Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, and Maryland Clean Energy Center Executive Director Kathy Magruder officially opened Maryland's first Clean Energy Technology Incubator (CETI) at UMBC.
" By growing our own companies, we'll add new green jobs to our economy, while supporting the discovery of new technologies that will further our commitment to a sustainable environment," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith
The Clean Energy Technology Incubator at UMBC is the first in a statewide network of clean energy incubators. It promotes entrepreneurship and job creation in industries that will impact the use of alternative energy sources in areas of interest including renewable energy, biofuels, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, and energy policy. Baltimore County is providing a $75,000 grant over two years through its Department of Economic Development to partially fund an Entrepreneur in Residence at the incubator.
Six companies were announced as the first tenants in the incubator, which is located in the Biotech Building on UMBC's South Campus. The incubator contains approximately 18,000 square feet of combined office and wet laboratory space.
Clean Green Chesapeake, LLC which focuses on using algae to simultaneously generate clean water, sequestration of CO2 and biofuels.
Plant Sensory Systems, LLC that develops technologies to improve crop performance, alleviate negative environmental impact, and increase levels of sugar, oil, and cellulose in plants so they can convert into biofuels.
Amethyst Technologies, LLC that consults on FDA guidelines and regulations and offers "green" services for design and creation of environmentally sustainable solutions.
COLUMBIA Technologies, LLC that provides 3D maps of underground pollution to lower the cost and risk of real estate redevelopment and contaminated site cleanup. The same software can be used in energy efficiency applications.
Amidus, LLC that works with clients to help them formulate and realize their strategies in the energy market.
UMBC Training Centers Offers high quality training and certification to individuals and organizations in the Baltimore region, including courses on CyberSecurity for the electric grid.Maryland Clean Energy Center Technology Incubator Network Opens First Site at bwtech@UMBC*
The Maryland Clean Energy Center has partnered with bwtech@UMBC to support early stage companies working with clean energy technologies and advance green job creation in our state.
"The Maryland Clean Energy Center is striving to partner with energy experts throughout the state in order to fulfill its mission of growing Maryland's clean energy economy through related economic development and job creation. Because bwtech@UMBC has a proven track record of success our Board elected to work with their team to establish our first Clean Energy Incubator Network site at UMBC," Katherine Magruder, executive director of MCEC says.
According to Magruder, "The intention is to draw from the depth and variety of the research presence in the state, and use the incubator network to move discoveries from the bench to the bank in the commercialization pipeline." She added, "The program seeks to provide affordable space as well as assistance with business plans, marketing, and management of intellectual property for start-up companies that are focused on a clean or renewable energy product, service or technology."
CETI is a natural fit with UMBC's strengths in environmental sciences and bwtech@UMBC's interest in and support of environmental science companies. bwtech@UMBC already hosts the headquarters of the U.S.
"bwtech@UMBC is delighted to establish this groundbreaking incubator," says Ellen Hemmerly, executive director of the bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. "Maryland is positioned to become a leader in bioscience and environmental technologies, and we are excited to be a part of it."
Initial funding for the CETI will be provided by MCEC, bwtech@UMBC, and a grant from the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development to support the Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
"bwtech@UMBC has been a leader in nurturing entrepreneurship, fostering new ideas and generating jobs in Baltimore County for nearly two decades," says David S. Iannucci, executive director of Baltimore County Economic Development. "The Clean Energy Technology Incubator will increase its economic impact on the region."
In the long term MCEC is hoping to replicate this model in partnership with other jurisdictions and their economic development agencies.
Source: Baltimore County
Writer: Walaika Haskins