Defense.

“The technology we’ve created at Redhelm is set to steer the way we fly drones. The benefits of this technology, especially for military uses, will allow for drone flight at higher altitudes and ranges, without sacrificing the safety of the warfighter,” said Neil. “We thank DefTech for providing us with the backing and leverage needed to break into the defense industry.”

Maryland’s DefTech program has given over 40 startup technology companies the opportunity to receive the professional expertise needed in order to infiltrate federal markets. DefTech continues to drive the growth of Maryland’s innovation-based economy while simultaneously strengthening the state’s ties with the defense industry.