Big Ideas Take the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch 2025

The countdown is on! At Pumpkin Pitch 2025, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live, competing for more than $5K in prizes. Join us on Tuesday, October 7 from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center for one of the most exciting nights of innovation in Central Maryland.

This year’s lineup includes:

NOWY – AI-powered travel made effortless
Appellate – Smarter solutions for the legal field
SphereHub – Connecting people and opportunities
Karaorchee – Innovation meets entertainment

Storytime AI – Create stories that inspire

Cheer on the startups, connect with the community, and savor food, drinks and great conversation.

Market Pulse Pitch Showcases the Best in Digital Health Innovation

Last night’s Market Pulse Pitch brought investors, entrepreneurs and community partners together for an inspiring evening of pitches, networking and collaboration in the digital health space. Guests enjoyed lively conversation, food and drinks while connecting with some of the region’s brightest innovators.

At the close of the event, three standout companies earned top honors:

🥇 JuneBrain – 1st Place $7,000
🥈 Upling – 2nd Place $5,000
🥉 HealthReel – 3rd Place $3,000

Each winner impressed with bold ideas and strong potential to drive meaningful change in healthcare. The event once again highlighted Market Pulse as a platform for recognizing excellence and sparking new opportunities in digital health innovation.

New EIRs and Advisors Join to Guide Innovation

The Maryland Innovation Center is pleased to welcome a new group of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) and advisors to our growing mentorship network. These experienced professionals bring diverse expertise across industries and will provide invaluable guidance to our members as they navigate growth, innovation and business strategy.

Our EIRs and advisors offer support in areas ranging from scaling startups and refining business models to navigating legal, financial and technical challenges. Their insight helps entrepreneurs not only overcome obstacles but also seize new opportunities with confidence.

Learn more about our mentorship program and view the full roster of EIRs and advisors on our website.

Witches’ Brew and Pumpkin Spice: Fall at Heron’s Meadow Farm

Nestled in Woodbine, Heron’s Meadow Farm holds the distinction of being Maryland’s first tea farm. The family-run business specializes in hand-harvested herbal blends, grown and dried on-site to ensure quality and freshness. Visitors can enjoy fresh-brewed teas, explore the scenic grounds and shopping the apothecary-inspired store filled with teas, gifts and locally crafted goods.

Heron’s Meadow Farm exemplifies how Howard County farms blend innovation, sustainability and agri-tourism to diversify their impact and connect directly with the community.

Unlock Resources, Connections and Opportunities

at the Business Resource Expo

The Business Resource Expo is your one-stop destination for the tools, insights and connections that can help your business grow. This unique event brings together top representatives from Howard County agencies, departments and partner organizations, all ready to support your success.

Attendees will be able to explore funding opportunities, connect with workforce development programs, access marketing tools and other business support services and network with local leaders and fellow entrepreneurs. Local food trucks will also be onsite, adding to the energy of this exciting community event.

Whether you are a startup looking to get off the ground or an established business seeking new opportunities, BRE offers direct access to the resources you need to thrive.

Experience the Flavor of Columbia at Taste of Gateway

We’re excited to partner with COPT Defense Properties for this year’s signature Taste of Gateway event under the tent. This celebration brings together professionals from across Columbia Gateway’s innovation district for an evening of networking, food and community.

Guests will enjoy tastings from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, including Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ale House, Victoria's Gastro Pub, Rudy's Mediterranean, la Madeleine and Tino's Italian Bistro & Wine Bar. Drinks will be served by the Blind Tiger Mobile Bar Company, with lawn games and music adding to the festive atmosphere.

Tickets are just $15 and include two drink tickets, appetizers and small bites. Registration will close on October 1 at 4:30 p.m.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Addresses World Leaders at Quantum World Congress International Dinner. Learn More
• 'Let's Talk' at the Howard County Veteran-Owned Small Biz Expo & Fall Festival. Learn More
• Get your tickets today for the Longest Table on October 4th, a powerful evening of conversation, connection and community. Learn More

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

• The electrifying community buildings grant program is now open for applications through 2025.  Learn More