University of Maryland at College Park and Morgan State University

* Morgan State University is a member of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), together with team members Bowie State University (Bowie), Coppin State University (Coppin),Morgan State University (Morgan), University of Baltimore (U Balt), cash match partners the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), and match partner the University System of Maryland (USM) propose the Maryland Innovation Extension University Center (Extension-UC). Extension-UC builds on UMD and Morgan’s foundational University Center work (2011-present) to translate research and planning into action to transform regional capacity and training of innovative startups. As a regional leader in proven innovation programs, UMD has built a rich education, research, and service ecosystem with the capacity to lead this exceptional team. Extension-UC will work with partner organizations via technical assistance programs to broadly disseminate institutional resources such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps, Startup Fundamentals workshops, and Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programs through state and county partners with a specific emphasis on building capacity in urban hubs and rural regions. This will provide the broader ecosystem with the comprehensive tools, training, and mentorship to support technology startups throughout Maryland, resulting in a more resilient and vibrant entrepreneurial economy. Extension-UC will cultivate a more innovative culture across the state engaging socially and economically underserved communities to solve societal problems with impactful startup ventures.