The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) has announced 38 new awards totaling $12,665,189 through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) to support stem cell and regenerative medicine research, technology development, and commercialization across Maryland.
The awards will support academic researchers and companies advancing therapies and technologies across 32 diseases and medical conditions, including diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, sickle cell disease, chronic pain, and cardiovascular, bone, blood, digestive, and neurological disorders.
The funding was awarded through MSCRF’s Discovery, Fellowship, Launch, Validation, Commercialization, and Clinical programs, reflecting the organization’s continued support of the regenerative medicine innovation pipeline from early-stage research through clinical translation and company growth.
“This funding cycle reflects the breadth and maturity of Maryland’s regenerative medicine pipeline — from bold early-stage science to companies preparing technologies for clinical and commercial advancement,” said Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., Executive Director of MSCRF.
Awardees include researchers from Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, College Park, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Lieber Institute for Brain Development, alongside companies including Theradaptive, Caleo Biotechnologies, Mirecule, SereNeuro Therapeutics, Reprocell USA, NuGate Therapeutics, and Lentigen Technology.
The latest funding round includes:
- Commercialization Awards totaling $2,597,560 supporting companies developing human stem cell-based products in Maryland.
- Clinical Awards totaling $2,000,000 supporting public and private entities conducting human stem cell-based clinical trials.
- Validation Awards totaling $478,533 supporting validation of stem cell-based technologies developed at Maryland academic institutions.
- Launch Awards totaling $2,799,887 supporting new and early-career faculty entering the regenerative medicine field.
- Discovery Awards totaling $3,489,209 supporting innovative stem cell-based technologies and cures.
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship Awards totaling $1,300,000 supporting post-doctoral researchers conducting stem cell research in Maryland.
“The Commission is proud to support a portfolio of projects that reflects both scientific excellence and real translational promise,” said Rachel Brewster, Ph.D., Chair of the Commission. “At a time when research funding is increasingly competitive, Maryland’s sustained commitment to stem cell and regenerative medicine is especially important.”
Earlier in fiscal year 2026, the Commission also allocated more than $4.7 million in additional research grants. Since its establishment under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006, MSCRF has supported more than 750 research and commercialization projects with nearly $250 million in funding.
The Commission also announced the opening of applications for five fiscal year 2027 funding programs, including Launch, Validation, Clinical, Commercialization, and Manufacturing Assistance grants. Applications are due by June 23, 2026.
More information about the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and current funding opportunities is available at MSCRF.org.
About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
