The Maryland Innovation Extension is an Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, with additional support coming from matching partners at the UM Ventures Baltimore Fund, TEDCO MII, TEDCO RBII, TEDCO UBII, and the University System of Maryland (USM).
Through the extension, the University of Maryland, along with partner institutions Bowie State University, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, and the University of Baltimore, are collaborating to bring entrepreneurial resources to the entire state of Maryland, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
The primary resources offered to current and aspiring Maryland entrepreneurs include:
The Maryland Innovation Extension will cultivate a more innovative culture across the state, engaging socially and economically underserved communities to solve societal problems with impactful startup ventures.
Use Maryland Innovation Extension to…
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Find an entrepreneurship program
The Maryland Innovation Extension offers current and aspiring Maryland entrepreneurs access to the I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses and to the Startup Fundamentals Workshops.
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Launch my venture
The I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension is designed to be the perfect first step for those seeking to launch a venture. The I-Corps program provides entrepreneurial training to STEM researchers with inventions and innovative ideas. The I-Corps short courses are also open to the broader community of technology entrepreneurs.
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Learn about entrepreneurship
STEM researchers and teams with inventions and innovative ideas who are selected to participate in the I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension will be provided with entrepreneurial training throughout the two-week engagement. The program specifically teaches participants about evidence-based entrepreneurship, lean startup, customer discovery, and business model generation.
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Get business advice for my venture
Among the Maryland Innovation Extension resources that are offered includes access to industry experts who serve as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. They are available for one-on-one meetings.
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Identify/apply for funding & grants
I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension positions participants for many follow-on opportunities for continued training and funding, including the NSF National I-Corps, SBIR, TEDCO’s MII, MIPS, and other funding opportunities.
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License intellectual property
Prospective mentors, advisers, partners, and investors who volunteer with the I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension find great value in working with impactful startups in the formative stages who are learning about and evaluating licensing opportunities.
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Mentor entrepreneurs
I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension relies heavily on industry mentors and engagement with the community. Prospective mentors, advisers, and investors find great value in joining the program and working with impactful startups in the formative stages.
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Find and invest in startups
I-Corps Customer Discovery short courses offered through the Maryland Innovation Extension attracts some of the most innovative and exciting tech startups coming out of UMD’s research labs, as well as startups from other universities, federal labs, and the broader ecosystem. Prospective investors may find great value in joining the program and working with impactful startups in the formative stages.