Rural business working to create a new app for parking communication efforts
COLUMBIA, Md., (June 23, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $25,000 Pre-Seed Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) Fund investment in Atme. TEDCO’s RBII was designed to enhance technology commercialization and provide technical and business assistance to small and early-stage companies based in rural Maryland.
"There are plenty of apps focused on driving and parking, but most miss a key piece: communication,” said Joseph Ogundeyi, founder of Atme. “Atme bridges that gap by allowing drivers to anonymously alert one another — whether it’s a light left on, a window down, or a ticket risk. TEDCO’s support helps us continue moving this vision forward.”
Atme, located in Frederick, Md., is developing an app to allow secure, direct and anonymous communication among drivers. Currently in beta, the Atme app enables direct, secure, and anonymous messaging between drivers using license plate numbers — helping reduce parking conflicts and support public safety.
“TEDCO’s Rural and Urban Business Innovation Initiatives (RUBII) are designed to support entrepreneurs in these difficult to reach areas of Maryland,” said Graham Dodge, vice president of TEDCO’s Venture Development. “We are excited to continue seeing innovation across the state develop in hopes of creating a better tomorrow.”
“Maryland offers a compelling mix of resources, location and quality of life that allows entrepreneurial innovation to thrive,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “With access to diverse avenues of funding, world-renowned researchers and equipment, and close proximity to major markets and international trade via the Port of Baltimore, companies looking to grow have numerous options within reach.”
For more information about mentoring and funding opportunities from the RBII program, visit our page here.