Am I eligible to apply for the Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII)?

The program is open to eligible institutions in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that opt-in to participate.

How do I know if my institution is participating?

Participating institutions are listed with an asterisk (*) here.

What types of grants are available through the BII Program?

• Technology Advancement Grant: Up to $50,000 (up to $75,000 for joint proposals submitted by Qualifying institutions)
• Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Programming and Infrastructure Grant: Up to $50,000

Who can apply for these grants?

• Technology Advancement Grant: Faculty members, staff, or students from BII-participating institutions
• Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Programming and Infrastructure Grant: Staff operating entrepreneurship and/or commercialization programs at BII-participating institutions

*If awarded, you must still be a student, faculty, or staff member at the time the grant agreement is finalized.

What are the eligibility requirements for a Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) participating institution in the BII program?

Eligible applicants for the MII program (i.e., full-time faculty at participating MII institutions) may not serve as the Qualifying Individual for a BII Technology Advancement Grant and are encouraged to submit applications via the Maryland Innovation Initiative program.

Is intellectual property a requirement to apply?

No, intellectual property is not a requirement to apply for the Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) Program. However, awardees who have intellectual property will be required to certify their IP through their Tech Transfer Office (TTO) or an equivalent entity.

Startups are ineligible for the BII program if they have entered into an intellectual property license agreement with any institution participating in the Maryland Innovation Initiative (i.e., Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland - Baltimore, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, University of Maryland - College Park) within the twelve (12) months prior to applying, or if they are obligated to license the rights for the underlying intellectual property from an Eligible Institution in order to commercialize their technology. Such startups are eligible to apply for the Maryland Innovation Initiative Company Formation program (Maryland Innovation Initiative - Company Formation Application Form).

Do I need to submit an indication of interest (IOI) form?

Yes, an indication of interest form must be submitted after an initial discussion with the on-site project lead. All indication of interest forms must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.

What is the role of the BII “On-site Project Lead” in the application process?

On-site project leads are individuals selected by participating institutions to assist faculty, students, staff, and start-ups in the process of submitting a strong business-oriented application, focused on commercialization. All applications must include a signed letter of support from the on-site project lead, confirming their involvement in the application preferably at least a month prior to submission. If you do not know who your on-site project lead is, contact Jalaycia Lewis at [email protected] for contact information. Applications without a signed on-site project lead support letter will be rejected for non-compliance.

What are the next steps after submitting my indication of interest form?

Following submission of the indication of interest form, BII staff will review the information provided to ensure eligibility and invite a full invitation. After acceptance of the IOI, a link to the full application portal will be provided to the applicant. Please allow up to two weeks.

What is the application deadline?

All applications with required material must be submitted by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.

Are matching funds a requirement?

No, matching funds are not a requirement for all projects under the Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) Pilot Program. However, the program does encourage projects that involve industry partnerships.

Is travel allowed in the budget?

International travel is not an eligible expense. Domestic travel will be closely scrutinized and must be deemed critical to the commercialization planning process.

Can an applicant submit for more than one funding program at TEDCO at the same time?

Please read the full policy on this question here.

When are BII funds released?

BII funds are released in 2 tranches. (75% after execution of agreement and 25% upon approval of final report).

Can applicants request a no-cost extension?

The BII does not plan to grant any extensions. Applicants are expected to conclude each project within the respective time given. The PI is expected to know the start and end date of the BII executed agreement and plan accordingly.

Who can help find consultants to assist with the Commercialization Planning component of my Technology Advancement award?

Your incubator, on-site project lead, and even TEDCO employees can assist you with finding consultants.

When will BII awards be announced?

July 2026

What does the post-award process look like if I am selected for funding?

Once you are notified that your award has been approved, you will have 90 days to submit business verification documentation. This process includes confirming that your company is formally incorporated. Please note that there may be costs associated with obtaining required certificates or documentation from the state where your business is registered or operates**.** All Principal Investigators (PIs) are expected to complete these steps within the 90-day timeframe.