Lifetime Achievement Gala

MTC is proud to honor three of the most influential industry titans at our Lifetime Achievement Gala on April 18, 2018 at the William F. Bolger Center in Potomac Maryland. These gentlemen share common characteristics that have enhanced life for millions, and their achievements have set a place for future generations. Join us in honoring this year’s recipients:

• Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Director, National Institutes of Health
• Douglas Lowy, M.D., Acting Director, National Cancer Institute and Chief of Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research
• John Schiller, Ph.D., Senior Investigator, National Center Institute, National Institutes of Health

Click here to register for individual seats or a table of 10.

Sponsorships are still available. For more information please contact Wendy Worm at wendy@mdtechcouncil.com.

Nominations open January 3, 2018 – February 2, 2018

The Maryland Tech Council’s Industry Awards Celebration is the only awards ceremony that honors the best in Maryland’s technology and life science communities and is one of Maryland’s largest and most prestigious award ceremonies. This is our 30th anniversary where we recognize the work of individuals and companies that have changed the landscape of their industries and have ultimately touched the lives of millions of people.

We encourage you to nominate yourself, company or client for one of the coveted awards.

How to Nominate: Nominations are being accepted from any company or individual that has done business in the Mid-Atlantic region during 2017. You don’t have to be a MTC member to submit.

The nomination process is very easy and only takes only a few minutes. Click here and follow these steps to nominate today:

• Click “Nominate Here” to start
• Create an account to save, edit or add more nominations
• Carefully review to ensure all listed information is correct
• Submit (multiple nominations are permitted and encouraged)

Award Categories to Nominate Include:

• Chief Executive Officer of the Year
• Financial Executive of the Year
• Life Science Company of the Year
• Technology Company of the Year
• Government Contracting Company of the Year
• Emerging Company of the Year (under $25,000,000)

Criteria: Click here to read the criteria for each category.

Award Submission Deadline: February 2, 2018.

Click here for more information.

Tami Howie // CEO Corner

There comes a time in everyone’s life, whether a person or a company, when they must take action.  In Maryland, for technology and life science companies, the time is now. We are on the cusp of being one of the top innovation hubs in the country. We have the support of Governor Hogan and the Maryland Legislature on many needs and we have the greatest technology and life science companies in the country.  We also are home to federal labs and agencies and over 20 incubators.

We have the 2017 momentum as our tailwind pushing us forward into 2018.  Some of those successes include:

1. The merger of two largest technology councils in the state to create the new Maryland Tech Council with one voice for life science, technology and innovation
2. We helped to increase the research and development tax credit 
3. We pulled together and fought in Annapolis to continue to empower technology and life science companies to thrive in Maryland
4. We celebrated the 1 year anniversary of the Venture Mentor Program with 21 mentees and 55 trained mentors
5. We launched the Young Professionals Society
6. We launched the beta version of a statewide internship platform in-md.org with partners Breezio, Fearless, Maryland Department of Commerce and Maryland Department of Labor. Learn more >
7. We worked on a beta version of a statewide platform to match companies to potential investors with Evergreen and Maryland Department of Commerce
8. We held over 35 events on many different subject matters and made thousands of connections
9. Our members saved over $73,000 participating in our Cost Savings Program
10. We relaunched our Foundation to help mentorship and internships
11. We were featured in a nationwide magazine as the next technology hub. Preview magazine >
12. And so much more

In 2018 we need your help to keep the momentum going.  Please do not sit on the sidelines and think everyone else will make this happen.  The Maryland Tech Council needs each and every one of you to actively participate to make Maryland the next great technology hub.  Here are a few ways you can help, if you would like to get involved, contact me at tami@mdtechcouncil.com:

• Help us fight back against the report from the Legislative Services that R&D Tax Credit and Bio Technology Investor Tax Credit are not valuable by joining our Legislative Initiatives
• Participate on a committee http://www.mdtechcouncil.com/committees/
• Participate in the Legislative Coalition meetings on Monday mornings at 8:30am
• Mentor a company
• Sponsor an event
• Donate to our Foundation to encourage mentorship and internships
• Post an internship and mentor a student
• Chair an educational program
• Email me with other ideas—but don’t do nothing!!

Some of the things to look forward to in 2018 are:

• Governor Hogan keynoting our Leadership Dinner on January 18. Tickets are selling fast, don’t miss this opportunity to spend an evening with the Governor
• The launch of our new International Series starting February 15^th
• CXO Breakfast Series with topics for CXOs from all companies
• Lifetime Achievement Gala on April 17 honoring Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Douglas Lowy and Dr. John Schiller
• 30^th Anniversary Industry Awards Celebration on May 18
• Ultimate Golf Tournament at Cattail Creek Country Club on June 18
• Bio+Tech18 Conference at the Baltimore Hilton on September 20
• Annual Tech Tasting on November 8

As always we are here to help you grow your technology and life science business.  Please help us achieve our goal of making Maryland a top Innovation Hub in America.

Opioid Epidemic: State of Emergency Recap

On November 29, 2017, guests learned about the Innovations to Fight the Opioid Crisis at the Maryland Tech Council’s Innovation Speaker Series kick off breakfast featuring Wilson Compton, M.D., M.P.E., Deputy Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse and Jaimee Reiley, Pharm.D., Senior Director, Field Medical Affairs, Pfizer.

Dr. Wilson Compton shared insight on the growing opioid crisis in the US, stating 12M Americans misuse opioids, 2M are addicted and 52k have overdosed and how science is involved in innovations to fight the opioid epidemic.

If you missed the event, click here to download Dr. Wilson Compton’s full presentation or  click here to watch the video stream of the full event.

Opioid Epidemic: State of Emergency

Learn about Innovations to Fight the Opioid Crisis on November 29, 2017 at The Universities at Shady Grove.

Hear from expert Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, on a rare local appearance. 

Opioid misuse and addiction is an ongoing and rapidly evolving public health crisis. Millions of Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, and millions more suffer from chronic pain. The urgency and scale of this crisis calls for innovative, scientific solutions. As part of a government-wide effort to address this crisis, NIH is supplementing existing research efforts with a public-private collaborative research initiative to address new and innovative medications to treat opioid addiction; strategies to prevent and reverse opioid overdose; and safe, effective, and non-addictive ways to manage chronic pain.

Dr. Volkow will speak about our current understanding of the opioid crisis nationally and locally, what research has taught us about addiction, its prevention and treatment, and how science can help end the opioid crisis once and for all.

American Gene Technologies
9640 Medical Center Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
info@americangene.com

AGT BUILDS MONTGOMERY COUNTY GENE & CELL THERAPY MOMENTUM

September 25, 2017. Montgomery County, MD:  American Gene Technologies (AGT), a private Maryland biotechnology company developing cures and treatments for Infectious diseases, cancers and monogenic disorders, will celebrate the grand opening of its new 24,000 sq. ft. laboratory and offices. From its new location, AGT will begin clinical trials for its HIV Functional Cure therapeutic in the next six months.

The ribbon cutting ceremony highlights AGT’s commitment to biotechnology in Maryland and will take place at its new location 9640 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850 between 1-4pm on October 23^rd.

The new AGT expansion will allow for acceleration of gene and cell therapeutic development laboratories supporting the HIV Functional Cure project that is expected to enter the clinic early next year, as well as to sustain the momentum of phenylketonuria and immuno-oncology therapeutics anticipated for clinical activities in late 2019. These early-stage programs represent substantial assets backed by an impressive IP portfolio. The new offices will support the company’s expected growth through early 2020.

Specialized laboratories within the building will cover an impressive 11,500 sq. ft. of space. These include both a Vector Production Facility that allows the company to reliably produce research-grade lentivirus vector batches for cell and animal experiments, and a Translational Science Laboratory to enable broad validation of gene therapy drug candidates to further build AGT’s extensive vector asset library.

The company’s commitment to the local economy and job market is reflected in its plans to fill several positions over the coming months and into the first quarter of 2018. These include roles in clinical affairs, research and development, laboratory technicians, and others. In addition to providing space for new employees, AGT’s new location has office clusters to inspire greater collaboration and interaction among groups, as well as extensive meeting space for vendor and/or collaborator interactions.

“We are delighted to be expanding our space here in Maryland, and are grateful to Maryland Tech Council for their support” said AGT’s CEO Jeff Galvin. “Our new space will not only help to make product research, development, and testing more efficient and effective, but also enable us to further contribute to the growth of Maryland’s biotechnology sector. This expansion continues our commitment to provide job opportunities and growth within our local community.”

__________

For information on how to attend the event, please contact: Connie Ezerski, cezerski@americangene.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:  Sasha Whitaker, swhitaker@americangene.com.

About AGT

AGT is developing and commercializing genetic medicines targeting major diseases, including HIV/AIDS, phenylketonuria (PKU), and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Its drug candidates have achieved initial proof-of-concept in preclinical studies and have the potential to deliver cost-effective therapies that provide superior targeting and improved potency with fewer side effects. AGT’s drugs will treat symptomatic disease but are intended to provide durable cures that extend the length and improve the quality of patients’ lives.

https://www.americangene.com/

MTC Updates

We’ve Moved and Announced our Signature Events!

Please update your records.

TC’s new headquarters will be located at Launch Workplaces in Gaithersburg MD, 9841 Washingtonian Boulevard, Suite 200, Gaithersburg MD 20878. Visit us online for the most up-to-date details on our programs and events.

MTC’s Young Professionals Society – Path to Success: The Journey of Spotluck CEO, Cherian Thomas

Join the Maryland Tech Council’s Young Professionals Society (YPS) for “Path to Success: The Journey of Spotluck CEO, Cherian Thomas”. This insightful discussion will feature Spotluck Co-Founder and CEO, Cherian Thomas. Hear firsthand from the CEO of one of iTunes’ most popular dining apps about his journey to success. Learn what it takes to build and lead a company from a fellow young professional. More information and registration details can be found here.

The Maryland Tech Council launched YPS in April 2017 and has since held four networking events for Maryland young professionals. YPS advances young professionals through leadership and professional development, networking opportunities and educational events. The society aims to strengthen the life science and technology communities in Maryland by providing an opportunity for collaboration between these two industries.

To keep up with all YPS events and news, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Emily Pool.

Join us at Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Conference

Please join the Maryland Tech Council at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Conference, August 16 – August 19 in Ocean City, Maryland.  Be sure to visit us at the Tech Expo on August 16 and at Booth #524.  If you are already registered to attend, please email Tami Howie, tami@mdtechcouncil.com so we can include you in our delegation. If you have not registered do not miss the chance to represent the Bio and Tech Community to all of the legislators, county and state officials and spend time with the Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan.  Click below to register (use discount code for MTC members: MTC2017 and get get 25% off of registration for tech day and 20% off full registration for all days.

Click here to register.

MACo President and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz commented, “MACo is thrilled to partner with the Maryland Tech Council for this event. Bringing together county officials with leaders in the technology and life sciences communities is exactly what we should be doing to explore new horizons for our state. We are looking forward to a great event and an amazing partnership that is sure to produce positive results for the people of Maryland.”

MTC Chief Exective Officer, Tami Howie states, “we are encouraging all of our members to attend the MACo conference to work with state and county officials to develop programs and policies that help make Maryland the greatest innovation hub in the country.  Let’s start the conversations now.” 

TECH EXPO—WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16^TH 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

MTC is partnering with the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to bring you this year’s Tech Expo. Arrive by 11:00 am on Wednesday to explore a hall of tech-focused vendors. Hear vendors pitch to government officials in an IGNITE session, and listen-in to thought-leaders discuss how to net a biotech boom in Maryland, and what the newest in social media and virtual reality have to offer business and government.  Entrance in the Tech Expo is included in a full registration, or is available as a separate option.

In a special general session on Friday morning of the conference, MACo will feature a pitch-competition with entrepreneurs from across Maryland and five different growth sectors vying for bragging rights as Maryland’s best bet for economic growth. Join the experience to see how industry representatives portray their field, and how their start-up stacks up against the others. Vote for your top pick and see how your assessment aligns with three expert judges.

Friday, August 18^th  9:00 am – 10:45 am

The Voice of Entrepreneurship: Who Has the Perfect Pitch for Maryland?

Startup Maryland and the SRT1UP Roadshow tour Maryland to celebrate, coach, curate, and capitalize high-potential entrepreneurs. Over the course of the year, the Roadshow has focused on five high-growth trajectories: cyber/IT; manufacturing 4.0; health, wellness, and life sciences; rural innovations; and social innovations. In this untraditional session, tune in to these economic drivers, hear actual pitches from the best-of-the best of the Roadshow tour, and learn how to assess investment opportunities. Judges on stage, including an active institutional venture capitalist and a recognizable serial entrepreneur, will grill the pitchers as the audience responds. Do you know what your county should listen for as startups like these join the chorus of Maryland industries? See if your vote for perfect pitch is in harmony with the experts.

Speakers:  Stacey Smith, CyberSecurity Assoc. Of Maryland; Mike Galiazzo, RIM; Charlotte Davis, RMC; Tami Howie, Maryland Tech Council; Richard May, Innovation Village

Judges: Julie Lenzer, Associate Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development and Co-Director of UM Ventures, University of Maryland; Bruce Mcindoe – Founder and CEO iJET; C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, U.S. Congress, Maryland’s 2nd District

Moderator: Michael Binko, Founder and CEO, Startup Maryland

Wednesday, August 16^th 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

“SWITCH PITCH” IGNITE! Session – Meet Your Match: Solutions to County IT Challenges

Gain quick insight into what tech can do for county governments in this fast-paced session. County IT and management professionals will state their needs, and vendors in the Tech Expo Tradeshow will respond with their pitch for solving the top tech issues. Attendees will get a chance to learn a little about a lot of vendors in a short period of time. Listen and learn!

Moderator:  Richard Cerkovvnik, Interim CPAM Director, Montgomery College

Wednesday, August 16^th 12:45 pm –1:45 pm

BIOTECH BAIT: Can Maryland Net a Boom in Biotechnology?

Maryland counties have a big stake in a potential boom of the biotechnology industry – if Maryland lands it. What is the county role in making Maryland an international hub for biotech? In this session, industry leaders share what they are looking for when they scope new locations, and what they need to grow in the land of crabs and corn.

Speakers: Julie Garner, AstraZeneca Medimmune; Henry Bernstein, Scheer Partners; Brian Gaines, MDBio Foundation;

Chris Frew, BioBuzz

Moderator: Tom Sadowski, Vice Chancellor for Economic Development, University System of Maryland

Wednesday, August 16^th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm:

Headsets On: Get Ready for Virtual Reality and the Social Shake-Up

Virtual reality is one of the hottest and most mysterious types of tech. Virtual reality’s tempting serum, poured over snowballing social media use, could turn the way that government interfaces with the public into one heck of a snow cone. VR applications for county governments already include tourism, economic development, and information science, with more to come. Join this session to hear more about the opportunities presented by virtual reality and its integration with county services.

Speakers: Jason Michael Perry, Mindgrub; Julie Lenzer, University of Maryland; Will Gee, Balti Virtual

Moderator: Brian Darmody, Associate Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of Maryland

The Maryland Tech Council Hours Connect You With Amazing People for 20 Minutes of Free 1:1 Meetings

There is no member who won’t need specific guidance at some point in their journey. The Maryland Tech Council Office Hours gives its’ members the opportunity to sit down with our professional service members to discuss any questions you may have. Sessions are available by appointment only. Click here to schedule your time.

Benefits of Maryland Tech Council Office Hours

• Exclusivity– the members of the Maryland Tech Council are volunteering their time exclusively for fellow members
• Expertise– the members are compiled of investors, accountants, video surveillance, human resources and cloud computing (just to name a few) with years of experience and have consulted for hundreds of organizations
• FREE– The Maryland Tech Council members volunteer their time to speak with you for free
• Stay tuned for details – How to get involved and information about the first event! Have questions, contact Pam Lubel at pamela@mdtechcouncil.com or (240) 243-4049.