Senate President Bill Ferguson to Join TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall for Fireside Chat at TEDCO’s 2026 Entrepreneur Expo

Join us in Baltimore on October 27 for a conversation on how policy and investment can accelerate Maryland’s innovation economy

COLUMBIA, Md., (October 20, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces that Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson will join TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall for a fireside chat on how policy and investment can accelerate Maryland’s innovation economy at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026. The Expo returns this year to downtown Baltimore, in the heart of the 46th Legislative District, where Ferguson has represented since 2011.

The fireside chat will focus on how the state can turn its research institutions, federal labs and skilled workforce into new companies and good jobs in every region of Maryland. Ferguson and LeMaile-Stovall will talk about moving research from the lab to the market, expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and building the partnerships that keep talent and companies growing in the state. Immediately following the conversation, Ferguson will hold a press conference to share key economic initiatives to better position Maryland for a prosperous and inclusive economic future.

Ferguson has made long-term economic growth a priority. During the 2026 legislative session, he sponsored legislation establishing the Maryland’s Future Board, which is charged with developing a long-term vision for the state’s economy by January 2027 and recommending projects to fund through the new Maryland’s Future Fund. The law, which passed the Senate unanimously, also requires the Comptroller to report to the General Assembly on the state’s economic growth trends. A lifelong Marylander who grew up in Montgomery County and made Baltimore City his home as a public school teacher, Ferguson has served as president of the Maryland senate since 2020.

“Maryland has the talent, the research and the ambition to lead the nation’s innovation economy,” said LeMaile-Stovall. 

Maryland starts from a position of strength. The state is home to more than 70 federal labs, more than any other state, and ranks second nationally in federal R&D obligations at $21.5 billion and first per capita, according to FY2024 data from the National Science Foundation. Plus, Maryland universities conducted $6.57 billion in research and development in FY2024, the fourth-highest total in the nation. The challenge ahead is converting that research base into more Maryland-grown companies, capital and jobs.

TEDCO’s award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region’s top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the region’s top experts; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.