Learn more about Maryland’s Workforce, Resources & Opportunities, and how we are Cultivating Talent.

Workforce

  • Cybersecurity talent – Maryland is part of the epicenter for cybersecurity talent, ranked #1 for global cyber talent as part of the D.C. region. This area hosts the largest and most concentrated cybersecurity workforce across the nation, meaning there is plenty of talent to support up and coming businesses.7
  • Diversity runs through our veins – Maryland hosts 4 cities that were named among the most diverse8 in the nation and was named #1 state for minority employment.9 We embrace diversity and recognize that it enhances our growth and innovation.
  • Lighthouse Sectors – Maryland Governor Wes Moore named a few industries as key for the state’s continued growth, these include life sciences, information technology, and aerospace and defense.  Through this designation, Governor Moore committed to investing in more opportunities for advancement in those sectors.
  • Quantum Computing – Located at the epicenter of the quantum technology revolution, Maryland offers opportunities for specialized training, strategic alliances, incubators and more to advance startups in the industry.
  • STEM Talent Powerhouse – Maryland hosts 120,000 in the information technology field and 46,000 in life sciences with multiple institutions training more talent every day.9
  • One Maryland – Across the state, communities are centered on collaboration and innovation, allowing the entrepreneurial and startup communities to grow and flourish.
  • Location – A central location with 1/3 of the U.S. population within the distance of an overnight drive, Maryland provides access to leading entities, allows for partnership with federal and military entities, and welcomes global connections, creating more opportunities for startup growth.10

 

Resources & Opportunities

  • TEDCO – The Maryland Technology Development Corporation is committed to identifying, investing in and helping grow technology and life sciences startups across the state. Through various resources, investment funds, programs and opportunities, the entity offers different avenues to help startup companies flourish.
    • Maryland Innovation Initiative – Created to leverage the resources from the State of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions, the program seeks to foster the transition of promising technologies to the commercial sector.
    • Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund – An independent program under TEDCO, MSCRF offers seven grant opportunities for entrepreneurs and researchers looking to advance stem cell therapies.
  • Economic Development Entities – In total, the state has around 23 economic development entities11 across the 24 counties.
  • Accelerators and Incubators – With more than 3112 incubators and accelerators across the state, startups and entrepreneurs can find the support needed to promote further growth.
  • Maryland Global Gateway Soft Landing Program – An opportunity for international companies to test the U.S. market for a more affordable cost.13
  • Maryland Innovation Lab – An opportunity for eligible entities to pitch their innovative ideas to some of Maryland’s biggest names in business.14
  • Discovery District – Maryland’s largest research park with flexible office space; the research hub is located within ten miles of federal laboratories, government agencies, international embassies, international media outlets, and more.15

 

Cultivating Talent Through the University System of Maryland

  • Johns Hopkins University is a globally recognized institution with some of the nation’s best programs in life sciences and engineering. The entity was ranked #216 for life science doctorate graduates and #1 in the nation for their biomedical engineering program17.
  • University of Maryland, College Park is a public institution recognized as one of the top institutions for undergraduate entrepreneurship studies, ranking #518 in 2025. Further, the entity has ranked #7 in the nation18 across all institutions and #8 for Quantum Computing19, solidifying its status as a math and science powerhouse.
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – There are four HBCUs across the state, including Coppin State University, Bowie State University, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, and Morgan State University, which was named one of the nation’s top HBCUs. 

 

Outside the Grind

  • Hosts #1 best place for families to live20
  • #2 happiest state in the nation21
  • 3,000 miles of shoreline giving access to a slew of activities and opportunities
  • #1 state to maximize a middle-class income22
  • Natural Environment – in the state, there are 60+ state parks and national parks
  • 29 Arts & Entertainment Districts found across the state, providing opportunities to foster creativity and promote cultural exploration23

 

Sources