#United States #Columbia, Maryland #TEDCO #Maryland Startups #Student Innovation

Celebrating Innovation: Maryland's First Student Venture Showcase

On January 24, 2025, TEDCO, Maryland's leading economic engine for technology firms, proudly announced the winners of the inaugural Maryland Student Venture Showcase and the Pava LaPere Innovation Awards. These awards, initiated through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024 by the state, recognize extraordinary student entrepreneurs from colleges and universities within the Baltimore-Towson-Columbia metropolitan area. This significant event aims to uplift and support the next generation of innovators poised to make a mark in the business world.

A Testament to Innovation

Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO, emphasized the showcase's importance, stating, "The Maryland Student Venture Showcase and Pava LaPere Innovation Awards highlight the incredible talent emerging from our state's educational institutions." He expressed excitement about supporting these remarkable entrepreneurs as they strive to launch successful enterprises.

Among the nine awardees, noteworthy innovations were recognized:

• - DegreeMap, presented by a team from Towson University, offers an intuitive platform designed to help students and advisors collaboratively manage degree completion processes.
• - Elastic Energy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is pioneering energy storage solutions made from tree sap, aimed at hastening the global shift to renewable energy.
• - Fetal Therapy Technologies, a Johns Hopkins University venture, is the first firm specializing in microsurgical devices tailored for enhancing safety during life-saving fetal surgeries.
• - Luminova Beauty LLC, from Loyola University, is reinventing skincare with affordable products rooted in scientific research, empowering individuals to feel confident in their own skin.
• - RhizeUp, from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), focuses on engineering rhizobia to mitigate fertilizer runoff and safeguard waterways.
• - SneakerSyncLabs.com, also from Towson University, offers streamlined automation for anyone wishing to start a resell business.
• - Somnair, another Johns Hopkins project, is developing the first entirely non-invasive neurostimulation device aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea, which affects millions globally.
• - Sustainabli, from UMBC, is creating retrofittable IoT systems to enhance energy efficiency and safety in health and laboratory settings.
• - WholeSite, again from CCBC, features Drio's AI-assisted platform for simplifying website creation, making it easier for small businesses to establish a professional online presence.

Support Beyond Funding

Each award recipient will receive a generous $50,000 non-dilutive grant from the state, as well as invaluable mentorship and resources from the Maryland Student Venture Core Advisory Board. This support network comprises representatives from various local entrepreneur support organizations within the tech ecosystem, all dedicated to helping these ventures scale successfully.

The initiative also highlights TEDCO's overarching mission to cultivate and nurture Maryland's entrepreneurial innovation landscape. Through curated funding and resources, TEDCO fosters opportunities for growth and success among technology-centric startups.

To manage the selection process, UpSurge Baltimore was appointed as the ecosystem builder. They collaborated with a committee made up of representatives from 19 of the participating institutions to facilitate the award selection process, ultimately involving 39 student ventures and 20 industry experts.

Markus Proctor, a member of the Core Advisory Board and the executive director of Innovators of Progress, expressed his admiration for the collaboration: "Witnessing our academic and innovation partners unite to promote these remarkable ventures has been inspiring. This showcase marks a pivotal moment for these founders as they integrate into Maryland’s vibrant tech community. Early-stage support and valuable connections are critical for their success, alongside funding."

The Upcoming Showcase Event

The Maryland Student Venture Showcase is set to take place on February 18, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM at 4MLK, providing the awardees an excellent platform to present their innovations. A selection of other nominated ventures will also be on display, fostering networking and collaboration opportunities.

Moreover, Innovators of Progress is sponsoring three community awards of $500 to further engage attendees in selecting top exhibiting ventures during the showcase.

Open to the public, this event presents an excellent opportunity to witness the innovations of tomorrow and support aspiring entrepreneurs. Interested individuals can register to attend via the UpSurge Baltimore's website.

For more information about the Maryland Student Venture Showcase and the Pava LaPere Innovation Awards, interested parties are encouraged to visit Upsurge Baltimore.

About TEDCO

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment through an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. TEDCO identifies and invests in technology and life sciences companies across Maryland, helping them achieve growth and success. For further details, visit TEDCO.