From Vision to Venture: Launch with Maryland’s Premier New Venture Program
The Maryland NEW VENTURE™ Program is an intensive 12-week accelerator designed to transform early-stage ventures into market-ready businesses. Through expert mentorship, strategic guidance, and comprehensive support, participants gain the resources they need to validate their concept, develop a compelling business pitch, and connect with Maryland’s influential innovation ecosystem.
Program Details
- Program Dates: January 26 – May 11, 2026
- Format: Hybrid program with in-person and virtual components
- Meetings: Mondays, 3:55-5:30 pm and weekly team meetings
- Location: bwtech facilities with virtual accessibility
- Culminating Event: Pitch Night on May 11, 2026
Pay It Forward: Become a Mentor!
bwtech is seeking seasoned business professionals to join our Maryland NEW VENTURE™ and STARTUP Accelerator™ Programs as Mentors.
If you are interested in giving back, sharing your expertise, and inspiring Maryland’s emerging entrepreneurs, we invite you to apply!
Program Benefits
- Industry Mentorship: Selected applicants paired with seasoned industry mentors and UMBC Odyssey program fellows
- Customer Discovery Focus: Comprehensive support for customer discovery methodologies and market validation
- Pitch Development: Professional guidance in developing compelling pitch decks for investor presentations
- Ecosystem Access: Direct connection to Maryland’s innovation ecosystem and funding sources
- Proven Methodology: Structured program with measurable outcomes and success metrics
Program Structure:
- Weeks 1-4: Foundation building, market validation, and customer discovery initiation
- Weeks 5-8: Business model refinement, mentor pairing, and strategic development
- Weeks 9-12: Pitch deck development, investor readiness, and Pitch Night preparation
- Culminating Event: Pitch Night showcase on May 11, 2026
Ideal Candidates:
- Early-stage entrepreneurs with validated business concepts
- University researchers with commercialization potential
- Corporate spin-offs and first-time founders
- Ventures with initial market validation and scalable business models
- Committed founding teams with growth potential
ENTREPRENEUR
Your Role: Drive the technological direction for the project and lead a team of Fellows to validate your tech idea, develop a business pitch, and showcase an exhibit for Pitch Night.
Benefits
- An opportunity to validate and advance your tech idea with free support from Fellows and a Mentor.
- Access to valuable educational resources and networking opportunities with industry experts.
- A platform to showcase your work and gain exposure within MD’s startup ecosystem.
- Opportunities for future partners and funding
MENTOR
Your Role: Guide your team through a validation process, providing feedback and advice to enhance your team’s pitch deck and showcase exhibit materials for Pitch Night.
Benefits
- The opportunity to give back and make a meaningful impact on a startup entrepreneur’s journey.
- Collaboration with a diverse group of talented Odyssey Fellows and industry experts.
- Networking opportunities within Maryland’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
- Potential for future mentorship or consulting opportunities based on program outcomes.
FELLOW
The Fellows’ roles are populated through UMBC’s Engineering Management Advanced Project Management Application Course Odyssey Program.
Session Agenda
Meet Cohort 6!
We are thrilled to introduce the exceptional entrepreneurs selected for Cohort 6!
These entrepreneurs represent the diversity and innovation that define Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From AI-powered agriculture and sustainable aquaculture to cybersecurity for seniors and accessible beauty technology, each venture addresses real-world challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Carson Becker – Gibbon Studio: Democratizing access to high-quality design systems and AI-enhanced creative workflows for startups
Samad Saifudin – Workflow Control: Modernizing energy compliance & building performance management for commercial real estate
Donna Vincent Roa – MicDots: Innovative technology solutions for enhanced communication and connectivity
Payam Kamjoo – Esurgi, Inc: Advanced surgical technology and medical device innovations
Jingsen Ma – MBaFUs: Next-generation business and financial solutions platform
Velma Funebe – iBraid: Using augmented reality to make hair braiding techniques more accessible and easier to learn
Erica Jeanine – Think Happy Live Happy: Wellness and mental health technology solutions for positive living
Dong Li – Cardio Monitoring: Advanced cardiovascular monitoring and health technology solutions
Success Stories
Check out how past participants describe their Maryland NEW VENTURE experience:
Thank You, Sponsors!
The Maryland NEW VENTURE Program is made possible through the support of our sponsors and the strength of the bwtech@UMBC community.
