The University System of Maryland Momentum Fund

Impruvon Health is dedicated to enhancing the health of individuals who struggle with complex medication regimens, particularly those living at home or in long-term care settings. The company focuses on specific populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those in recovery from addiction, and veterans. Its medical technology platform automates medication management by streamlining storage, administration, and record-keeping processes. This system features smart alerts and reminders, as well as live notifications of unauthorized access attempts, tailored to meet the unique needs of each user. By addressing the serious consequences of medication errors, Impruvon Health aims to improve medication compliance and promote independence and security for individuals and their caregivers.

Minnowtech is an aquaculture technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in providing a software imaging platform designed for shrimp farmers. This platform allows for the non-invasive estimation of shrimp abundance using artificial intelligence and image analysis, enabling farmers to optimize feeding regimes and harvests while minimizing risks to juvenile shrimp. By addressing significant challenges in the aquaculture industry, particularly in assessing shrimp growth and optimal harvest times, Minnowtech enhances the health and productivity of shrimp hatcheries. The company's low-cost technology, supported by a team of marine scientists, aims to improve the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and contribute to global food security and the sustainability of marine environments.

N5 Sensors, Inc. is a company based in Rockville, Maryland, that specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced chemical sensor technology for multi-room and personal monitoring applications. Founded in 2012, N5 Sensors creates sensors capable of detecting harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, as well as other hazardous substances in the air. Their innovative technology utilizes fabrication processes similar to those used in silicon computer chips, resulting in sensors that are compact and highly accurate. These sensors can simultaneously detect multiple gases, providing real-time tracking that supports industrial workers, first responders, and military personnel in assessing environmental hazards effectively through smartphone connectivity.

Astek Diagnostics is focused on developing a precision diagnostic platform that assists physicians in prescribing appropriate antibiotics for patients suffering from bacterial sepsis within one hour. The company’s technology utilizes a single-use cartridge to rapidly detect bacterial infections in urine by measuring the oxygen consumption of various bacterial species. This innovative approach not only speeds up the identification process but also aids in combating antibiotic resistance through effective susceptibility testing.

Marinalife, LLC, established in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in marina information and cruising concierge services. The company provides a range of offerings designed for all types of boaters, including detailed marina information, boat slip reservations, and travel resources such as trip itineraries and destination guides. The Marinalife Cruising Club membership enhances the boating experience by granting access to these resources, making boating adventures more manageable. Additionally, Marinalife publishes a quarterly magazine that features entertaining and informative articles on various topics, including travel destinations, marina highlights, cruising stories, and tips for boat captains. Marinalife operates as a subsidiary of Snag A Slip, LLC, and aims to centralize and streamline the boating experience for its members.

Kaster is a developer of construction management software that addresses the communication challenges faced by general contractors and trade partners in the construction industry. By providing a unified communication workspace, Kaster enhances collaboration, ensuring that important documents and information do not get lost amidst the chaos of emails, texts, and phone calls. The software effectively collects and tracks key documents from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors, allowing job site managers to efficiently oversee daily operations, production, hours, and reports across multiple projects. This streamlined approach helps mitigate the financial impacts of project delays, disputes, and other issues, ultimately reducing risk for all parties involved.

Linshom is focused on providing continuous respiratory monitoring solutions that include measurements of Tidal Volume at the patient's bedside or in home settings. The company has developed a wearable sensor that is FDA cleared, designed to enable continuous, predictive respiratory monitoring. This technology allows for early detection of respiratory decline, which can help prevent costly rapid response situations, ICU transfers, and potential fatalities. By addressing a critical unmet medical need, Linshom aims to enhance patient care and improve outcomes through advanced respiratory monitoring capabilities.

GivHero, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, offers a health and fitness mobile application tailored for employees. This platform enables users to set and achieve personal health goals, such as running, biking, weight loss, and managing blood sugar levels. GivHero enhances employee engagement by connecting their health objectives to social causes they care about, allowing employers to provide motivation through sponsorship and rewards tied to these causes. By fostering a culture of wellness, GivHero aims to boost productivity and lower long-term insurance costs, while simplifying the administration of wellness programs through its automated system.

Sunstone Credit is dedicated to democratizing access to solar energy for small and medium-sized businesses. By integrating climate, finance, and technology, the company has developed a robust technology platform that collaborates with leading financial institutions and a nationwide network of solar developers. This approach allows Sunstone to provide straightforward, affordable solar loan products with flexible terms and a simplified application process. Through these services, SMBs can finance their solar installations, enabling them to own their solar assets and benefit from reduced energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Sunstone Credit's mission is to facilitate a transition to cleaner energy sources, ultimately supporting a greener future for all.

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.

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, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing a microRNA-based drug discovery platform, DREAmiR, aimed at addressing challenges in cancer therapy and muscular dystrophy. This innovative platform leverages genomic and outcome data from thousands of patients to identify genetic abnormalities associated with diseases. miRecule formulates RNA therapeutics that can directly target and correct these genetic issues. The platform integrates genomic sequencing, expression, and prognostic data from numerous cancer patients with high throughput screening of microRNA candidates for replacement therapy. miRecule is focused on creating highly tailored therapeutics, with lead programs targeting Head & Neck Cancer and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, ultimately striving to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Kaster is a developer of construction management software that addresses the communication challenges faced by general contractors and trade partners in the construction industry. By providing a unified communication workspace, Kaster enhances collaboration, ensuring that important documents and information do not get lost amidst the chaos of emails, texts, and phone calls. The software effectively collects and tracks key documents from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors, allowing job site managers to efficiently oversee daily operations, production, hours, and reports across multiple projects. This streamlined approach helps mitigate the financial impacts of project delays, disputes, and other issues, ultimately reducing risk for all parties involved.

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 company that specializes in data quality surveillance technology aimed at monitoring and preventing data pipeline corruption. Founded in 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland, it offers a robust data firewall that captures erroneous data at the source, ensuring that flawed information does not infiltrate downstream data platforms. The technology integrates data pipelines, data flows, and a surveillance hub, utilizing machine learning to automatically generate and adapt data rules through supervised workflows. This allows organizations to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, employing active measures such as message-level quarantining to safeguard data integrity.

VisiSonics Corporation specializes in the development and marketing of 3D sound capture, analysis, and reproduction technologies. Founded in 2010 as a spinout from the University of Maryland, the company holds exclusive licenses to a range of intellectual properties, including patented audio signal processing algorithms. VisiSonics offers a suite of products, such as the RealSpace panoramic audio camera system, digital array microphones, and spatial audio solutions for headphones. These tools serve various applications across industrial acoustic analytics, architectural acoustics, teleconferencing, telepresence, and immersive audio experiences for gaming and virtual reality. The company's technology is utilized by consumer electronics brands, semiconductor manufacturers, and game developers, providing personalized audio experiences and advanced solutions for acoustic measurement and analysis in sectors including automotive, research, and security.

NextStep Robotics Inc. is focused on developing innovative solutions for treating foot drop through a robotic device that enhances walking function. Incorporated in 2017 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company enables clinics to offer personalized robotic therapy using adaptive software that provides assistance tailored to each patient's needs. This system allows lower-skilled clinic staff to operate the device, thereby freeing up therapists to concentrate on other treatment modalities. As the company collects more data, the software will evolve into an AI-based system that optimizes training protocols for individual patients. The device is classified as a Class 1 Exercise Device, which allows for immediate revenue generation through direct sales, leasing, software subscriptions, and service contracts. This clinically proven approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enables clinics to provide reimbursable therapy for conditions that previously lacked effective treatment options.

KaloCyte, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage healthcare biotech company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing ErythroMer, a dried and bio-inspired artificial red blood cell intended to address life-threatening blood loss in situations where stored red blood cells are either unavailable or unsuitable for use. ErythroMer aims to provide context-dependent oxygen delivery while minimizing complications such as vasoconstriction and methemoglobin formation. This innovative approach seeks to enhance trauma care services by offering an effective alternative for managing traumatic hemorrhage when traditional blood supplies are inadequate.

Pathotrak, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in College Park, Maryland, develops innovative food safety testing kits that significantly enhance the detection of food-borne pathogens, such as Salmonella and E. coli. Utilizing advanced microfiltration technology, Pathotrak's kits reduce the testing time from 1-2 days to just 6 hours, streamlining the traditional 22-hour enrichment process. This rapid detection capability not only ensures compliance with FDA and USDA regulations but also integrates seamlessly into existing detection systems. By minimizing holding times and associated costs, as well as enabling quicker product releases, Pathotrak's technology aims to transform food safety practices and logistics in the industry, ultimately helping to prevent dangerous outbreaks and improve 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, based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in the development of wearable hemorrhage control systems aimed at enhancing the survivability of traumatic injuries in battlefield scenarios where immediate medical support is unavailable. Founded in 2014, the company offers standalone products and integrated solutions that provide combat medics and field personnel with effective trauma care capabilities. Its systems include an ergonomically designed harness combined with a tourniquet-style device that delivers rapid compression to critical areas of the body, helping to restrict blood loss during emergencies. ARMR Systems emphasizes collaboration across various institutions and employs a multi-disciplinary team to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in their innovative approach to trauma care technology.

Minnowtech is an aquaculture technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in providing a software imaging platform designed for shrimp farmers. This platform allows for the non-invasive estimation of shrimp abundance using artificial intelligence and image analysis, enabling farmers to optimize feeding regimes and harvests while minimizing risks to juvenile shrimp. By addressing significant challenges in the aquaculture industry, particularly in assessing shrimp growth and optimal harvest times, Minnowtech enhances the health and productivity of shrimp hatcheries. The company's low-cost technology, supported by a team of marine scientists, aims to improve the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and contribute to global food security and the sustainability of marine environments.

NeoProgen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing cell therapies targeting heart attack patients, with a focus on advancing neonatal cardiac progenitor cells. Through its innovative approach, NeoProgen aims to enhance treatment options in the field of cardiac therapy, contributing to the biotechnology sector.

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 LLC is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing innovative technologies for therapeutic applications in wound care and chronic diseases. Established in 2013, the company specializes in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, emphasizing vascularization and angiogenesis to enhance healing processes. Utilizing licensed technology from Johns Hopkins University, Gemstone Biotherapeutics is engaged in pre-clinical research and development, offering advanced solutions such as polymeric hydrogels and stem cell engineering methodologies. These technologies aim to address physiological deficiencies in both acute and chronic wounds, promoting rapid and cost-effective healing while improving clinical outcomes for patients.

Retrium, Inc. is a software company based in Silver Spring, Maryland, specializing in enterprise solutions for agile retrospectives. Founded in 2016, Retrium provides a platform that facilitates team engagement and collaboration during retrospectives, employing a variety of prebuilt facilitation techniques such as 4Ls, Mad Sad Glad, Start Stop Continue, and Lean Coffee. The software supports distributed teams by functioning alongside video or audio conferences, allowing for effective scrum retrospectives and the creation of actionable improvement plans. By enabling organizations to inspect their workflows and adapt accordingly, Retrium aims to foster continuous improvement and enhance the delivery of value to customers.

PaverGuide is a manufacturer of innovative paving systems designed to mitigate stormwater runoff and enhance water quality. Utilizing recycled plastic, PaverGuide's structural base is engineered to exceed heavy loading standards while offering a highly efficient installation process compared to traditional stone materials. The system features a 90% void ratio, creating a substantial rainwater reservoir and extensive infiltration surface that aids in reducing urban flooding and erosion. Additionally, PaverGuide effectively addresses environmental concerns by minimizing the heat island effect, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving pollutant removal. This combination of features positions PaverGuide as a cost-effective solution for clients seeking to adopt permeable pavement while promoting sustainability and enhancing their professional image.

Zest Tea, founded in 2014 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in high-caffeine tea products aimed at enhancing mental clarity and energy. The company offers a diverse range of caffeinated teas that incorporate amino acids such as L-Theanine, which work synergistically to extend energy levels and promote steady alertness. Zest Tea's formulations focus on delivering low to no sugar options made from natural ingredients, ensuring customers feel energized and refreshed.

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

NextStep Robotics Inc. is focused on developing innovative solutions for treating foot drop through a robotic device that enhances walking function. Incorporated in 2017 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company enables clinics to offer personalized robotic therapy using adaptive software that provides assistance tailored to each patient's needs. This system allows lower-skilled clinic staff to operate the device, thereby freeing up therapists to concentrate on other treatment modalities. As the company collects more data, the software will evolve into an AI-based system that optimizes training protocols for individual patients. The device is classified as a Class 1 Exercise Device, which allows for immediate revenue generation through direct sales, leasing, software subscriptions, and service contracts. This clinically proven approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enables clinics to provide reimbursable therapy for conditions that previously lacked effective treatment options.

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.