The University System of Maryland Momentum Fund

Impruvon Health develops a medical technology platform for automated medication management designed for individuals who have difficulty maintaining regimens at home or in long-term care, and for the people who support them. The platform is tailored for groups such as those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, individuals recovering from addiction, and veterans. It automates storage, administration, and record keeping to reduce errors and enhance independence and security for patients. It uses smart alerts, reminders, and live alerts of unauthorized access to help healthcare providers keep medications from being misused or diverted. It addresses the impact of medication errors on patients and families and aims to stop errors, thefts, and overdoses while improving compliance and safety for patients and caregivers.

Minnowtech, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in aquaculture technology. The company offers a software imaging platform that enables shrimp farmers worldwide to estimate shrimp abundance non-invasively with precision. By utilizing artificial intelligence and image analysis, Minnowtech's solution optimizes feeding regimes, harvest times, and overall farm management, enhancing market-size shrimp production while minimizing risks to juvenile shrimp. This innovative approach addresses a critical challenge in the aquaculture industry, improving farmers' livelihoods and contributing to global food security and marine environment sustainability.

N5 Sensors, Inc. is a technology company based in Rockville, Maryland, specializing in the development and commercialization of advanced sensors for multi-room and personal monitoring applications. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating chemical sensor technology capable of detecting harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, as well as other lesser-known environmental hazards. N5 Sensors employs fabrication processes typically used for silicon computer chips, resulting in small, accurate devices that can simultaneously detect multiple gases. These sensors are integrated into a cloud-connected ecosystem, enabling industrial workers, first responders, and military personnel to assess environmental dangers in real-time using their smartphones, thereby enhancing safety and awareness in potentially hazardous situations.

Astek Diagnostics is a healthcare company that develops precision diagnostic technology aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. The company has created a platform that assists physicians in prescribing the correct antibiotics for patients suffering from bacterial sepsis within one hour. Utilizing a single-use cartridge, Astek Diagnostics' device identifies bacterial infections in urine by measuring the oxygen consumption of bacterial species, significantly reducing the turnaround time for results. This innovative approach not only facilitates timely treatment but also helps combat antibiotic resistance through effective susceptibility testing.

Marinalife, LLC, established in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in providing marina information and cruising concierge services for boaters. As a subsidiary of Snag A Slip, LLC, Marinalife offers a comprehensive suite of travel services, including boat slip reservations and detailed marina information. The Marinalife Cruising Club membership grants boaters access to valuable travel resources, such as trip itineraries and destination guides, aimed at enhancing their boating experiences. Additionally, the company publishes Marinalife magazine, a quarterly travel and lifestyle publication that features engaging articles about marinas, cruising stories, and helpful tips for boaters. Through these offerings, Marinalife aims to support and enrich the boating community.

Kaster improves construction project communication by connecting general contractors and trade partners via a unified workspace. This eliminates information loss, reduces risks associated with delays and disputes, and enhances overall project efficiency.

Linshom develops continuous respiratory monitoring solutions for bedside and home use, providing an operating-room quality respiratory profile including tidal volume through wearable, FDA-cleared sensors. The system enables continuous predictive monitoring of respiration, delivering early warnings of respiratory decline to help reduce rapid-response activations, rescue events, and ICU transfers. By capturing respiration data and relative tidal volume at the point of care, Linshom addresses an unmet clinical need with actionable insights for clinicians.

GivHero develops a social wellness platform that engages employees in health activities by linking them to causes they care about. Employers can sponsor employee health goals, with achievements supporting chosen causes, thereby boosting employee productivity and reducing long-term insurance costs.

Sunstone Credit facilitates affordable solar loans for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), streamlining the application process. It partners with financial institutions and solar developers to provide flexible, borrower-friendly terms, enabling SMBs to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

AquaLith Advanced Materials specializes in the development of innovative lithium-ion battery materials. The company has secured exclusive rights to a portfolio of patents from the University of Maryland, which focus on advancements made by researchers in the field of chemical and materials engineering. AquaLith's technology includes an ultra-high energy cathode, a novel silicon anode, and a non-flammable aqueous electrolyte, all designed to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries. This technology addresses key challenges such as efficiency in low temperatures, faster charging times, and improved safety by reducing fire risks associated with short circuits. The company's materials aim to provide high energy density while being cost-effective and abundant, ultimately benefiting consumer electronics and other applications in need of reliable battery solutions.

Liatris develops innovative insulation products designed for businesses and individuals seeking energy savings. Their materials, derived from natural sources like cork and cotton, offer superior fire resistance without compromising on performance or environmental safety.

Veralox Therapeutics specializes in the development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing the underlying pathologies of thrombosis and type one diabetes. The company focuses on innovative treatment paradigms informed by a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these diseases. By targeting conditions such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, Veralox Therapeutics aims to enhance patient outcomes and facilitate complete recovery from diabetes. Through its research and development efforts, the company seeks to provide effective and transformative therapies for individuals affected by these serious health conditions.

miRecule is a biotechnology company developing targeted RNA therapies for cancer and muscular dystrophy. It uses its proprietary DREAmiR platform to analyze genomic data from thousands of patients, identifying genetic abnormalities and creating tailored RNA therapeutics to directly address these issues.

Kaster improves construction project communication by connecting general contractors and trade partners via a unified workspace. This eliminates information loss, reduces risks associated with delays and disputes, and enhances overall project efficiency.

Dynamhex operates an emission monitoring platform that provides detailed insights into energy consumption data for individuals, corporations, and government entities. The platform enables users to measure their emission footprints and develop effective reduction strategies aligned with science-based targets. By employing geospatial analytics and advanced visualization techniques, Dynamhex helps city governments and businesses make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. This functionality supports climate leaders in their efforts to combat climate change by facilitating timely and data-driven decision-making.

Voxy EnGen is a career-focused, virtual English language education training platform for organizations and employers working with immigrants and refugees.

Qualytics is a technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2020, that specializes in data quality surveillance. The company has developed a platform designed to monitor and protect against data pipeline corruption. Its core technology includes a data firewall that captures erroneous data at the source, preventing it from affecting downstream data platforms. This system integrates with data pipelines and flows, alongside a surveillance hub, to ensure comprehensive monitoring. Additionally, Qualytics leverages machine learning to automatically generate and refine data rules through supervised workflows, enabling organizations to detect and respond to anomalies in real time. The platform includes active measures such as message-level quarantining to address potential issues swiftly.

VisiSonics Corporation is a company specializing in the development and marketing of advanced 3D sound capture, analysis, and reproduction technologies. Founded in 2010 as a spinout from the University of Maryland, VisiSonics offers a range of innovative products, including the RealSpace panoramic audio camera system, digital array microphones, and spatial audio solutions for headphones. Their proprietary RealSpace technology integrates audio signal processing with computer vision to provide immersive sound experiences across various applications, including consumer electronics, gaming, teleconferencing, and industrial acoustic analytics. The company's solutions are utilized by a diverse clientele, including audio surveillance firms, research institutions, and automotive manufacturers, addressing complex acoustic challenges. VisiSonics is committed to delivering next-generation products that enhance user performance and experience in both consumer and professional markets.

NextStep Robotics Inc. develops a portable ankle rehabilitation device that treats foot drop by providing real‑time, graded assistance during gait training. The system combines advanced robotics with adaptive software that tailors assistance to each patient’s needs and, as more data accumulate, transitions to an AI‑driven platform that optimizes training protocols. Designed for use in outpatient clinics, the device can be operated by lower‑skilled staff, freeing therapists to focus on other modalities. It is classified as a Class 1 exercise device, allowing immediate market entry without FDA approval. The company generates revenue through direct sales or leasing of the hardware, subscription fees for the software, and service contracts, while enabling clinics to bill for gait training under existing CPT codes.

KaloCyte Inc., established in 2016 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a pre-clinical stage healthcare biotechnology company focused on developing innovative solutions for life-threatening blood loss scenarios. The company's flagship product, ErythroMer, is an artificial red blood cell substitute designed to be dried and bio-inspired, intended for use when stored red blood cells are unavailable or undesirable. This product aims to address critical gaps in trauma care services by providing a demonstrated proof of concept for treating hemorrhage situations effectively.

Pathotrak specializes in rapid food safety testing. Its patented technology reduces detection time of pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli from days to hours, meeting FDA and USDA regulations. This innovation helps minimize holding costs, enables swift recalls, and enhances overall food safety.

InferCabulary is a digital visual vocabulary tool that supports vocabulary acquisition and critical thinking using semantic reasoning. It enables students to learn the nuanced meanings of words.

ARMR Systems LLC is a company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in the development of advanced wearable hemorrhage control systems aimed at enhancing the survivability of traumatic injuries on the battlefield. Founded in 2014, ARMR Systems creates innovative medical devices that offer reliable and flexible solutions for hemorrhage control when immediate medical assistance is unavailable. Their products, featuring an ergonomically designed harness combined with a tourniquet-style device, provide rapid compression to damaged arteries, thereby minimizing blood loss in critical areas. Focused on supporting warfighters and field-based personnel, ARMR Systems delivers lifesaving trauma care capabilities that meet the unique demands of the battlefield environment. The company is dedicated to collaboration across various institutions, leveraging a multi-disciplinary team to draw upon diverse perspectives in their problem-solving approach.

Minnowtech, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in aquaculture technology. The company offers a software imaging platform that enables shrimp farmers worldwide to estimate shrimp abundance non-invasively with precision. By utilizing artificial intelligence and image analysis, Minnowtech's solution optimizes feeding regimes, harvest times, and overall farm management, enhancing market-size shrimp production while minimizing risks to juvenile shrimp. This innovative approach addresses a critical challenge in the aquaculture industry, improving farmers' livelihoods and contributing to global food security and marine environment sustainability.

NeoProgen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in the development of cell therapies for heart attack patients. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on advancing neonatal cardiac progenitor cells, aiming to innovate treatment options within the biotechnology and cardiac therapy sectors. NeoProgen is dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals affected by heart conditions through its research and therapeutic advancements.

Veralox Therapeutics specializes in the development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing the underlying pathologies of thrombosis and type one diabetes. The company focuses on innovative treatment paradigms informed by a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in these diseases. By targeting conditions such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, Veralox Therapeutics aims to enhance patient outcomes and facilitate complete recovery from diabetes. Through its research and development efforts, the company seeks to provide effective and transformative therapies for individuals affected by these serious health conditions.

Gemstone Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing innovative technologies for therapeutic applications in wound care and other chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company specializes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with a particular emphasis on vascularization and angiogenesis. Gemstone Biotherapeutics leverages licensed technology from Johns Hopkins University to create polymeric hydrogels and stem cell engineering methodologies aimed at improving advanced wound healing and tissue regeneration. The company's technologies are designed to provide rapid and cost-effective wound healing with improved clinical outcomes for patients.

Retrium, Inc. is a software company based in Silver Spring, Maryland, that specializes in developing solutions for agile retrospectives. Founded in 2016, Retrium provides a platform that enhances team collaboration during retrospectives by offering a range of prebuilt facilitation techniques, such as 4Ls, Mad Sad Glad, Start Stop Continue, and Lean Coffee. The platform is designed to operate alongside video or audio conferencing tools, facilitating distributed scrum retrospectives and enabling organizations to create actionable plans that promote continuous improvement. By allowing teams to inspect their workflows and adapt based on insights gained, Retrium aims to help organizations deliver value to their customers more effectively.

Paver Guide manufactures recycled plastic structural bases for paving systems. Its product exceeds H-20 loading, installs faster and cheaper than stone alternatives, and provides a significant rainwater reservoir with expansive infiltration surface. This promotes increased productivity, profitability, and enhances environmental sustainability.

Zest Tea designs and produces caffeinated tea products aimed at boosting energy and mental clarity. Founded in 2014 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company emphasizes science-backed ingredients to deliver energizing beverages with low to no sugar and natural ingredients.

North American Wave Engine Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in College Park, Maryland, specializes in the design and development of innovative wave engines for jet propulsion applications. The company focuses on leveraging recent scientific advancements to create technology that achieves exceptional Thrust-to-Weight and Thrust-Specific Fuel Consumption ratios, all while eliminating the need for moving parts. This approach positions North American Wave Engine at the forefront of propulsion technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and performance in the aerospace sector.

NextStep Robotics Inc. develops a portable ankle rehabilitation device that treats foot drop by providing real‑time, graded assistance during gait training. The system combines advanced robotics with adaptive software that tailors assistance to each patient’s needs and, as more data accumulate, transitions to an AI‑driven platform that optimizes training protocols. Designed for use in outpatient clinics, the device can be operated by lower‑skilled staff, freeing therapists to focus on other modalities. It is classified as a Class 1 exercise device, allowing immediate market entry without FDA approval. The company generates revenue through direct sales or leasing of the hardware, subscription fees for the software, and service contracts, while enabling clinics to bill for gait training under existing CPT codes.

MF Fire, established in 2014 and based in College Park, Maryland, is a fire technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of modern wood stoves. The company's flagship product, Catalyst, employs intelligent control systems to optimize combustion, improve user experience, and reduce emissions. Catalyst stoves are controlled via smartphone or remote, offering convenience and efficiency while eliminating undesirable aspects of traditional wood stoves.