Early Charm Secures $500K to Launch Biomanufacturing Incubator in Harford County
July 2, 2024
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Maryland’s Build Our Future Grant Fuels Cutting-Edge Biomanufacturing and Innovation in Harford County
The Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded $500,000 to Baltimore-based Early Charm to develop a biomanufacturing incubator at the CONVERGE Innovation Center in Harford County. This grant, part of the state’s Build Our Future initiative, aims to transform the former HEAT Center into a leading hub for biomanufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.
What is the Build Our Future Grant?
The Build Our Future Grant, launched under Governor Wes Moore’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023, provides funding to support projects that drive economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation in Maryland. With grants of up to $2 million, the program targets various sectors, including biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. This initiative is designed to make Maryland a leader in these high-tech industries by providing resources for infrastructure development and innovation.
Early Charm’s Vision for Biomanufacturing
Early Charm, known for converting university and federal lab inventions into commercial products, plans to utilize this funding to upgrade the CONVERGE Innovation Center near Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The center will support the creation of advanced materials, such as 3D-printed ceramics and nanofibers, with applications ranging from power electronics to hydrogen fuel cells and military uniforms.
“When the Harford County Economic Development team explained their vision for growing a biotech hub associated with APG and introduced me to the Army’s needs to biomanufacture advanced materials, we saw a great opportunity to partner,” said Ken Malone, Executive Officer of Early Charm. “We have deep expertise in advanced materials and are accustomed to working with the Army. Add in APG’s expertise in biomanufacturing and the visionary support from the Maryland Department of Commerce, and we think expanding our operations into Harford County is going to be a great success.”
Economic and Educational Impact
Harford County’s Department of Economic Development spearheaded the funding application, aiming to position the county as a biomanufacturing leader. The project will also foster collaboration with Harford Community College, which will offer workforce development and support for startups. Data science classes are already underway, and new programs for materials development and training will begin once renovations are complete.
“We are excited by this grant award and the state’s support of our vision for the CONVERGE Innovation Center as a hub for scientific discovery, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in northeastern Maryland,” said County Executive Bob Cassilly. “This project will bring extraordinary opportunities to advance biomanufacturing’s commercial applications and create well-paying jobs in Harford County and the region.”
Other Notable Recipients of the Build Our Future Grant
The Build Our Future Grant program has awarded $9 million to 11 projects across Maryland. Some other notable recipients include:
- CraniUS – $1 million to establish a Device Innovation Lab in Baltimore City for prototyping and testing implantable medical devices.
- Ion Storage Systems – $1 million for developing a solid-state battery research and manufacturing facility in Prince George’s County.
- Johns Hopkins University Remington Energy Accelerator Labs – $1.25 million to set up an advanced materials discovery and manufacturing process center in Baltimore City.
- University of Maryland Advanced Quantum-Centered Experience for Startups and Students (AQCESS) – $118,600 for a shared lab concept for quantum technology startups in Prince George’s County.
These grants are part of a strategic effort to boost Maryland’s competitiveness in high-tech industries and foster innovation and economic growth statewide (Office of Governor Wes Moore) (Maryland Business).
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Over the past 11 years, Chris has grown BioBuzz into a respected brand that is recognized for its community building, networking events and news stories about the local biotech industry. In addition, he runs a Recruiting and Marketing Agency that helps companies attract top talent through a blended model that combines employer branding and marketing services together with a high powered recruiting solution.
