Established in 2017 by the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2) was founded to support the development of clean-energy technology innovations from companies and universities across Maryland, thereby boosting economic growth and jobs in the state’s clean-energy sector.
The mission of MEI2 is to bring together business, industry, and academic leaders to take advantage of opportunities in those spaces with in-state researchers and entrepreneurs leading the way.
The institute supports entrepreneurial engineers and scientists working on technologies poised to revolutionize the energy industry. From groundbreaking energy research, to seed grants that enable demonstration of the technology in working prototypes, to accelerator programs that prepare fledgling companies for the crucible of the open market, MEI2 offers a range of clean energy business development opportunities.
MEI2 provides a platform to catalyze basic research into new technology while stimulating economic growth and improving millions of lives across the state of Maryland. The Institute brings together science, industry, government and economic leaders to develop solutions to global and local energy problems and facilitate the transfer of technology and resources to the public in addition to transitioning the research into marketable products and services through locally based entrepreneurial ventures.
Engineering Market Momentum:
Below are three examples of clean-energy inventions well on their way to becoming market-ready products:
- Stronger-than-steel wood that replaces metal in cars and planes and slashes steel production emissions.
- Lightweight, long-lasting, and backpack-sized non-flammable battery packs that soldiers and rescue workers carry with them wherever they go.
- A compact, cordless air-conditioning robot that follows you on a muggy summer day, keeping you comfortable while drastically reducing the cost and environmental impact of cooling huge office or warehouse spaces.
MEI2 is Seeding Economic Impact by:
- Advancing the UMD Research Enterprise: By increasing the visibility and impact of UMD energy and environmental research.
- Supporting State of Maryland Agencies: Provide a centralized institute for the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), Department of Commerce, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Maryland Public Service Commission and the Maryland Governor's needs with respect to specific energy expertise, including serving on governmental committees and providing input to reports.
- Increasing Economic Growth in Maryland: Accelerate Maryland's energy innovation ecosystem creating new companies and jobs, as well as assisting economic development officials in attracting companies to Maryland.
MEI2 Energy Seed Grant FAQ :
38 Seed Grants Awarded (31 Phase I; 7 Phase II)
Total Funding Awarded by MEI2: $3,735,500.00
Economic Development by the Numbers with MEIA:
- 58 Companies Formed
- 225 F/T and P/T Jobs Created
- 202 Patents Filed
- $79.4M Private Investments
- $111.6M Grants Awarded
- $6.9M Revenue Generated
- 22 Products Developed
Use Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2) to…
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Collaborate/sponsor research projects
Research at MEI2 provides a comprehensive balanced energy program, based on the most efficient use of our natural resources while minimizing environmental impacts and our dependence on imported energy, with faculty expertise across a broad spectrum of energy technology and policy. Learn more about the specific areas of research and faculty associated with MEI2.
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Identify/apply for funding & grants
MEI2 awards $650K/year in energy seed grant funding. Competitive funding opportunities not only bring financial rewards, but also prestige and opportunities for professional growth. View currently available opportunities for students, faculty and research teams.
Energy Seed Grant Program
The Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2) is focused on translating university energy research into new clean energy companies in the State of Maryland and thus simultaneously benefiting our environment and creating high paying jobs to help our State economy. The MEI2 energy seed grant program to bridge the gap between academic transformative laboratory research results and prototype demonstrations to obtain investor interest. The annual call supports multiple seed grant awards with a maximum award ceiling of $100,000 USD as well as potential Phase 2 awards with a maximum ceiling of $200,000 USD for those projects that received a prior seed grant.
Energy Bridge Fund
New this fiscal year is the addition of the Energy Bridge Fund. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will require a different process. Awards will be distributed on a rolling basis and dependent upon receipt of the non-dilutive funding. Should a recipient not receive the follow-on funding, the award funds will remain with the MEI2 Investment Committee to be redistributed. Funds may be used as operating funds while waiting for the non-dilutive funded project to begin. An annual progress report should be provided to the MEI2 Investment Committee. These awards are meant to provide and support companies that: (a) need cost share for federal or state proposals/awards; (b) need operating funds for work and payment prior to receiving their award funding.
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Launch my venture
To date, MEI2 with its partner, the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA), has helped launch 58 companies in the State of Maryland. Learn more about the resources for launching a clean energy startup.
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License intellectual property
Researchers at UMD have created hundreds of innovations that are available for licensing. UM Ventures - College Park provides a searchable technology database. Key terms used in the list below include: energy, battery, solar, fuel cell. Explore the many UMD Energy Patents.