Gateway Master Plan Approved: A Vision for Innovation and Growth

Howard County has officially approved the Gateway Master Plan, setting in motion a bold vision for the future of  the Gateway Innovation District. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to transform the 1,100-acre area into a vibrant, mixed-use innovation district—a hub where research, technology, and entrepreneurship thrive alongside new housing, open spaces, and transit options. 

The Gateway Master Plan focuses on making the district more connected, inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring, ensuring that Gateway continues to serve as a key center for jobs and innovation. 

This milestone marks a major step toward realizing Howard County’s long-term economic development goals and strengthening its position as a leader in innovation and community growth. 

Great Pumpkin Pitch Lights Up the Stage with Innovation

Last night, the Maryland Innovation Center came alive with the energy of Pitch & Mingle: The Great Pumpkin Pitch. Five dynamic startups took the stage, each delivering a 4-minute pitch followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from judges and the audience. With over $5,000 in cash prizes on the line, the competition was fierce and the ideas inspiring.

Here are the winners of the night:

🏆 1st Place – Storytime AI $5,000
🥈 2nd Place – Nowy  $3,000
🥉 3rd Place – KaraOrchee $2,000

Congratulations to all the participants and winners. Stay tuned for more exciting events ahead as we continue to celebrate and support Howard County’s growing innovation community.

From Spain to Maryland:

Nunsys Expands Its Global Footprint in Howard County

We're proud to welcome Nunsys to our Maryland Innovation Center through our Global Gateway Program.

Headquartered in Spain, Nunsys is a technology leader specializing in Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity solutions, offering governance, risk and compliance tools designed to help CISOs and business leaders make smarter, data-driven decisions. Their innovative products use AI and Big Data to strengthen infrastructure security and improve organizational resilience.

By establishing their U.S. presence in the Gateway Innovation DIstrict, Nunsys gains access to one of the strongest cybersecurity ecosystems in the nation — a hub that includes federal agencies, global vendors, and innovative startups. Rafael and his team are eager to expand into the U.S. market, build partnerships and connect with resellers.

We’re thrilled to have Nunsys join our international community of innovators and look forward to supporting their growth in Maryland and beyond.

Taste of Gateway Brings Community Together

We were proud to partner with COPT Defense Properties for this year’s Taste of Gateway event, which brought professionals from across Columbia Gateway together for an evening of great food, networking and community.

Guests enjoyed tastings from Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ale House, Victoria’s Gastro Pub, Rudy’s Mediterranean, la Madeleine and Tino’s Italian Bistro & Wine Bar, with drinks from Blind Tiger Mobile Bar Company and live music adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event captured the spirit of Gateway, a place where innovation, collaboration and community thrive.

Marketing Made Simple: A Clear Path for Entrepreneurs and Founders

If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or a federal worker turned founder, chances are you’ve tried a little bit of everything when it comes to marketing—social posts, emails, ads—but you’re still not sure what’s working. That ends here.

The BRITE Marketing Series is a 3-part workshop that helps you stop chasing trends and start building a marketing system that fits your business. You’ll learn how to define your ideal customer, attract quality leads and turn them into paying clients—all with simple tools you can use right away.

What You’ll Walk Away With

• Clarity on who your customer really is and where to reach them

• Confidence in creating content and lead magnets that actually work

• Consistency with a simple nurture system that converts leads into sales

Join us for BRITE Core: Marketing Series and walk away with a clear, sustainable marketing system you can put into action immediately.

Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation at DC Startup & Tech Week

We’re proud to sponsor DC Startup & Tech Week (formerly DC Startup Week) as it celebrates 10 years of bold ideas and big wins across the DMV’s startup ecosystem.

Taking place October 20–24, 2025, this five-day event spans multiple venues throughout Washington, DC and brings together thousands of founders, investors, and innovators. With hundreds of speakers, tactical workshops, and nightly networking events, DC Startup & Tech Week is the place where ideas turn into opportunities.

As a sponsor, we’re excited to support the entrepreneurial spirit that drives this community forward. We look forward to connecting with innovators, sharing resources, and celebrating the continued growth of the region’s tech and startup ecosystem.

A Blooming Business: Blue Gables Farm Brightens Howard County

Tucked away in Clarksville, Blue Gables Farm is a vibrant cut flower farm bringing seasonal beauty to homes, weddings and markets across the region. With a focus on sustainable practices and community connection, the farm offers fresh flower bouquets, CSA shares and event florals straight from their fields. 
 
The HCEDA supports farms like Blue Gables as they grow both their business and their creative reach in Howard County.

Maryland Economic Survey: Your Voice Matters

The Center for Global Business at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, is conducting a survey to better understand the current state of the Maryland economy and the impact of recent federal policy changes on businesses.

We encourage businesses of all sizes, from urban to rural, across all industries, to participate. Your input will help shape future policy discussions so they reflect real-world experiences.

If you have any questions, please contact kprasad@umd.edu or call (301) 405-6359.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Foreclosure Prevention, Food, and Utility Assistance for Federal Workers Impacted by Government Shutdown. Learn More
  
• We are proud to sponsor TEDCO’s 11th Entrepreneur Expo that will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Learn More
• Howard County Small Business Expo celebrates veteran entrepreneurs building family legacies. Learn More

• Howard County remains committed to its federal workers as shutdown looms. Learn More

• Howard County Government Honors 2025 “Employee of the Year” and Outstanding County Service Milestones. Learn More