Maryland takes steps to turn tech research into tech companies

With 426 technology startups in Maryland working on projects with scientists at 23 federal agencies, state officials want to channel that research and development activity into the things that make a successful commercial venture — investors, customers and partners.

To that end, the Maryland Technology Development Corp. has compiled a directory of those companies and projects, all of which have won Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, a $2 billion program giving awards to small businesses to develop proof-of-concept strategies and prototypes. Those 426 companies have received funding for 1,559 projects since 1999, the study found, developing technologies in biotherapies, diagnostics and software.

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