Cyber Howard Accelerator - Maryland Innovation Center

Cyber Howard Accelerator

Building the Future of Cybersecurity in Howard County

The Cyber Howard Accelerator, led by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in partnership with the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), is designed to support early-stage cybersecurity companies. This program provides mentorship, funding connections and technical resources to help entrepreneurs refine their products, scale operations and secure investment.

Howard County is neighboring the U.S. Cyber Command, NSA and leading defense contractors, making it one of the most strategic locations for cybersecurity startups. The Cyber Howard Accelerator strengthens the region’s innovation ecosystem by helping companies establish a strong foundation for long-term success.

Key Benefits

Expert mentorship from experienced cybersecurity, business and investment professionals
Hands-on support in product development, market strategy and scaling operations
Access to industry networks, government agencies and potential investors
Testing environments, compliance guidance and strategic business coaching
Preparation for investor engagement, contract procurement and market expansion

The accelerator is designed for early-stage cybersecurity startups that are ready to transition from concept to commercialization.

Download the 12-Week Milestone guideline

Program Details

The Cyber Howard Accelerator is an intensive 12-week program designed to help cybersecurity startups refine their products, establish market strategies and secure funding. Each cohort includes six to eight companies that receive hands-on support from a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and industry mentors.

Who Should Apply

The Cyber Howard Accelerator is designed for early-stage cybersecurity companies that are working on innovative solutions for government, defense and commercial markets.

Graduation and Next Steps

The Cyber Howard Accelerator prepares startups to operate independently and continue growing within Howard County’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Each company’s progress is evaluated based on business development milestones, market readiness and investor engagement.