Maryland Launch Fund
The Maryland Launch Fund
Powered by the University System of Maryland
Part of the USM Innovation Collective
Welcome to the University System of Maryland (USM) Launch Fund – your gateway to early-stage support for building, creating, and innovating. We’re here to connect you with resources, mentorship, and capital, bridging critical gaps in your startup journey. Administered by the USM Office of Research and Economic Development, and collectively led by all USM institutions, our program proudly supports a diverse range of USM-affiliated ventures, both for-profit and non-profit.
This flexible early capital, in the form of awards/grants, ranges from less than $3,000 to $15,000. This capital is designed to bridge foundational gaps, supporting you on your journey to the next steps.
The Launch Fund is one part of the USM Innovation Collective — the many resources across USM that support innovators and entrepreneurs.
Who We Support
The Maryland Launch Fund is tailored for students, employees, and ventures linked to USM institutions, including universities and regional higher education centers across Maryland.
Individual students and employees can receive microgrants through their institution. Microgrant funding varies by institution, so students and employees should check in with an institutional representative for the latest on those opportunities.
Ventures can receive grants if they are founded by students, faculty, employees, or alumni, leveraging USM intellectual property, or physically located in a USM research park, incubator, or RISE Zone. Please note that participation in a program such as the USG Equity Incubator, the Towson StarTUp Accelerator, or the SU Shore Hatchery Competition does not provide eligibility. All ventures are required to have a substantial portion of their manufacturing, service, research and development, or office space located in Maryland.
You can explore our exceptional portfolio here.
Now Open! Grants for Ventures
The USM Launch Fund provides grants to for-profit and non-profit ventures. Applicants who have not yet formed a venture can apply but must form an entity to receive funds. We aim to relay decisions no later than August 8.
DEADLINES:
- REGISTER TO APPLY by Monday, June 15, 2025, noon Eastern.
- APPLY by Monday, June 30, 2025, noon Eastern.
We are offering Q&A and application help sessions — sign up here for the first session on April 25 at 1pm. Additional signups will become available for May 7 4pm, May 20 5pm, June 5 12pm, and June 17 5pm.
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.
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Please direct any questions to Lindsay Ryan at launch@usmd.edu.
The University System of Maryland comprises 12 public universities, three regional higher education centers, and more than 200,000 people—students, faculty, and staff—dedicated to pursuing knowledge, advancing discovery, improving lives, and strengthening communities across the state and around the world.
