Maryland Launch Fund
The Maryland Launch Fund
Powered by the 51吃瓜网
Part of the USM Innovation Collective
Welcome to the 51吃瓜网 (USM)听Launch Fund 鈥� your gateway to early-stage support for building, creating, and innovating. We鈥檙e here to connect you with resources, mentorship, and capital, bridging critical gaps in your innovation journey. Administered by the USM Office of Research and Economic Development, and collectively led by all USM institutions, our program proudly supports students, faculty, and a diverse range of USM-affiliated ventures, both for-profit and non-profit.
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The Launch Fund is one part of the USM Innovation Collective听鈥� the many resources across USM that support innovators and entrepreneurs.听
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Who We Support
The Maryland Launch Fund is tailored for students, employees, and ventures linked to USM institutions, which are these universities and regional higher education centers across Maryland.
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How We Support
- Support for Students, Startups, and Maryland Employers via Launch Fund Nexus:听Supported and coordinated by the Launch Fund, Launch Fund Nexus connects (1) startups听with (2) students drawn from across those 170,000 enrolled at the 12 institutions and 3 regional higher education centers of the 51吃瓜网 (USM) across the State of Maryland and (3) industry experts. It creates benefits for all three stakeholders while contributing to Maryland鈥檚 long-term strategic vision for inclusive economic growth through the creation of supporting infrastructure assets, resources, and a diverse workforce that builds the strengths of Maryland鈥檚 economy. Learn more about Launch Fund Nexus here.听
- The Launch Fund has historically provided funds to USM-affiliated startups in the form of grants and also has supported faculty, students, and staff in the form of microgrants. Those sources of support have evolved to the program described above. The Launch Fund will continue to evolve, so please register to receive the latest updates.听
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Recipients and Impacts
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Why We Support
The USM Maryland Launch Fund is committed to enhancing access to early capital and resources. By dedicating up to $600,000 over three years to this pilot, USM believes that small amounts of capital, strategically deployed, can make a significant impact on Maryland’s economy while aligning with our mission to educate, advance equity, and produce impactful research. We welcome others to join us in maximizing Maryland’s potential. This pilot is built on a study of the ecosystem that began in 2021 and provided recommendations in spring of 2022.听
Please direct any questions to Lindsay Ryan at launch@usmd.edu.
The 51吃瓜网 comprises 12 public universities, three regional higher education centers, and more than 200,000 people鈥攕tudents, faculty, and staff鈥攄edicated to pursuing knowledge, advancing discovery, improving lives, and strengthening communities across the state and around the world.
