As the local technology community regroups following an unsuccessful attempt to earn $70 million in federal funding to transform Baltimore into an innovation hub, our eight Inno Fire Award winners show that the region can grow without outside intervention.
The Greater Baltimore Committee hoped to win the second phase of tech hub funding that would have become a springboard to launch local innovation. The failure of that program is made worse by a continuing downturn in the venture capital markets. The downturn that began last year has remained a fact of life for companies in 2024, with investment firms around the globe tightening their belts.
Yet startups still have many opportunities to grow, even if it is harder to win venture capital. This year's Fire Awards honorees are a great example of that. Maryland Inno has a big tent approach to innovation, so our honorees range from workforce training programs to medical device startups.
We are also honoring two organizations with our Blazer awards, which recognize companies that have gone above and beyond in their journey to grow and make an impact. Vehicles for Change is expanding across the country using virtual reality to teach more people how to become car mechanics. Astek Diagnostics is partnering with two hospitals, MedStar Health and MRR Children's Hospital in India, to test out new ways to diagnose meningitis and Urinary Tract Infections. These two companies are in vastly different industries but have managed to leverage their assets to draw new customers and partners.
We recognized all our honorees during an event on July 11 that kicked off with a discussion with Marvin Montague Jr. of vegan bacon company Meat the Mushroom and Dawn Myers, from hair care company Richualist, about their experience on the popular ABC show "Shark Tank."
Our Inno Fire award winners were split into three different categories: medtech, ecosystem builders and automotive. Keep reading to learn all about this year's honorees.
Medtech
NextStep Robotics: Stroke patients often use rigid leg braces with shoe inserts to regain mobility. This company is trying to find a better solution.
EpiWatch: A medical device company focused on turning an Apple watch into a seizure detector.
Astek Diagnostics: This Baltimore company is trying to build a diagnostic device to help doctors quickly determine what antibiotic to give patients suffering from a UTI.
Ecosystem builders
EO Baltimore's EO Accelerator: This Baltimore business development accelerator is working to nearly double the size of its program to help educate entrepreneurs on how to run a company.
BCR Cyber: This company has leveraged the state government's desire to expand the cybersecurity industry to grow its training programs.
Technology Advancement Center: This nonprofit brings together academia, small businesses and other experts to help institutions like hospitals or the federal government prepare for a crisis.
Automotive
Blue Whale EV: Electric vehicle owners are always looking for a place to charge their car. This firm provides a solution.
Vehicles for Change: This nonprofit is expanding nationwide by using virtual reality technology to train people to become auto mechanics.
