ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced $6.95 million in state grants aimed at boosting Maryland’s innovation infrastructure, supporting projects in critical technology sectors from life sciences to clean energy and cybersecurity.

Ten organizations across the state were awarded funds through the Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program, part of the Governor’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023. The grants, up to $2 million each, are designed to foster growth in high-demand industries and create jobs.

“Maryland will win the decade by making strategic investments in high-growth sectors,” Moore said. “The latest round of Build Our Future grants provides key infrastructure funding to projects supporting life sciences, clean tech, cybersecurity, and agriculture. Today’s announcement marks an important continuation of our longstanding work to grow our economy, create jobs, and leave no one behind.”

The program supports private companies, nonprofit entities, local governments, colleges and universities, targeting eligible sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.

Notable grant recipients include:

• Blackbird Laboratories in Baltimore City received $2 million to develop the Baltimore BioHub, a 35,000-square-foot life sciences incubator and wet lab at the City Garage Science and Technology Center, designed to house early-stage companies.
• Frederick Community College in Frederick County was awarded $292,600 to expand its life sciences training facilities, including a biotech lab and a simulated clean room.
• HighT-Tech in Prince George’s County secured $1 million for a pilot manufacturing infrastructure to commercialize an electrified, rapid high-temperature process for producing clean-tech materials like advanced batteries and hydrogen electrolyzers. The company is a spin-off from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Johns Hopkins University.
• Novel Microdevices in Baltimore City received $633,757 to establish a pilot manufacturing facility for microfluidic cartridges used in infectious disease diagnostics.
• Washington College in Kent County was granted $999,930 to revitalize a former manufacturing plant into a community-facing entrepreneurship center and innovation hub, focusing on food entrepreneurship and agricultural sustainability.

“These grants represent investments not just in individual companies but in broader growth with these key industry sectors,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. “The projects have the potential to drive innovation and discovery and help build a stronger and more competitive Maryland economy.”

The awards follow a two-phase application process conducted by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Photo via Pixabay

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