GBC Advances $25M Tech Hub Proposal to Boost Dual-Use Biomanufacturing

Baltimore, MD –The Greater Baltimore Committee’s Regional Innovation Office (RIO) today announced the successful submission of a $25 million Phase 3 proposal on November 7th to the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program, advancing a major regional effort to accelerate dual-use biomanufacturing and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. 

The proposal builds directly on Phase 2 feedback and aligns with federal administration priorities around dual-use technology, commercialization and national security. If awarded, the investment would expand the region’s biomanufacturing capacity, create high-quality jobs and support long-term economic competitiveness across the Baltimore Region. 

The Baltimore Region was designated a federal Tech Hub in 2023 based on its strengths in materials science and its potential to lead in dual-use biomanufacturing for both commercial and national security applications. Since that designation, the GBC has convened and coordinated a multi-sector consortium of public, private, academic and nonprofit partners to advance the region through Phases 1 and 2 and align around a shared economic strategy. The Phase 3 submission marks the next major step in this multi-year effort to position the region as a nationally competitive center for innovation and commercialization. 

The latest proposal advances three coordinated component projects: 

  • Biomanufacturing Facility Expansion — Led by Harford County 
  • Venture Development — Led by Early Charm Ventures 
  • Workforce Development — Led by the Maryland Tech Council with Harford Community College and BioBuzz 

GBC’s Regional Innovation Office will provide governance and integration support across all three projects. 

Developed in just over six weeks, the proposal reflects deep regional collaboration and a strong public-private coalition. RIO coordinated partnership engagement, convenings and proposal operations, with critical administrative leadership from Erica Myers, Director of the Regional Innovation Office, who leads strategy and coordination for the region’s 48-member Tech Hub consortium. Myers oversaw communications across partners, participated in EDA Tech Hub sessions, coordinated with HR&A and gathered letters of support from investors and workforce partners. 

EDA Stage 1 evaluations are expected in early 2026. Tech Hubs invited to proceed will submit Stage 2 applications in February. 

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QUOTES: 

“In Phase 3, the Baltimore Region put forward a strategy that builds on the strengths that earned our Tech Hub designation and aligns them directly with the administration’s investment priorities. We clarified how our regional collaborations can deliver on national objectives through critical investments that accelerate growth and advance federal interests. We feel good about the effort our partners have undertaken together, work that strengthens our case for Baltimore in this and future funding opportunities.” 

Mark Anthony Thomas, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee 

“Submitting a competitive Phase 3 application in just six weeks required extraordinary collaboration and discipline. And our team, partners and consultants moved quickly and strategically to position the Baltimore Region as a global leader in dual-use biomanufacturing. This proposal reflects how the RIO is positioning to pursue major federal opportunities, including those expected in 2026. We’re grateful to every partner who contributed their expertise and look forward to the next stage of EDA’s review.” 

Lakey Boyd, Chief Economic Officer, Greater Baltimore Committee 

“Harford County is proud to lead the biomanufacturing facility expansion included in this proposal. Strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing capacity has long been a priority for us, and this effort ensures we have the space, technology and workforce to support high-growth companies. Our partnership with GBC and the consortium shows how regional alignment can drive real economic impact.” 

Karen Holt, Director, Harford County Office of Economic Development 

“Aberdeen Proving Ground and Harford County have established a regional framework for technologies that bridge commercial and defense needs, and investors and commercial enterprises across the region are now carrying it forward. Early Charm is proud to be a partner in this ongoing effort, actively de-risking these technologies and scaling ventures for deployment.”   

Ken Malone, CEO, Early Charm Ventures 

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ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE 

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region, providing insightful economic and civic leadership to drive collective impact. Comprising more than 300 organizations—including businesses, nonprofits, foundations, and healthcare and educational institutions—the GBC is dedicated to fostering the prosperity of the Greater Baltimore region. For more information, visit gbc.org. 

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