The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) was created as a collaboration between the State of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions (Johns Hopkins University; Morgan State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Maryland, College Park). The program is designed to promote commercialization of research conducted in these universities and leverage each institution’s strengths.
MII was created to foster the transition of promising technologies having significant commercial potential from Qualifying Universities, where they were discovered, to the commercial sector, where they can be developed into products and services that meet identified market needs. Specifically, it is the intent of the program to foster the commercialization of such technologies through technology validation, market assessment, and the creation of start-up companies in Maryland based on a technology from a Qualified University (a University Start-up), and to accomplish this through collaborations between various schools, departments, and institutions within and among the Qualifying Universities and among other research organizations in the State.
During FY23, The MII program expanded to include opportunities at two additional comprehensive universities—Frostburg State University and Bowie State University. The collaborative efforts with these two additional universities will allow MII to expand its reach, working to bring more research to the market.
Funding Levels
MII funds up to $430,000 for "Sole Applicants" through two phases of the program:
- Technology Assessment - Technology Validation and Market Assessment, 9 months, up to $130,000
- A grant award totaling up to $180,000 may be made for Technology Assessment proposals with two or more Qualifying Universities submitting a Joint Application directed toward the commercialization of Technologies existing at more than one of the applicants’ Qualifying Universities or activities that would take place at more than one Qualifying University.
- Company Formation - Commercial Launch, 9 months, up to $300,000
Who Can Apply
Full-time Faculty Members at Qualifying Universities are eligible to apply for Technology Assessment grants.
The following Qualifying Universities are eligible to apply for funding for the Technology Assessment phase of the program:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Morgan State University
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
- University of Maryland, College Park
Maryland-based Start-up Companies that have licensed technology from a Qualifying University within twelve (12) months of submitting a proposal and meet all criteria specified in the respective RFA are eligible to apply for Company Formation investments.
Across each phase, applications must be directed toward the commercialization of a technology or group of technologies: owned by a Qualifying University; disclosed to a Qualifying University’s technology transfer office (TTO); and for which there exists appropriate intellectual property protection.
When To Apply
Applications for MII funds are considered on a quarterly basis. Complete applications for each project must be submitted by 5:00pm on the 15th day (or first business day thereafter) of each submission month.
MII Application Deadlines 2025
- April 15, 2025
- July 15, 2025
- October 15, 2025
Other Requirements
Site Miners are individuals selected by the Qualifying Universities to assist faculty and start-ups in submitting a strong, business-oriented application focused on commercialization. By providing valuable input and feedback prior to submission of an MII application, these individuals work as liaisons between the applicant and the MII program to ensure that all proposals meet a high standard of quality and align with the mission of the program.
The MII program requires each applicant to engage with a Site Miner, at least one month (30 days) before application submission. Involving a Site Miner early in the application process increases an applicant’s odds of success.
Every application must include a current, dated letter of approval, signed by a Site Miner stating their interaction with the applicant has been at least one-month (30 days) prior to application submission to meet compliance requirements.
If you do not know your Site Miner’s name, please email sgoncalves@tedcomd.com for assistance.
TEDCO Registration
- Pursuant to the Economic Development Article of the Maryland Code, TEDCO is required to foster equal access entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Maryland. Accordingly, data retrieved through the TEDCO Registration process will be used, in aggregate, to better understand the communities that are accessing TEDCO’s resources/funding. This means that all MII applicants must first obtain a one-time TEDCO ID before filling up the MII application portal.
- Once registered, applicants can access any of TEDCO’s resources and funds using their unique TEDCO ID, reducing redundancies in data entry for our stakeholders. Please click below to register.
After completing the form, an email will be sent with the registration number. You can then proceed with the application process. Please note - If you have previously obtained the TEDCO ID you should use the same ID for all TEDCO applications going forward. If you forgot your TEDCO ID send an email to tedcosupport@tedcomd.com.
Reviewers
The MII program is actively seeking qualified and experienced individuals to serve as Reviewers. This role involves providing thorough evaluations of funding applications on a quarterly basis, with a focus on both technical and commercial potential while identifying strengths and weaknesses based on established MII RFA (Request for Applications) criteria for both phases of the program.
- Reviewers play a key role in helping to identify and support innovative, high-impact technologies with potential for commercialization.
- An MII Reviewer must have recent and relevant experience in one or more areas of entrepreneurial need, must have demonstrated experience in advising technology-based start-up companies, and must meet other related criteria.
- If you or someone you know is interested in joining the MII team as a Reviewer, please review the following Solicitation to learn more about getting involved!
MII Awards
Maryland Innovation Initiative Board
View MII Board Member Bios
Chair
Renée Winsky, Bay One Group, LLC
Members
Christina DeMur, Johns Hopkins University
Wendy Martin, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Mary Morris, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Kenneth Porter, University of Maryland, College Park
Wayne Swann, Morgan State University