Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII)

Gelectric Medical specializes in an innovative electrical adhesive gel patch that provides secure adhesion to tissue surfaces via the application of an electric field, enabling targeted treatment in areas where traditional sutures may not suffice.

Prompt Diagnostics is a biotechnology firm that supports rapid, inexpensive, simple-to-use diagnostic testing that nevertheless offers uncompromised sensitivity and specificity for illness identification at the point of care.

Blue and Green Energy Solutions offers an innovative floating hybrid tidal/wave/wind energy harvesting system.

ComputChem is a technology firm that develops cutting-edge platform solutions for lead optimization and in silico covalent drug creation.

Kubanda Cryotherapy specializes in minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments for lumps, bumps, and cancers in pets. The company has developed an innovative cryoablation technology that utilizes a custom-designed cryosystem, featuring a cryoprobe and a gas-control module to precisely modulate temperature. This system employs controlled freezing cycles that have been demonstrated to effectively shrink and eliminate tumors. By providing a point-of-care solution, Kubanda Cryotherapy enables veterinarians and pet owners to access high-quality care for their animals without the need for surgical procedures.

Geminus Therapeutics is developing best-in-class Artemisinin (ART714) for treating leukemia.

ML4Cyber is a company that specializes in developing automated solutions for analyzing software code to identify vulnerabilities. Utilizing machine learning and data science techniques, ML4Cyber's platform enhances the accuracy of vulnerability detection by effectively distinguishing between true positives and false positives. This approach provides clients with detailed cybersecurity reports that include risk categorization, all delivered through a user-friendly interface. By focusing on improving the reliability of vulnerability assessments, ML4Cyber aims to enhance the security posture of commercial technology solutions.

PreSquared is a healthcare technology company that specializes in developing predictive analytics aimed at enhancing care management for both caregivers and patients. The company creates software solutions that integrate predictive machine learning into provider workflows, enabling the generation of actionable data. This data assists healthcare organizations in prioritizing patient care based on risk levels, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the healthcare ecosystem. By focusing on preventing major health events and facilitating timely interventions, PreSquared aims to transform how healthcare providers manage patient care.

Synteris is a manufacturer focused on developing advanced precursor powders for the 3D printing of high-temperature ceramics. The company specializes in producing non-oxide ceramic parts, including carbides, nitrides, and borides, utilizing a technique known as selective laser reaction sintering (SLRS). This innovative approach allows for the rapid production of prototypes and components that are essential for applications such as heat sinks and cooling architectures in electronics. By addressing the growing demand for electrical efficiency, Synteris aims to provide industries with cutting-edge solutions that enhance performance and reliability.

Empower Therapeutics is a digital therapeutics company focused on noninvasive neuromodulation to address pain sensitivity. The company is developing a platform that employs reliable EEG-based biomarkers, which assist clinicians in assessing and adjusting pain sensitivity for individuals undergoing chronic pain therapy. By targeting pain modulation, Empower Therapeutics aims to help clients manage chronic pain more effectively, ultimately reducing their reliance on opioids and other analgesics.

BLOCKsyncop is a company focused on developing innovative clinical monitoring devices aimed at enhancing anesthesiology practices. Its primary product is a non-invasive, real-time tool designed to objectively measure and quantify the effectiveness of neural blocks for pain management. This technology assists anesthesiologists in reducing the occurrence of failed neural blocks, minimizing anesthetic toxicity, and optimizing the analgesic requirements for patients. By providing precise data, BLOCKsyncop aims to improve patient outcomes in pain management and support healthcare professionals in delivering safer and more effective anesthesia care.

Evincis Bio is a company focused on addressing therapeutic challenges in the field of Urology through innovative medical technologies. It specializes in developing gene therapy solutions aimed at restoring erectile function. Currently, the company operates in stealth mode, indicating its commitment to advancing its research and development efforts while maintaining a level of confidentiality regarding its projects and potential products.

Capsulomics, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing and manufacturing DNA tests for the early detection of upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, particularly esophageal cancer and its precancerous condition, Barrett’s esophagus. Founded in 2018 and based in Halethorpe, Maryland, Capsulomics aims to address the diagnostic and prognostic uncertainties associated with GI diseases. By providing advanced diagnostic solutions, the company enables healthcare professionals to prevent, detect, and treat these conditions more effectively, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Silvec Biologics specializes in developing RNA therapies aimed at treating and preventing diseases in trees, vines, and bushes without resorting to genetic modification. The company employs innovative RNA-based molecules that function by introducing virus-like RNA into tree veins, targeting and eliminating harmful viral and fungal pathogens. This approach not only safeguards the health of these plants but also supports food growers in maintaining abundant and diverse food supplies. By focusing on the preservation of natural resources, Silvec Biologics contributes to the sustainability of ecosystems and food systems, ultimately benefiting future generations.

Haystack Solutions is a company that specializes in identifying cybersecurity talent for corporations, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. Through its innovative cyber talent platform, the company offers aptitude and talent assessment tests designed to evaluate individuals' potential for success in the cybersecurity field. By focusing on both recruitment and retention, Haystack Solutions enables its clients to effectively hire qualified cybersecurity professionals, ensuring that organizations can build strong, capable teams to address the growing challenges in cybersecurity.

Geothermal Technologies is a geothermal energy exploration and production company focused on addressing the global energy crisis through innovative technology. The company has developed a sophisticated geothermal power production system that integrates advanced oil and gas technologies with cutting-edge power generation methods. This system is designed to overcome the limitations of previous enhanced geothermal systems, enabling the production of clean, renewable, and economically competitive baseload electricity on a utility scale. By harvesting underground heat, Geothermal Technologies aims to provide clients worldwide with access to sustainable energy solutions, contributing to a cleaner energy future.

TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

OncoSTING LLC, established in 2018 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in developing innovative therapies for bladder cancer. The company's primary focus is on creating a novel treatment that combines the potency of standard Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy with long-lived delivery of potent Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) agonists. This approach aims to enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse events associated with traditional BCG treatments, ultimately working towards curing bladder cancer.

ACTIVEcharge is a Baltimore-based company specializing in advanced energy solutions that harness wasted vibrational and kinematic energy to generate electrical energy. Their innovative system is designed for battery-free sensor operation specifically in wind-powered turbines. By integrating their self-powered technology with predictive analytics software, ACTIVEcharge enables the monitoring of hard-to-reach locations and helps detect structural and operational issues before they escalate into critical failures. This proactive approach allows companies to implement actionable insights autonomously, leading to improved equipment uptime and enhanced profitability over the equipment's lifespan.

Bluelene is an online retailer specializing in anti-aging skincare products that focus on enhancing skin health at the cellular level. Utilizing a patented ingredient, methylene blue, the company formulates its products to penetrate human cells and deliver antioxidant benefits, thereby promoting skin cell longevity and improving connective tissue and wound healing. Bluelene's offerings are designed to repair damage associated with aging and provide protection against sun exposure, catering to both men and women seeking effective skincare solutions.

Renalert is a Baltimore-based company that specializes in the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI). The company has developed an innovative kidney monitoring system that analyzes a patient's urine output, blood pressure, and oxygenation status to prevent unnecessary fatalities associated with AKI. This system precisely measures urine volume and correlates these values with other vital signs to assess renal perfusion. Additionally, it utilizes a proprietary algorithm to identify early declines in kidney function, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to detect AKI more effectively and administer timely treatment. Through its advanced monitoring capabilities, Renalert aims to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the risks associated with acute kidney injuries.

Sonoval LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative protein-based anticancer therapies targeting lymphomas and solid tumors. Founded in 2017, the company is advancing its lead drug, SON-211, which operates by binding to specific receptors on tumor cells to deliver a toxic payload. This mechanism not only aims to destroy cancer cells but also works to eliminate immune system suppressors, thereby activating the patient’s own immune defenses against cancer. Through its novel approach, Sonoval seeks to provide effective treatment options for various T-cell lymphomas and major solid tumors.

Mind-X Corp. is a technology company that designs and develops interfaces for spatial computing applications, leveraging neurotechnology, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2017 by Geoffrey Ling and Julia Brown, the company is based in Bethesda, Maryland. Mind-X focuses on creating a framework that integrates brain-computer interfaces with artificial intelligence to enhance user interaction and experience in spatial computing environments.

Gardner Industries specializes in developing analytical tools for research that focus on measuring microbial growth and enzyme activity, particularly in relation to insoluble substrates. Their flagship product, the Substrate Cage™, was initially designed to assess the degradation rate of bacterial lignocellulose but has since been adapted for various other insoluble biopolymers. This innovative tool is user-friendly and compatible with standard laboratory equipment, allowing researchers to obtain rapid, real-time measurements without delays in data acquisition. By facilitating the study of bioconversion processes, Gardner Industries supports advancements in the field of microbiology and enzymology.