BALTIMORE, Md. — The Cyber Maryland program, a workforce initiative focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), information technology, and related fields, has transitioned to the Maryland Department of Labor from the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), effective July 1, 2025. The move signals a new phase of execution for the program, aimed at strengthening Maryland’s workforce to meet the demands of rapidly evolving industries critical to the state’s economic growth.
With a $3 million investment, Cyber Maryland will expand career pathways in cyber and adjacent fields, addressing the need for skilled professionals across sectors like health care, banking, biotechnology, and clean energy. The program, identified as a priority by Governor Wes Moore, seeks to position Maryland as a leader in cybersecurity and technology by building a robust talent pipeline. The initiative will focus on high-impact projects, including cyber and AI clinics for small businesses and community organizations, as well as K-12 and postsecondary programs tailored to industry needs.
“Cybersecurity and technology are central to Maryland’s critical infrastructure and growth sectors—from health care to banking, and biotechnology to clean energy. We must make sure Maryland has a skilled and agile workforce trained in the latest tools,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. Her statement underscores the state’s commitment to aligning workforce development with economic priorities.
Seeyew Mo, who leads Cyber Maryland, emphasized the program’s broader vision. “At a time when AI is changing how every industry works, we are building a system that helps workers get experience and grow into cyber roles across many fields, including beyond tech,” Mo said. The initiative will foster partnerships among employers, educational institutions, and training providers to ensure workers acquire skills that meet current and future employer demands.
The transition from TEDCO, where Cyber Maryland was incubated, to the Department of Labor reflects a strategic shift to integrate the program into the state’s broader workforce development framework. TEDCO’s role focused on fostering innovation and supporting technology startups, while the Department of Labor’s expertise in workforce training and job placement will enhance Cyber Maryland’s ability to scale its initiatives. The program’s new home aligns with the state’s goal of creating accessible, industry-driven training opportunities.
Cyber Maryland’s investments will include cyber and AI clinics, which provide hands-on services to small businesses and community organizations, helping them strengthen their cybersecurity practices. These clinics also offer practical experience for workers entering the field, bridging the gap between training and employment. Additionally, the program will support K-12 and postsecondary education programs designed in collaboration with industry partners to prepare students for high-demand roles in cybersecurity and AI.
The initiative builds on Maryland’s position as a cybersecurity hub, home to federal agencies like the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, as well as a growing ecosystem of cybersecurity firms. A 2024 study by TEDCO and Lightcast found over 6,500 open cybersecurity positions in Maryland and Washington, D.C., with demand projected to grow by nearly 40% over the next decade. Cyber Maryland aims to address this gap by expanding training and career pathways, particularly for underrepresented groups.
The program’s partnerships will play a critical role in its success. By collaborating with employers, Cyber Maryland will ensure training programs reflect the skills needed in today’s economy, from securing digital infrastructure to leveraging AI in diverse industries. Educational institutions, including community colleges and universities, will offer specialized courses, while training providers will deliver hands-on experiences like cyber ranges—simulated platforms for practicing cybersecurity skills.
Governor Moore’s designation of cybersecurity as a “lighthouse sector” highlights its importance to Maryland’s economic strategy. The $3 million investment will fund initiatives that not only address immediate workforce needs but also position the state to compete globally in technology-driven industries. The Department of Labor’s leadership will ensure these efforts are sustainable and inclusive, providing opportunities for workers across backgrounds and experience levels.
For more information on Cyber Maryland and its programs, visit https://labor.maryland.gov/cybermaryland. The program’s transition marks a significant step toward building a workforce equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a digital economy.