Driving Innovation in Maryland: Why Chuck Montague is the Perfect Facilitator for bwtech’s Signature Programs
The road to successful entrepreneurship is paved with critical questions, and arguably none are more important than those surrounding value proposition and customer discovery. For participants in bwtech’s Signature Programs: Maryland NEW VENTURE and SCALEUP Maryland, having a skilled guide to navigate these complex areas can make all the difference. This is where Chuck Montague excels.
Chuck Montague brings a powerful combination of real-world expertise, deep insights, and a challenging yet supportive coaching style to the table. His facilitation doesn’t just impart knowledge; it transforms the way entrepreneurs approach their ventures, ensuring they build products and services that truly resonate with their target market. Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what recent participants of his programs have to say about working with him:
“Chuck’s presentation made it clear the value would be high—and it was,” shared Donna Vincent Roa of MicDots. Donna describes his sessions as anything but passive: “You will be challenged, your thinking will be sharpened, and your work will be pushed toward a higher standard. That’s precisely the point… when that perspective comes with real expertise and precision, it becomes more than feedback—it becomes an advantage. If you have access to this level of insight and choose not to use it, you’re leaving value on the table.”
Velma Funebe, founder of iBraid, also found immediate, practical value in her one-on-one session with Chuck. “I found it super valuable, especially your insight on the customer interview process,” she explained. “Currently working on reshaping my customer discovery questions to capture quantitative metrics. Hope everyone has a chance to meet with you!”
Chuck’s ability to pinpoint critical gaps, challenge assumptions, and provide actionable advice on essential components, like customer interview techniques, is exactly what early-stage and growing ventures need. By focusing on precision and metrics-driven customer insights, Chuck ensures that the participants of bwtech’s Signature Programs are not just building businesses, but are building the right businesses for the right customers.
Charles Montague is a seasoned leader in technology commercialization, having served as Director of Business Development for Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering (2012–2024) and as a bwtech@UMBC Business Advisory Board Member (2009-Present). Chuck has supported innovators across the full commercialization lifecycle, from early disclosures to funding strategies. Chuck managed translational research funds at both the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and JHU Biomedical Engineering, helping advance nearly 60 technologies toward market. His experience bridges basic research, industry, economic development, and Maryland’s startup ecosystem. He earned his PhD in Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University and a BS in Physics from Lehigh University.