Innovative Excellence on Display: Highlights from Maryland NEW VENTURE Pitch Night 2025!

On May 12, bwtech hosted the Maryland NEW VENTURE Pitch Night, the culminating event of our 12-week Maryland NEW VENTURE Signature Program. Program participants presented their big ideas for commercial success and improving our world, and we are incredibly proud of the remarkable progress, innovation, passion, and purpose they demonstrated.

Each of the eight participating entrepreneurs worked closely with a dedicated mentor—seasoned leaders from Maryland’s tech ecosystem—and a team of four UMBC graduate student fellows (32 in total), who contributed research, market analysis, and fresh perspectives to help shape and strengthen each venture’s pitch. This powerful collaboration reflects the spirit of inclusive excellence that defines the missions of both bwtech and UMBC.

In a shark tank–style competition, the entrepreneurs pitched their technology solutions to a panel of esteemed judges: April Richardson, Esq., President of DC Sweet Potato Cake; Hakim Dyer, Founder of Dyer & Company and Interim Executive Director, MBIA; and Jennifer St. Germain, Vice President at T. Rowe Price. We are extremely grateful to them for volunteering their time and deftly managing their deliberations with insight and care – thank you!!

Thank you to our sponsors! We are grateful for your partnership in investing directly in the people and ideas that will fuel Maryland’s economic future. That means building programs that lower barriers to entry, create pathways for underrepresented founders, and connect startups with the resources they need to scale.