TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, traveled to Seoul, South Korea, with the goal of strengthening ties and unlocking new opportunities in biotechnology, investment and emerging technologies.
Within this larger mission, Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO, played a central role in advancing Maryland’s innovation agenda on the ground. At the 2026 K.E.Y. Platform Conference, LeMaile-Stovall joined global leaders to explore the future of technology ecosystems, emphasizing Maryland’s strengths in research, commercialization and startup support. The TEDCO delegation also included, Tammi Thomas, TEDCO president , David Tohn, TEDCO board member, and Jean-Luc Park, deputy chief investment officer & sr. director, Social Impact Funds, who continued those conversations at the STEPI (Science and Technology Policy Institute) seminar, where discussions centered on building sustainable innovation frameworks and enabling startups to scale internationally.
These engagements were not happening in isolation—they were a continuation of a growing collaboration already set in motion. In late 2025, TEDCO signed a joint declaration with the Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC), an organization dedicated to helping Korean startups expand globally. The agreement established a commitment to create cross-border investment opportunities to strengthen innovation ecosystems in both Maryland and South Korea. The TEDCO delegation’s visit to the KVIC headquarters in Korea, built on the momentum, allowing both organizations to discuss the next steps needed to secure resources to provide investment support for the state of Maryland alongside Korean founders.
TEDCO has recently collaborated with Tae-Heum Jung, CEO of Adelphi Ventures, a bio-focused venture capital firm in South Korea, to help connect investment and industry ecosystems between the two regions. This cross-border approach reflects a shared understanding: while Korean biotech companies possess strong technological capabilities, greater access to global capital—particularly in the U.S.—is essential for scaling and long-term success.
LeMaile-Stovall emphasized Maryland’s unique role in this equation, noting that the state’s concentration of research institutions—including the NIH, FDA, federal labs, and Johns Hopkins University—creates a powerful environment for life sciences innovation. When combined with Korea’s manufacturing strength and growing biotech sector, the potential for synergy is significant.
LeMaile-Stovall stated, “This visit to South Korea reinforced the power of global collaboration—when we connect Maryland’s strengths in research and innovation with Korea’s technological and manufacturing excellence, we can create real opportunities for startups to scale, attract investment, and compete on a global stage.”
Discussions during the trip also pointed toward the future of the industry, particularly the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating drug development. Both U.S. and Korean leaders recognized that AI has the potential to shorten clinical trial timelines, reduce costs, and reshape how new therapies are brought to market—making cross-border collaboration even more critical.
As the delegation concluded its time in South Korea, the momentum was clear. What began as a series of meetings has evolved into a dynamic and growing collaboration—one that connects innovation ecosystems, aligns investment strategies, and supports the next generation of global technology companies.
Learn more about TEDCO’s investment funds and resources at https://www.tedcomd.com/.