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

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.

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

Startups eligible for funding via MII (i.e., those led by a full-time faculty member at an MII-participating institution) are asked to engage faculty at non-MII-participating BII Eligible Institutions; or students, or staff at any BII Eligible Institution to make a key technical contribution to their technologies.

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, October 15th at 11:59pm.

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 Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:59pm ET.

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.

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 3 tranches. (50% after execution of agreement, 25% upon approval of mid-term presentation, 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?

January 2026