The Maryland Launch Fund is a program committed to support USM-affiliated (for-profit or non-profit) ventures.
This flexible early capital, in the form of awards/grants, ranges from less than $3,000 to $15,000. This capital is designed to bridge foundational gaps, supporting you on your journey to the next steps.
The Launch Fund is one part of the USM Innovation Collective — the many resources across USM that support innovators and entrepreneurs.
The USM believes that small amounts of capital, deployed effectively alongside other resources, can generate economic impact for the state of Maryland and further USM’s values and mission – to educate and serve the people of Maryland; advance equity, justice, and opportunity; and produce the research and scholarship that improve lives. That’s why it has dedicated up to $600,000 over three years to this pilot.
All recipients must have a substantial portion of its manufacturing, service, research and development, or office space located in Maryland.
There are several ways to qualify for USM affiliation:
- Ventures founded by USM students, faculty, other employees, or alumni or former students (just one is enough!)
- Ventures based on USM intellectual property-based ventures; or
- Ventures physically located in a USM research park, incubator, or RISE Zone.
See the recipient ventures here.
Use USM Launch Fund to…
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Identify/apply for funding & grants
The University System of Maryland (USM) Launch Fund connects early stage entrepreneurs — builders, creators, and innovators — to existing resources, mentorship, and capital. It creates a new capital source designed to fill gaps and connect to other capital and resources.