Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA)

MEIA focuses on early-stage technology commercialization in partnership with Maryland-based Universities and Labs to support Maryland's Clean Energy and Climate Goals. MEIA supports solar, wind, batteries, energy efficiency, grid modernization, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and any other technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions or provides negative emissions benefits in the electric, oil and gas, residential, commercial or industrial sectors.

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The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA) was created in 2019 by the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC). MCEC has an economic development mission to advance the adoption of clean energy, and energy efficiency products, services and technologies.

MEIA helps move climate solutions from the lab to the market by connecting innovators, experts, and partners. Through tailored support and resources, MEIA grows climate tech businesses from idea to investment—fueling economic development and advancing Maryland’s ambitious climate goals.

The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA) a program of the Maryland Clean Energy Center is dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of advanced energy and climate technologies that will mitigate climate change and drive a sustainable future. We recognize that achieving meaningful progress on climate goals is impossible without rapidly bringing new, cutting-edge technologies to market. MEIA’s mission is to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation by empowering Maryland-based businesses, universities, and research institutions to transform their groundbreaking research into market-ready solutions. By connecting climate tech ventures with the resources, expertise, and networks they need, we help ensure that the most promising technologies can scale and make a real impact on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and building a resilient, low-carbon future.

Breaking Down Barriers for Climate Tech Innovators

Early-stage inventors often face common challenges:

Limited time to focus on commercialization
Difficulty finding co-founders or advisors with business experience
Navigating a complex resource ecosystem
Limited industry connections and access to capital

MEIA’s programs are built to overcome these hurdles, giving Maryland-based innovators the tools and network needed to succeed.

A Three-Phase Program to Support Every Stage

Whether you're just starting out or scaling a venture, MEIA offers a three-phase program that provides targeted support at every step:

Phase 0: Building the Foundations for success – Helps founders validate early-stage climate tech ideas, understand funding opportunities, and build a strong business foundation with guidance from experienced mentors.
Phase 1: Team Formation & Execution – MEIA helps new entrepreneurs form strong founding teams with the right co-founders and advisors.
Phase 2: Design, Build, Test & Scale – MEIA drives growth and scalability by advancing product development, technology and manufacturing.
Phase 3: Fueling growth with capital and strategy – MEIA propels teams forward by offering access to early-stage capital, fundraising preparation, pitch coaching, and investor connections, including investment from the Climate Technology Founder’s Fund.

Participants can join one or more phases based on their needs.

Engage the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA):

INVENTORS & FOUNDERS: Turn your vision into a viable climate tech venture with expert support and a proven path from idea to investment.
ADVISORS & EXECUTIVES: Join our Executives and Entrepreneurs in Residence (EEIR) program to mentor startups and help shape the next wave of climate innovation.
INVESTORS: Access early-stage investment opportunities in promising climate tech startups poised to deliver real-world impact.
PARTNERS: Collaborate with us to support Maryland startups and help the grow into investable, market-ready companies.

Use Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA) to…

Engage/sponsor consulting projects

MEIA offers a unique accelerator program for inventors and early stage technologies that are associated with University and Federal labs in the state of Maryland and focused on meeting the state’s GHG emission goals. Those interested in MEIA’s accelerator program should visit the website.
Find an entrepreneurship program

MEIA offers a unique accelerator program for inventors and early stage technologies that are associated with University and Federal labs in the state of Maryland and focused on meeting the state’s GHG emission goals. Those interested in MEIA’s accelerator program should visit the website.
Get business advice for my venture

MEIA supports commercialization needs of inventors and mission-aligned small business through its Tech2Market services. MEIA can assist with market research, customer discovery, business planning, and other critical planning activities. Importantly, we can help you access Maryland's robust clean energy ecosystem to find successful avenues for your business. Contact us to at info@mdeia.org learn more about our fee-for-service consulting.
Identify/apply for funding & grants

MEIA supports commercialization needs of inventors and mission-aligned small business through its Tech2Market services. Faculty inventors who are applying for grants from Federal or State programs should contact us at info@mdeia.org during the grant proposal writing process and we will assist with creating the T2M section of your proposal. We'll craft our scope of work to match the funding capabilities of your grant.
Mentor entrepreneurs

MEIA's Energy-Executive-in-Residence program is ideal for entrepreneurs, current or retired executives, or people who want to explore the routine & lifestyle of being a co-Founder or Board Member of a clean energy technology company. Each team has a consulting budget that can be used to hire EEIRs to perform needed business activities. You will be accountable to the team leader and the team's Project Manager for delivering work product and participating in the team's strategic planning and customer discovery activities. If you’re interested to learn more, visit the website.