Speaker of the House Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk to Present Concept Capital Pitch Competition Award at TEDCO’s 2026 Entrepreneur Expo

Join us in Baltimore on October 27 as Maryland’s early-stage founders compete for an additional $25,000 investment

COLUMBIA, Md., (October 22, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces that Maryland Speaker of the House Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk and Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO will present the winning check to the Concept Capital Pitch Competition awardee during the evening reception at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.

Up to 10 recipients of TEDCO’s Concept Capital program, each of whom has already received $25,000 through the program, will compete for an additional $25,000 investment to accelerate their ventures. Founders will present their ventures and field questions from a panel of expert judges, which will select the recipient of the additional investment. Judges include Lisa Friedlander of NEXT/My NEXT Raise, Bill Collier of Noblis Ventures, Arti Santhanam of Institute of Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Allison Alexander of The Marathon Fund, Michael Ravenscroft of Maryland Momentum Fund and Jess Grant of High Street Equity Partners. The panel will be moderated by Justin Ferguson of TEDCO. Beyond the funding, participants gain exposure to the investment community and direct feedback on how to sharpen their pitches going forward.

Speaker Peña-Melnyk was elected Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in December 2025, becoming the first Afro-Latina to lead the chamber. She has represented the 21st Legislative District, which includes College Park and the University of Maryland along with parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, in the House of Delegates since 2007.

“Maryland’s innovation economy grows one founder at a time,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. “The Concept Capital Pitch Competition pairs follow-on capital with real feedback from experienced investors, helping early-stage companies take their next step. We’re honored to have Speaker Peña-Melnyk join us to recognize this year’s winner, and grateful for her commitment to making sure every Marylander with a great idea has a path to build it here.”

“I represent College Park, home to the University of Maryland, so I see every day what happens when talented people get the chance to turn their ideas into companies,” said Speaker Peña-Melnyk. “The founders in the Concept Capital Pitch Competition are showing us the future of Maryland’s economy. Our job is to make sure they can build that future right here at home.”

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, offering a full day of interactive workshops, 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.