Market Pulse Highlights the Future of MedTech

Healthcare leaders, founders, investors, and community partners gathered at the Maryland Innovation Center last night for Market Pulse Pitch: MedTech, showcasing innovative technologies helping shape the future of healthcare.

Congratulations to this year’s winning companies:

🏆 1st Place: Aidar Health, Inc.
🏆 2nd Place: AINGENS
🏆 3rd Place: Dasion

The event also marked the launch of HoCo HIVE (Howard County Healthcare Innovation Venture and Entrepreneurship), a new HCEDA partnership with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center focused on helping startups and growth-stage companies pilot and validate healthcare solutions in real clinical environments.

Applications for HoCo HIVE are now open on a rolling basis for startups and growth-stage companies developing devices, software, and technology-enabled healthcare solutions focused on improving how healthcare is delivered, diagnosed, and managed.

Strength, Stability, and Growth in Howard County

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently delivered the annual State of Business address during the Business Outlook Luncheon hosted by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce, declaring the state of business in Howard County “strong” as the County once again earned a AAA bond rating from all three major credit rating agencies.

During the address, Ball reflected on the resilience and momentum that have shaped Howard County’s business community over the last several years, from navigating the pandemic and economic uncertainty to supporting recovery efforts and continued growth across the region.

“Through every challenge, we showed up, made hard decisions, protected opportunity, and built a community where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and the next generation can believe their future is right here at home.” said Ball. “Together, we stood on business.”

Cybersecurity Growth in Action: Xemplify IT Expands Through the MIC Ecosystem

For Xemplify IT, growth started with a conversation at a CEO Roundtable hosted at the Maryland Innovation Center.

What began as a connection through the program quickly expanded into something bigger: a centralized office at the MIC, access to advisors and ecosystem partners, and financing support that helped the company scale during a critical growth period.

As a federal and B2B IT services firm specializing in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and scientific computing, Xemplify IT needed the ability to grow quickly after securing new contracts.

Since joining the MIC ecosystem, Xemplify IT has already doubled in size and is on track to triple in size by September. This is what happens when growing companies have access to the right ecosystem, resources, and support network.

The Greater Baltimore Committee’s 2025 Annual Investment Scorecard

The Greater Baltimore Committee’s 2025 Annual Investment Scorecard highlights how rapidly the regional economy is evolving and where future growth opportunities are emerging across the Baltimore Region.

The report tracked 156 announced deals totaling $2.9 billion across Baltimore City and the surrounding six-county region, with investment activity increasingly driven by larger, more concentrated projects tied to infrastructure, advanced industry, digital capacity, and innovation-focused growth sectors.

Several findings reinforced the growing importance of industries shaping Howard County’s economy, including biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, logistics, life sciences, and technology-driven development. One out of every three dollars invested across the region in 2025 was tied to a GBC All In 2035 Opportunity Growth Sector.

As markets across the country continue competing for next-generation industries and investment, the report underscores the importance of regional collaboration, economic development partnerships, and long-term planning to help position the Baltimore Region for sustained growth.

Business Appreciation Week 2026:

Help Us Celebrate Howard County’s Best

In partnership with County Executive Calvin Ball, each year, Howard County Economic Development Authority celebrates local businesses during Business Appreciation Week by sending ambassadors visit businesses across the county—spotlighting success, assessing needs, and connecting directly with the businesses that power our local economy.

We invite you to nominate a Howard County business you believe deserves recognition during Business Appreciation Week 2026—your input helps us recognize and support a broader, more diverse range of local businesses.

For the Founders and Executives Ready to Claim Their Space.

Power Moves is a half-day experience built for the leaders in tech who are done waiting for a seat at the table — and ready to build their own.

This event brings together founders, executives, and rising leaders for a morning of honest conversation, practical strategy, and the kind of connections that actually move the needle. Expect a room full of people who get it — because they've lived it.

Prepare for Funding: Build a Stronger Loan Application

Learn how to build a strong small business loan application and better position your company for funding. This session covers SBA requirements, what lenders look for, and how separating personal and business finances can strengthen your request.

We’ll also walk through the documentation to prepare, how to present financials clearly, and best practices for protecting personal credit while positioning your business for growth.

Led by Rosa Scharf of Fulton Bank, this program delivers practical guidance to help you submit a complete, well-structured funding application.

Recent Highlights: What You Need to Know

• New employment estimates released suggest total nonfarm employment in Maryland rose by 3,200 jobs in March. Learn More

• Howard County's Gateway Innovation District targets 8,100 new jobs and 8,400 housing units. Learn More

• TEDCO Announces the Selection of Direna Cousins for Vice President of Marketing. Learn More

• Explore the 2026 Howard County Farmers Market schedule. Learn More

• Sip, Savor, and Celebrate at Wine in the Woods this Weekend. Learn More