EDA passes on Baltimore tech — for now

Newsletter for July 3, 2024

Before we take a publishing break today and tomorrow, it's worth acknowledging perhaps the biggest story in Baltimore tech these days: The massive consortium behind the regional bid for the Economic Development Administration's Tech Hubs program ultimately didn't get Phase 2 funding.

While the companies, industry boosters and agencies behind this figure out the next steps, you can check out our article with some of their leaders' reactions below. You'll also see news about new entrepreneurs-in-residence at UMBC's innovation park, new leadership at The Pava Center and more in our latest Power Moves installment. Take a look before you start your Fourth of July plans, and have a safe Independence Day.

— Sameer, Technical.ly editor for Baltimore and DC

Ken Malone, the leader of Early Charm Ventures in Pigtown, offered this reflection in response to Baltimore ultimately being left off the latest list of EDA Tech Hubs funding recipients.

Several leaders of companies and organizations involved in Baltimore and Philadelphia's regional bids echoed this sentiment — that organizing their bids led to plans that can still take shape — even despite their obvious disappointment.

We'll keep reporting on what happens next for these and other Tech Hub bids, and invite anybody involved to speak with us.

➡️ Find more regional tech leaders' thoughts in editor Katie Malone's latest article.

Beyond the Phase 2 funding news, Baltimore had a lot to celebrate last month. For instance, the bwtech@UMBC research park at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County added five regional founders to its roster of entrepreneurs in residence. You might recognize some of them, like Chris Haug, the head of Startup Grind Maryland.

Beyond Catonsville, the region also saw promotions at The Pava Center, a pair of new directors at Mindgrub and EY recognizing local startup leaders on its Entrepreneur of the Year list.

➡️ Check out more employment news in my latest Baltimore Power Moves.

• Anne Arundel County-based Image Engineering, the entertainment firm behind aerial displays at Baltimore's Artscape and New Year's Eve celebrations, takes drones to the skies again for Fourth of July celebrations. [Technical.ly/Technical.ly/BOPA]

• Morgan State VP Willie May said its plans to create an innovation hub with Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, Baltimore are stalled because of the EDA's decision this week. [Biz Journal]

• Stay cool while you celebrate this weekend: A Code Red Extreme Heat alert is in place Thursday through Sunday. [Baltimore Banner]

• New Jersey-based govtech firm Conduent State and Local Solutions Inc. landed a tentative state contract worth almost $20 million to help the Maryland Board of Public Works upgrade its EBT system and prevent fraud. [Baltimore Sun]

• State officials report about $1 billion in cannabis sales, both recreational and medicinal since Maryland launched recreational legality in July 2023. [Baltimore Fishbowl]