The Maryland SBDC's Technology and AI team works with researchers, entrepreneurs, and growing companies to bring technologies to market, pursue government R&D funding, and put AI tools to practical use in their businesses. Whether you're commercializing a new invention, preparing an SBIR proposal, or looking to streamline operations with AI, our advisors provide one-on-one guidance at no cost.
Maryland ranks second only to California in total federal R&D funding, with a strong federal lab presence, university research corridors, and an active innovation ecosystem — making it one of the best environments in the country for technology-driven businesses.
Who We Work With
- Researchers and engineers commercializing new technologies
- Companies in biotech, IT, cybersecurity, engineering, clean energy, and agriculture
- Businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR grants or government contracts
- Entrepreneurs applying AI and emerging technology to improve their operations
- Early-stage and growth-stage companies navigating the path from concept to market
Technology Commercialization
Our advisors help technology businesses move from idea to revenue:
- Commercialization planning — Developing go-to-market strategies, identifying manufacturing resources, and planning beta tests and pilots
- Technology transfer and licensing — Feasibility studies, identifying technologies for transfer or license, and business planning to support commercialization
- Intellectual property guidance — Patent and trademark overview, preliminary IP searches, and referrals to experienced IP attorneys
- Business planning for tech entrepreneurs — Financial modeling, market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM), and investor-ready business plans
SBIR/STTR Grant Support
We provide hands-on support through the full SBIR lifecycle:
- Program overview and suitability assessment — helping you identify the right agency and topic
- Proposal outlining, preparation, and review for compliance and competitiveness
- Post-Phase I follow-up and Phase II preparation
- NSF SBIR Cohort programming in partnership with TEDCO
- Monthly SBIR support sessions for active clients
Applied AI for Small Business
Our team helps Maryland businesses understand, evaluate, and adopt AI tools — practically, not theoretically:
- One-on-one AI advising — Advisors work directly with clients to identify where AI fits their specific business, vet tools for cost and data safety, and build workflows that save real time
- AI training workshops — A six-part Applied AI curriculum covering AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, market research with AI, business planning with AI, and consultant workflows
- AI tool evaluation — We help clients cut through the marketing noise, assess billing models and data privacy, and determine whether a tool is worth the investment — or whether something they already have will do the job
- Ongoing AI learning opportunities — Workshops and drop-in sessions to help business owners stay current as tools evolve
Government Contracting for Technology Companies
Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and defense installations makes government contracting a natural growth path for technology businesses. Our advisors help clients understand the procurement landscape and build a realistic pursuit strategy:
- Procurement readiness — SAM.gov registration, NAICS code selection, and capability statement development
- Business development lifecycle — Understanding where opportunities originate, how to build relationships with contracting officers before RFPs are released, and how to identify subcontracting entry points with established primes
- Proposal support — RFP analysis, compliance matrix development, and proposal writing coached around the evaluation criteria
- Set-aside programs — Guidance on 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, and MBE certifications that open dedicated contract opportunities
- CMMC readiness — Awareness of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements for DoD contractors
- Government contracting workshop series — A four-part training arc covering the business development lifecycle, proposal team roles, how to read a federal RFP, and proposal writing fundamentals
Financing for Technology Commercialization
Bringing a technology to market often requires capital before revenue. Our advisors help clients understand their options and prepare to pursue them:
- SBIR/STTR grants — Non-dilutive federal R&D funding (see above)
- Angel and venture capital education — Understanding how equity investment works, what investors look for, and how to prepare a pitch — including investor presentation development and business plan preparation for equity rounds
- TEDCO funding programs — Equitech Growth Fund, Concept Capital, and E3 Mentorship for Maryland technology companies at various stages
- Equity crowdfunding — Regulation CF basics for companies with a strong customer or community base
- Credit to Capital — SBDC's credit-building program for businesses working toward loan readiness
Partner Ecosystem
We connect clients to Maryland's broader innovation support network:
- TEDCO — Maryland Technology Development Corporation; funding, mentorship, and NSF SBIR Cohort partnership
- APEX Accelerator — Federal procurement technical assistance and government contracting readiness
- Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) — UMD program supporting collaborative R&D, development testing, and scaling
- UMD Ventures — Technology licensing and investor connections through the university system
- Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) — Targeted support for veteran entrepreneurs pursuing government and commercial markets
- Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) and Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) — In-person meeting space and local economic development resources
- SBA programs — FAST, Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), and Regional Innovation Clusters
- University incubators and federal labs (NIH, NIST, NASA Goddard, and others)
Training and Workshops
- We offer targeted training for technology entrepreneurs and business owners:
- Applied AI for Small Business
- Government Contracting for Small Business
- Business Model Canvas, Evidence-Based Entrepreneurship, Customer Discovery, Market Research
- Tech Commercialization Fundamentals
- SBIR proposal preparation
