The Greater Baltimore region has been named as one of the first participants in an innovative Economic Development Administration (EDA) program to boost investment and job creation in the U.S.

The announcement designates the Baltimore region and 30 other communities as federal Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs  – or Tech Hubs – that are leaders in emerging technologies. The Baltimore Tech Hub’s focus will be on developing predictive healthcare technologies  in the biotechnology industry with help from artificial intelligence.

“Being at the forefront of tech innovation and taking part in programs like the Biden Administration’s first of its kind Tech Hub is intrinsically invaluable to making this Maryland’s decade,” said Governor Wes Moore in a statement. “The support that this investment will bring to the greater Baltimore region - now nationally recognized as an area of high potential - will help grow a more equitable economy that will expand opportunity, lead to better outcomes for our residents and make us an internationally leading innovation hub. I applaud the broad coalition of businesses and organizations that put this proposal together to help build a Maryland that will leave no one behind.”

The Tech Hubs application process took five months and was led by the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) ; the effort was supported by a consortium of nearly 40 universities, government agencies (including the Maryland Department of Commerce), tech companies, and economic development organizations, as well as 170 letters of support throughout the state. The designation moves the Baltimore hub into phase two of the program and could result in the region receiving tens of millions of dollars.

“This designation will catalyze a transformative era of growth, innovation, and equitable economic opportunity for our region. While competitive, this program was designed to support regions like ours; collaborative communities with the potential to propel to the forefront of the tech revolution,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, president and CEO of the GBC. “This is a first milestone for what will be GBC’s strategic focus on creating a regional economic environment that is positioned to win.”

More than 400 applications were received for the Tech Hubs designation, which is part of the CHIPS and Science Act, a law to revitalize American manufacturing signed by President Joe Biden in August 2022.

“We are incredibly proud that the Greater Baltimore region has been selected as one of 31 Tech Hubs in the U.S.,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson. “We are committed to driving innovation in Maryland and this designation will help us continue thriving as a top biopharma cluster, while incorporating emerging industries like AI.”