Since its founding in 1998, TEDCO has served as Maryland’s engine for entrepreneurial growth—bridging bold ideas with the resources needed to bring them to market. As the state’s leading source of funding for early-stage, technology-driven ventures, TEDCO plays a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem. This session explores how TEDCO accelerates commercialization from Maryland’s universities and federal labs, supports founders across every region, and transforms promising startups into scalable enterprises. Attendees will gain insight into TEDCO’s suite of programs and funds, its strategic approach to tech transfer, and its commitment to building a future where innovation thrives statewide.
- Understand TEDCO’s Strategic Role Participants will be able to describe TEDCO’s mission, structure, and impact as Maryland’s primary instrument for funding and supporting early-stage technology ventures.
- Explore Innovation Pathways Participants will analyze how TEDCO facilitates technology transfer and commercialization from universities and federal labs, and how these efforts contribute to regional economic development.
- Apply Ecosystem Insights Participants will identify key TEDCO programs and funding mechanisms, and evaluate how these tools can be leveraged to support entrepreneurial growth and inclusive innovation in their own communities or organizations.
Presenter Bio:
Ron has spent 25 years in tech transfer and economic development focused on Federal Lab collaborations with high tech small businesses. Throughout his experience, he has led a Federal Lab Tech Commercialization Office, TEDCO’s Federal Programs, and has been a DefTech Project Manager. His experience with writing and reviewing SBIR/STTR proposals, administering SBIR/STTR grants, and mentoring a startup through the NSF National I-Corps provided him with first-hand knowledge of challenges facing tech startups.
Able to research SBIR/STTR programs, agency requirements, and document best practices. Delivering results with actionable steps to facilitate Federal Lab collaborations. Evaluate Federal Lab IP for commercial potential. Identify companies that may benefit from a federal lab relationship. Work with companies on federal tech transfer and tech transition agreements to include PLAs, CRADAs, TSAs, SBIR/STTRs, and others.
That’s Amore Restaurant, 15201 Shady Grove Rd #1, Rockville, MD 20850 (Downstairs Banquet Entrance)
Speaker will be in-person at restaurant with simulcast video option available via Zoom
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Registration Check-In Opens at 5:30pm (Social Hour Begins)
Dinner Service starts NLT 6:45pm
Zoom Room Opens @ 7:15pm
Chapter Business Remarks No Earlier Than @ 7:30pm
Mr. Kaese’s Presentation w/ Q&A to follow – NLT 8:00pm