ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø

ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Launch Fund

The ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Launch Fund

Powered by the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø
Part of the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Innovation Collective

Welcome to the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø (ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø)ÌýLaunch 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 innovation journey. Administered by the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Office of Research and Economic Development, and collectively led by all ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø institutions, our program proudly supports students, faculty, and a diverse range of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø-affiliated ventures, both for-profit and non-profit.
Ìý
The Launch Fund is one part of the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Innovation CollectiveÌý— the many resources across ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø that support innovators and entrepreneurs.Ìý

Ìý

Who We Support

The ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Launch Fund is tailored for students, employees, and ventures linked to ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø institutions, which are these universities and regional higher education centers across ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø.
Ìý

How We Support

  • Support for Students, Startups, and ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Employers via Launch Fund Nexus:ÌýSupported and coordinated by the Launch Fund, Launch Fund Nexus connects (1) startupsÌýwith (2) students drawn from across those 170,000 enrolled at the 12 institutions and 3 regional higher education centers of the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø (ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø) across the State of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø and (3) industry experts. It creates benefits for all three stakeholders while contributing to ϡȱÁÔÆæÍøâ€™s long-term strategic vision for inclusive economic growth through the creation of supporting infrastructure assets, resources, and a diverse workforce that builds the strengths of ϡȱÁÔÆæÍøâ€™s economy. Learn more about Launch Fund Nexus here.Ìý
  • The Launch Fund has historically provided funds to ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø-affiliated startups in the form of grants and also has supported faculty, students, and staff in the form of microgrants. Those sources of support have evolved to the program described above. The Launch Fund will continue to evolve, so please register to receive the latest updates.Ìý
Ìý

Recipients and Impacts

Ìý

Why We Support

The ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Launch Fund is committed to enhancing access to early capital and resources. By dedicating up to $600,000 over three years to this pilot, ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø believes that small amounts of capital, strategically deployed, can make a significant impact on ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø’s economy while aligning with our mission to educate, advance equity, and produce impactful research. We welcome others to join us in maximizing ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø’s potential. This pilot is built on a study of the ecosystem that began in 2021 and provided recommendations in spring of 2022.Ìý

Please direct any questions to Lindsay Ryan at launch@usmd.edu.

ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø-Logo-CMYK-outlinewhite.png

The ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø 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.