Meet the Judges Shaping the Future of Digital Health at Market Pulse Pitch

On Tuesday, September 23 at 5:00 PM, join us for an evening of cutting-edge pitches, strategic networking and the chance to connect with leaders driving the future of healthcare innovation. We are honored to welcome this year’s Market Pulse Pitch judging panel:

• Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, experienced executive and strategic leader in tech and government collaborations.
  

• Dr. M. Shafeeq Ahmed, President of a Johns Hopkins Health System hospital, nationally recognized for healthcare leadership and operational transformation.

• Lakisha Greenwade, Forbes Leadership Coach and Founder of Wearable Tech Ventures, recognized by the Smithsonian and USPTO as an Innovator Shaping the Future.

• Dr. Idong Essiet-Gibson, Principal at The Idyeas Group, specializing in scaling digital health innovations and guiding investment strategies.

• Dr. Poorva Dharkar, Health Tech Advisor and Community Builder, with expertise in digital health, MedTech, and women’s health.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear groundbreaking pitches, network with top investors and explore the next wave of digital health innovation.

Innovation, Competition, Connection: Don’t Miss Pitch & Mingle

Join us at the Maryland Innovation Center for an exhilarating pitch competition spotlighting the community's most promising entrepreneurs and startup companies. With over $5,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to witness innovation at its finest and support local talent.

What to Expect:

Immerse yourself in a spirited atmosphere with a vibrant mix of light fare and libations, all while expanding your social network. Pitch and Mingle offers the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, making it an unmissable event for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem.

How It Works:

• The Competition: Five selected startups will each have 4 minutes to present their pitch, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from our panel of judges and the audience.
• The Prizes: The top 3 companies will be chosen by our judges, with first place taking home $5,000. Additionally, the audience will vote for a "Crowd Favorite" who will also receive a cash prize.
• Networking: Mingle with fellow attendees over drinks and hors d'oeuvres, making valuable connections in a relaxed and engaging setting.

From Confusing to Compelling: Master Messaging That Works

Great ideas don’t make an impact if no one understands them. Whether you’re pitching investors, explaining research, or marketing a technical product, clarity is everything.

Join us in person at the Maryland Innovation Center for Messaging That Works: How to Market Complex Ideas, a practical workshop led by Joel Benge, communications strategist and author of Be a Nerd That Talks Good. Joel has worked with organizations from NASA to Nickelodeon—and now helps startups and technical experts turn complex concepts into messages that inspire action.

What you’ll gain:

• Spot the Pitfalls: Diagnose why technical communication fails and how to avoid common traps.
• Head, Heart, Gut Model: Craft messages that resonate emotionally, logically, and credibly.
• Translate Complexity into Clarity: Learn to explain technical topics in ways that capture attention and drive results.

This session is perfect for founders, innovators, and technical professionals who need to get their message across—clearly, memorably, and persuasively.

Have Your Voice Heard at Howard County’s State of the County

The Howard County community is encouraged to share their perspectives ahead of the annual State of the County address, taking place on Tuesday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. This event provides a platform for community members to highlight the issues that matter most and offer input on priorities for the county.

Residents can submit their thoughts in advance by emailing sotc@howardcountymd.gov
, helping to shape the conversation and ensure community voices are heard.

Space for the in-person address is limited, and those interested are encouraged to reserve their seats early for this opportunity to engage directly with county leadership.

Farm of the Week: Morningside Farm Grows with Purpose

Located in Woodbine, Morningside Farm cultivates heirloom vegetables, culinary herbs, and cut flowers with a strong commitment to organic practices and seasonal integrity. This woman-owned farm also offers floral CSA shares and educational workshops for home gardeners, bringing both beauty and knowledge to the community.

With only a few Saturdays left in the season, now is the perfect time to visit Morningside Farm and experience the best of what they have to offer. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy their harvest and support a local farm dedicated to sustainability and quality.

Apply Now for the Baltimore Innovation Initiative Pilot Program

The Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) Pilot Program is now open, offering grants to strengthen an equitable innovation ecosystem across higher education institutions in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson MSA. As part of Maryland’s contribution toward the Baltimore Tech Hub, BII supports both technology commercialization and entrepreneurship programming to advance technology-based ventures.

Funding Opportunities:

• Technology Advancement Grants: Up to $50,000 (or $75,000 for joint applications) to accelerate commercialization of new or existing technologies.

• Entrepreneurship Commercialization, Programming & Infrastructure Grants: Up to $50,000 to enhance entrepreneurship programs and infrastructure at eligible institutions.

Key Dates:

• IOI Deadline: October 15, 2025

• Final Application Deadline: November 6, 2025 (11:59 PM)

Eligible applicants include faculty, students, and staff from participating institutions, as well as startups collaborating with those institutions.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Get your tickets today for the Longest Table on October 4th, a powerful evening of conversation, connection, and community. Learn More
• The Wanderland Craft Beverage Festival is on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Learn More
  

• Find family-friendly fun on the farms of Howard County this fall with this helpful pumpkin picking guide. Learn More
  

• The Cyber Howard Accelerator is now accepting applications for its next cohort through October 8th. Learn More

• Maryland SBDC Statewide has published Septembers Training Events, open to everyone interested in learning about entrepreneurship. Learn More