Regional effort seeks partner to design a sustainable funding strategy for the Baltimore Region's federally designated Tech Hub
BALTIMORE, MD — The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking a qualified individual, team, or firm to recommend a long-term, self-sustaining funding model for its Regional Innovation Office (RIO).
Established to support the Baltimore Region’s federally designated Tech Hub and broader innovation ecosystem, the RIO serves as the central organizing platform for regional collaboration, federal funding pursuits, and economic development initiatives. As the region continues to pursue major state and federal investment opportunities, GBC is seeking a sustainable financial framework that will ensure the office remains a permanent and well-resourced asset for regional competitiveness.
“The Regional Innovation Office plays a critical role in helping the Baltimore region compete for transformational funding and investment opportunities,” said Emily Varga, Vice President of Regional Innovation at the Greater Baltimore Committee. “This effort will help identify a long-term model that ensures we can continue convening partners, advancing regional priorities, and supporting innovation-led economic growth for years to come.”
The RFI seeks recommendations for a blended funding approach that may include public, philanthropic, industry-led, fee-for-service, and anchor institution investment strategies. Respondents will also benchmark comparable innovation hubs and economic development organizations across the country and internationally to identify best practices and sustainability models that can be adapted to the Baltimore Region.
The selected respondent will evaluate funding mechanisms capable of generating between $3 million and $5 million annually and develop recommendations to support a high-performing team and long-term regional innovation strategy.
Key RFI dates include:
- Information Synthesis: August 2026
- Functional Benchmarking: August–September 2026
- Presentation of Final Report and Recommendations: October 2026
- RFI submissions due: July 1, 2026
The full RFI and submission guidelines are available online here.
Interested individuals, teams, and firms should submit materials to rio@gbc.org with the subject line: “Long-Term Funding RFI.”
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.