TEDCO’s 2024 Legislative Technology Showcase was a powerful bookend for a month of new investment in local businesses boosting innovation in technology and life sciences. The event brought dozens of Maryland startups and leaders in economic development throughout the state to Annapolis for invaluable time with lawmakers, policy influencers and ecosystem collaborators.
As an advocate for creating an inclusive and sustainable Maryland entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem, TEDCO (the Maryland Technology Development Corporation) often collaborates with entities like the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) and the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), all of whom participated this year’s Showcase.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is focused on creating inclusive partnerships to support a Maryland that allows all businesses and their communities to thrive. A coalition of over 6,800 businesses, the organization continues to advocate for policies that support economic growth.
“We love that (TEDCO) support(s) technology businesses in the Maryland region,” said Theresa Montano, Maryland Chamber of Commerce director of membership engagement. “We want businesses in the state of Maryland. We want people to be able to work here, thrive here, be able to buy homes here, afford child care here. And as the chamber, we truly believe that is what is going to accomplish that in the state of Maryland.”
With an extensive network of more than 3,500 companies, hundreds of nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies, WTCI works to support emerging leaders by building the connections needed to create a healthy economy, environment and society.
“We’re very thankful to have TEDCO as a valued member of WTCI,” said Jeremy Rosendale, vice president of membership and business development for WTCI. “It is a supporting sponsor of our Maryland Innovation Lab, which connects Maryland businesses to global startups.”
Rosendale says this program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a collaboration between WTCI and L Marks, a London-based startup accelerator. It is propelled in great measure by TEDCO’s commitment to fostering business-boosting relationships.
“We’re really excited about how they can bring partnerships together for direct investment and help to propel Maryland forward,” he said.
AURP is a global nonprofit membership organization that represents university-based research parks, innovation districts, technology hubs and the entrepreneurial companies supporting growth and innovation. They were among the exhibitors at the showcase, and its leadership praised TEDCO for its support of Maryland’s research park strength within the association.
“Many of our tenant members have used TEDCO programs,” said Brian Darmody, chief strategy officer for AURP. “Whether it’s the MII program, the stem cell research program or the rural development program. All of our research parks have worked with TEDCO over the years, and I want to celebrate them for great work in helping small businesses and helping to build communities of innovation in the state of Maryland.”
These three organizations were among the many in attendance, meeting with entrepreneurs, sharing unique resources for growth, and networking with the influential individuals who help drive Maryland’s economic development.
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at tedcomd.com.
Tammi Thomas is the chief development and marketing officer with TEDCO. She is primarily responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, execution and management of TEDCO’s marketing and fundraising strategies designed to broaden awareness of and resources for TEDCO and its various programs; this includes the development and implementation of the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy.
