ANNAPOLIS, Md., —Governor Wes Moore, in collaboration with Maryland’s congressional delegation, announced the expansion of the state’s Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech). The expansion, supported by a $585,463 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, includes matching funds of $183,338 from the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Governor Moore emphasized Maryland’s unique position as a hub for federal and defense assets:
“Maryland is home to some of the best federal and defense assets in the nation. In partnership, we are leveraging these extraordinary institutions to drive economic growth, invest in innovation, and support Maryland entrepreneurs. Making Maryland more competitive means ensuring we have a clear strategy to match our rich assets. Today, we write the next chapter in that critical work – and our state is going to be better because of it.”
Maryland’s congressional delegation, including Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey, highlighted the program’s role in fostering innovation and supporting small businesses.
“Federal grants like this are critical to helping startup companies develop innovative tools for our service members to defend our nation. Programs such as this will continue to support our defense industrial base, making Maryland a great place to live and work,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.
About the DefTech Center
Established in 2018, Maryland’s DefTech Center connects entrepreneurs and startups to federal laboratories and resources for the development of commercial products. This process, known as technology transfer, allows businesses to leverage defense and federal assets for broader market applications.
The program has supported numerous businesses since its inception, fostering economic growth and innovation by helping small companies bridge the gap between federal research and commercialization.
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson emphasized the program’s impact:
“Through the DefTech program, dozens of startups and entrepreneurs have been given the opportunity to explore pathways of transferring defense technologies into the government and commercial markets. The expansion of this program directly taps into the growth of Maryland’s innovation-based economy while bolstering our ties with the defense industry.”
New Goals and Opportunities
With the additional funding, the DefTech Center aims to support 30 active client startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Participating companies will gain access to:
- DefTech Academy: A training program covering essential topics for working with federal labs.
- Research and Funding Information: Guidance on available funding and research opportunities.
- Federal Connections: Introductions to personnel in federal laboratories to foster collaboration.
These resources are designed to enhance Maryland’s role as a leader in innovation and technology while reinforcing its defense industrial base.
Building a Stronger Economy
The expanded DefTech program is expected to further position Maryland as a key player in the defense and technology sectors. By connecting local businesses with federal resources, the state is not only supporting entrepreneurs but also strengthening its ties to national security initiatives.
For more information on Maryland’s DefTech Center, visit Maryland Commerce.
