About MIC

Hub for Innovation

The Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) is a premier business incubator and accelerator operated by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). As part of HCEDA’s mission to drive economic growth, MIC provides entrepreneurs, startups and business leaders with the resources, mentorship and collaborative environment needed to scale and succeed.

Located in Howard County, Maryland, MIC serves as a hub for business development, networking and innovation across multiple industries, including technology, cybersecurity, healthcare and agribusiness. Whether you’re launching a startup, looking for funding, or seeking expert guidance, MIC offers tailored support and a thriving ecosystem to help businesses at every stage.

Mission

The mission of the Howard County Economic Development Authority is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County by supporting existing businesses, attracting targeted new businesses and attracting corporate and/or regional headquarters; to serve as the liaison between public and private economic development and planning organizations; and to recommend policies to County government that support the achievement of planned economic goals.

Vision

Howard County, Maryland, will be widely recognized as the best place in the United States to live, work and operate a business.

Strategic Plan

Please click on the links below to view our current strategic plan. Plans are updated once every 5 years:

2024-2026 Strategic Plan
2017-2022 Strategic Plan

Annual Reports

Please click on the links below to view any of our past annual reports:

2024 Stakeholder Semi-Annual Report
FY2023 Community Impact Report
2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report
2015 Annual Report
2014 Annual Report
2013 Annual Report
2012 Annual Report
2011 Annual Report

Benefits

From access to workspace and mentorship to exclusive programming, funding guidance and strategic partnerships, discover how MIC membership can power your next move.

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Our Team

Our team is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, startups and businesses with the resources, mentorship and connections they need to succeed.

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Gallery

Our gallery showcases the dynamic spaces, high-impact events and thriving community that make MIC a hub for business success.

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Book a Tour

Comprised of business development strategists, labor market researchers, seasoned entrepreneurs and minority business advocates, HCEDA is staffed by a team of disruptive thinkers ready to grow Howard County’s companies and communities.

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Contact Us

Located in the Kenneth S. Ulman Innovation Hub, the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) offers a prime location just 15 minutes from BWI Airport, downtown Columbia, UMBC, and Johns Hopkins APL. Explore below to learn how you can connect with the MIC team and discover opportunities to grow your business in Howard County.

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Featured News + Events

Blog, Member News

Social Capital Builders: Community & Entrepreneurship

Since becoming a MIC member in June 2021, Social Capital Builders has leveraged MIC’s resources to expand its reach. Starting on April 1, DeJesus will lead Social Capital for Entrepreneurial Success Academy, an engaging program designed to help entrepreneurs understand and leverage social capital to drive business success.

March 26th, 2025 Learn More

Blog

Green Mechanic: Using Nature to Solve Environmental Challenges

The way we manage land, water and natural resources affects the environment in lasting ways. With climate change bringing heavier storms, rising sea levels and increasing pollution, finding sustainable solutions has never been more important. Larry Davis, founder of Green Mechanic, believes the best answers already exist in nature. His company focuses on ecological design, stormwater management and natural resource consulting to create solutions that restore balance to ecosystems while benefiting communities and businesses.

March 19th, 2025 Learn More

Blog

Financial Field Trips: Teaching Tomorrow’s Leaders

Many young people enter adulthood without the financial skills they need to succeed. Budgeting, saving and credit management are essential life skills, yet they are rarely taught in school. Instead, students often learn about money through trial and error, sometimes making costly mistakes.

March 19th, 2025 Learn More

Blog

BioArk: Advancing Gene Editing with the CRISPR Bio-Lego System

Gene editing is transforming how researchers approach treatments for cancer, rare genetic disorders and cell therapies. However, many existing solutions have efficiency challenges, off-target effects and delivery limitations that slow progress. BioArk Technologies is addressing these gaps with its CRISPR Bio-Lego System, a proprietary gene editing platform designed to improve accuracy, adaptability and efficiency in biomedical research.

March 17th, 2025 Learn More

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