FAQ

The Maryland Biotechnology Center

Frequently Asked Questions

The Center

What is the main purpose of the Maryland Biotechnology Center?
The Center aims to become the "one-stop shop" for life sciences in the State of Maryland. Working closely with our partners, the Center will be able to connect you and your organization to a myriad of State resources and opportunities.

How is the Maryland Biotechnology Center different from other associations and organizations related to bioscience in Maryland?
The Center is not a membership based organization or trade association. The Center is a State initiative to promote Maryland as a leader in bioscience.

What is the Maryland Biodirectory and why is it useful to me?
The Maryland Biodirectory is a comprehensive database of the State's life sciences organizations. It includes companies, institutions and centers across Maryland's industry, academia and federal sectors. If you are looking to get more information as well as research on a company , you will find our BioDirectory very useful.

How do I get my organization listed in the Maryland Biodirectory?
In the biodirectory page, you will find an "Add/Edit Profile" link below the main frame window. Please search for your organization's profile and if you find it, please review it for accuracy. Currently, the database has more than 400 organizations listed.
To be consistent, it is preferred that your organization assign an individual to be responsible for adding and updating your organization's profile.

Why should I register with the Center?
Registering with the Center is free and open to the public. By registering with us you will get access to:

Our RSS news feeds : These focus on bio-news related to Maryland
Our calendar of events: A comprehensive bio-community calendar
Center announcements and updates: Via RSS Feed
Information about our programs: BioEntrepreneur, BioDevelopment, Workforce and Federal Connection
Our application forms: Grants and services
Our Center databases: At our Baltimore and Rockville offices.

I know that the Center has two locations ( Rockville and Baltimore); can I make an appointment with your staff at either location?
Yes you will be able to make an appointment with Center Staff at either location. Each office offers access to the same resources.

I have ideas and suggestions about how the Center could better serve Maryland's bioscience community; Who should I talk to?
The Center is always open to new ideas and suggestions, we actually encourage them. Please contact us and let us know how we may better serve you.

Can I promote my event through the Center ?
The Center's Calendar of Events is a comprehensive calendar that includes events in Maryland-as well as national and international events-related to Maryland's bioscience community . If you would like to add your event to our calendar please email the center.

Bioentrepreneur Resources Program

Is the Maryland Biotechnology Center an incubator?
The Center is not an incubator, but staff can help you find available space for your company.

How can the Center help me find capital? Are resources available online?
After meeting with you and reviewing your business plan, Center staff can help you navigate various funding opportunities available to bioscience companies, including the Maryland Venture Fund, the Biotechnology Investor Incentive Tax Credit, TEDCO, MIPS, the Capital Access Network, and more. Companies may come into the Center to access proprietary databases that provide information on scientific research, angel and venture capital, intellectual property, and market analysis.

Does the Center help with technology transfer and commercialization?
The Center works closely with TEDCO and a network of university and federal technology transfer organizations to foster and fund collaborative commercialization initiatives between Maryland companies, universities, and federal labs.

Can the Center help me with IP issues?
Yes. The Center is home to the Maryland Intellectual Property Legal Resource Center, which offers free legal services on intellectual property and related matters to emerging technology companies.

Will the Center write my business plan?
Center staff can review your business plan and make suggestions as appropriate. The Center does not write business plans, but offers you access to informational resources to assist your plan development.

Biotechnology Development Program

How do you define a Maryland company?
A Maryland company is a company whose corporate headquarters is in the state and has over 50% of its employees in the state. Any company receiving a Maryland Biotechnology Center grant will be required to remain a Maryland company for three years after the date of last payment from the grant or some portion of the grant may be required to be repaid.

Who are qualified to receive Technology Commercialization Grants?
These grants are targeted for companies in later stage development of a product or service. The grants are expected to move companies to distinct milestones which will allow either offer of the product or service for sale or access to other forms of investment. Priority will be given to companies that have engaged in other State technology transfer and commercialization programs, such as TEDCO’s MTTF or the University of Maryland’s MIPS.

Can grants for core facilities be used to cover salaries?
No. Grants for core facilities are expected to cover equipment and supplies that will be used in an existing or new facility to provide services or products that will enhance the biotechnology research and development in the state. It is expected that this facility will have continuity beyond the period of the Center’s grant, and have the necessary funding in place for continued staffing and operations.

Do core facilities grants have to be used to purchase instrumentation?
No. Although it is expected that most core facility grants will be used to purchase analytical or preparative instruments, this is not required. If a substantial case could be made, other items such as software or supplies might qualify.

Will there be opportunities to learn about the details of these programs?
Anyone interested in applying for any of the Center’s grant programs are encouraged to call the Center to set up an appointment with a Center staff to learn about the programs. This will also allow the applicant to learn about all the other resources available at the Center not only for applying for the specific grant, but also for advancing the business or commercialization of products or services that might be generated from the grants. Information on the funding guidelines and proposal applications will be posted on the Center's website as they are released. Watch for announcements or better yet register with the Center to receive them.

Workforce Development Program

Are there any summer teacher training programs in MD?
Summer externships with bioscience are available for teachers in MD.

Can the Center help me find an intern?
The Center will work closely with you and the Maryland Training Consortium to help find the right intern for you. The Center may also offer internship grants.

Can someone help me to put together a training program for my employees?
Yes. The Center will be happy to work with you to find the right training program that suits your needs. Training can be in the form of customized programs chosen from a list of modules or custom-made curricula tailored to your specific needs.

Is there any funding for employee training?
The Center can assist you to access programs that can help cover part of your training costs. We will work with you to find affordable training solutions.

Is there a quick way to orient inexperienced people to work in biomanufacturing ?
Our partner training providers offer a 10-day introductory biomanufacturing training program.

Why should my company join the Center's externship or internship programs?
By participating in one of our programs you not only gain corporate visibility and promotional opportunities through the Center but also you will be able to stimulate company-educational institute relationships needed for your future workforce requirements. But most important of all you will be helping to ensure Maryland’s future leadership in the biosciences.

BioMaryland

What is BioMaryland?
BioMaryland is a partnership of organizations with a shared goal of enhancing Maryland’s leadership position in bioscience and to provide a single brand to Maryland's renowned bioscience sector. Current and past members include the Center, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Montgomery and Frederick Counties, MdBio, Medimmune, Human Genome Sciences and others.

What are the benefits of becoming a BioMaryland sponsor?
Companies will gain significant exposure and global visibility by being part of an orchestrated community that builds on Maryland’s bioscience brand. Main benefits include cooperative marketing efforts and mentorship to Maryland start-up companies.

How does one become involved as a BioMaryland partner or sponsor?
Please come and visit the center. Our staff will be happy to explain to your how you can become a valued partner of BioMaryland.