Biden-Harris Administration Designates Tech Hub in Central Maryland to Develop Predictive Healthcare Technology and Improve Equitable Care

WASHINGTON, DC — The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that Baltimore Tech Hub in Central Maryland was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors.

The Baltimore Tech Hub, a consortium led by Greater Baltimore Committee, will develop innovative and predictive healthcare technologies by applying artificial intelligence to biotechnologies. Leveraging regional research universities and institutions, research and development expertise, and existing capital investment, the Baltimore Tech Hub aims to catalyze commercialization of predictive healthcare technology, improving equitable care delivery and national health outcomes.

This designation is part of the first phase of the novel Tech Hubs program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, that will invest directly in high-potential U.S. regions and aim to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers. Designation is an endorsement of the region’s strategy to supercharge their respective technological industry to create jobs and strengthen U.S. economic and national security. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is rooted in policies that will empower the United States to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will supercharge innovation across the nation by spurring cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st century job opportunities in people’s backyards,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Each of these consortia will help us ensure the industries of the future—and their good-paying jobs—start, grow, and remain in the United States.”

“These outstanding consortia exemplify place-based economic development strategies at their best: combining federal resources with regional assets, expertise, and coalitions to implement transformational opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “As each region develops its own strategy to catalyze innovation and job creation, the entire nation grows more secure and more competitive.”

“Being at the forefront of tech innovation and taking part in programs like the Biden Administration’s first of its kind Tech Hub is intrinsically invaluable to making this Maryland’s decade,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “The support that this investment will bring to the greater Baltimore region – now nationally recognized as an area of high potential – will help grow a more equitable economy that will expand opportunity, lead to better outcomes for our residents and make us an international innovation leader. I applaud the broad coalition of businesses and organizations that put this proposal together to help build a Maryland that will leave no one behind.”

“Baltimore continues to blossom as a hub for biotechnology and high-tech innovation and entrepreneurship. Designation as a Tech Hub will open more doors and take the region to the next level of job creation and economic growth,” said Maryland Senator Ben Cardin. “Thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act passed by Congress, the Baltimore Tech Hub consortium, led by the Greater Baltimore Committee, will be in a strong position to help define the future of predictive healthcare technologies.”

“From our top-tier universities to our robust life sciences industry, the Baltimore region has a key role to play in advancing U.S. innovation and competitiveness. That’s why I strongly supported the Baltimore Consortium’s proposal to bring these assets together under a new Regional Tech Hub, and this is an important step toward making this vision a reality. This program — made possible through our passage of the Chips & Science Act — will further unlock the Baltimore region’s potential to help our nation lead in the technologies of the future, while creating more jobs and opportunity in our state,” said Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“This is exactly why I proudly supported the CHIPS and Science Act – already it is delivering for Marylanders and our local economy,” said Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02). “Maryland and Baltimore are home to some of the nation’s best universities and research hospitals as well as cutting-edge healthcare technology companies, and this designation will only strengthen our ability to innovate and create quality jobs that will have a domino effect in all industries.”

“The Baltimore region continues to be a leader in technology and innovation and I applaud the Biden Administration’s decision to designate Central Maryland as an inaugural Tech Hub. I fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act because I knew it would bring critical investments like this to Maryland and allow our region’s talent to contribute to and benefit from improvements in health care technology and delivery. I look forward to continuing to be a partner of the Biden Administration as we work to advance innovation and create jobs in Maryland and beyond,” said Representative John Sarbanes (MD-03).

“Democrats are committed to ensuring that our workers and economy remain competitive in the twenty-first century,” said Representative Steny Hoyer (MD-05). “From fostering innovation and revitalizing manufacturing to creating jobs and investing in our supply chains, the CHIPS and Science Act fulfilled many goals of the Make It In America agenda I launched in 2010. As Chair of the Regional Leadership Council, I am proud to work with the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats to implement that law, including policies like the EDA’s Tech Hub Program. These new centers of innovation will strengthen our economic foundation and help American workers and families in every corner of the country access the opportunities and tools they need to make it in America. I am pleased that Baltimore will host one of these tech hubs, and I look forward to seeing how this program will open new doors for Marylanders and businesses throughout our state.”

The 31 Tech Hubs were selected from 198 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

For a full list of Tech Hubs, visit TechHubs.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.