From Vision to Venture: Launch with Maryland’s Premier New Venture Program
Applications Now Open!
Program Launches January 2026
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.
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
Program Details
- Program Duration: 12-week intensive program
- Start Date: January 26, 2026
- Program End: May 11, 2026
- Application Deadline: December 5, 2025
- 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
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 5!
Congratulations to Cohort 5 on completing the program and their outstanding presentations on Pitch Night 2025! Please join us in cheering them on as they continue to develop their ventures!
- Adegboyega Akinsiku, Didara Technology
- Vinod Akunuri, PMP, CSM, jumpstart2tech
- Logan Cundiff, Props
- Patrick Greene, Muvely
- Tiara J., AnnieGuard
- Rudolph Park, In Vitro Matrix
- Mantej Singh, Modelus
- Hamza Umar, SphereHub
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.
