{"id":1269,"date":"2023-09-13T17:58:46","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T17:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/?page_id=1269"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:30:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:30:42","slug":"portfolio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/portfolio\/","title":{"rendered":"Portfolio"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1269\" class=\"elementor elementor-1269\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5d0f6c48 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-content-middle animated-fast elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"5d0f6c48\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2caae653\" data-id=\"2caae653\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38c8119f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"38c8119f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/earlycapital\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"163\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK-1024x209.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-12\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK-1024x209.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK-300x61.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK-768x156.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK.jpg 1065w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-750c8bc4\" data-id=\"750c8bc4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74b84d6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"74b84d6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Maryland Launch Fund<\/p>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-69c20c46 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"69c20c46\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4c814b0f\" data-id=\"4c814b0f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-1ffd5525 elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1ffd5525\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-extended\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-113024b5\" data-id=\"113024b5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31c08b22 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"31c08b22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Maryland Launch Fund<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a3fcf4e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3a3fcf4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c50c309 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"c50c309\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4a50c833\" data-id=\"4a50c833\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37029750 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"37029750\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><div><h1><strong>Portfolio and Performance<br \/><\/strong><\/h1><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/\">University<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/\"> System of Maryland (USM) Launch Fund<\/a> has provided multifaceted support to a wide range of <span class=\"x_elementToProof\">students, faculty, and USM-affiliated ventures. The people and ventures featured below are those who have received in-kind or monetary support, but the Launch Fund also facilitates helpful connections across the <a id=\"OWA3799b581-08fc-d6e6-c98c-95ab2c0e81a2\" class=\"x_OWAAutoLink\" title=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/resources\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"10\">USM Innovation Collective<\/a>\u00a0for many additional students, faculty, and ventures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div><h2>\u00a0<\/h2><h2 class=\"x_elementToProof\"><span class=\"x_elementToProof\"><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Microgrants Supporting Students and Employees<\/b><\/span><\/h2><div class=\"x_elementToProof\"><span class=\"x_elementToProof\">Students, staff, and faculty at Coppin State University (CSU), the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), Bowie State University (BSU), Frostburg State University (FSU), Salisbury University (SU), Towson University (TU), the University of Baltimore (UBalt), the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) have also received funding via microgrants.<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-09e6f7b elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"09e6f7b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a3bfd32\" data-id=\"a3bfd32\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba00444 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba00444\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><h2 class=\"x_elementToProof\"><span class=\"x_elementToProof\"><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Nexus Projects Developing Students, Supporting Startups, Connecting Employers<\/b><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"x_elementToProof\"><span class=\"x_elementToProof\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/nexus\/\">Learn more about the Launch Fund Nexus pilot program here<\/a>. Below are the current projects.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-571d2f1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"571d2f1\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-91aa3a4\" data-id=\"91aa3a4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c46d94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"0c46d94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"airtable-embed\" src=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/embed\/appQA3UiPVd87rtot\/shriuLhZAjOctMaKY\" frameborder=\"0\" onmousewheel=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"533\" style=\"background: transparent; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"><\/iframe>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f625b9b elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"f625b9b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bedc20b\" data-id=\"bedc20b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7a3588 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"d7a3588\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\nbody.elementor-page .elementor-widget-menu-anchor{margin-bottom:0}<\/style>\t\t<div id=\"Awardees\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fd7b32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fd7b32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><div><h2><strong>Venture Grant Awardees<\/strong><\/h2><h3>Health and Environmental Solutions<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/amronhomeandhealth.com\/\"><strong>Amron Home and Health LLC<\/strong><\/a> is designing unique accessories for CPAP users that reduce stigma and improve convenience for everyday use and travel. Amron Home and Health is located in Hyattsville and is led by UMBC alumna Debora Fajer-Smith, alongside UMBC students Scotty Collinson and Nikos Bourazanis.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/aquaticcircle.com\/\"><strong>Aquatic Circle LLC<\/strong><\/a> is developing an advanced water filtration system that provides clean water without the use of chemicals. Aquatic Circle is located in Allegany County in a community affiliated with Frostburg State University and is founded and led by Dr. Dung Minh Hoang.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cheekseat.store\/\"><strong>Cheek Seat<\/strong><\/a> is developing a portable, collapsible toilet seat cover that keeps bathroom experiences comfortable and hygienic. Cheek Seat is located in Prince George\u2019s County and is led by Bowie State University undergraduate students Jazmyn Brown-Washington and William Kent.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/elasticenergy.co\/\"><strong>Elastic Energy<\/strong><\/a> is developing a sustainable, tree-sap-based battery that is more cost-effective and longer-lasting than traditional battery systems, providing a safer alternative to lithium-based technologies. Elastic Energy is located in Baltimore County and is led by Samuel Bendek, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/exporatx.com\/\"><strong>Expora Inc.<\/strong><\/a> is developing scalable biotech technology to mass-produce bacterial extracellular vesicles for therapeutic and wellness applications. Expora is located in Frederick County and has emerged from research at the University of Maryland, College Park. The company is led by Nicholas Pirolli, PhD.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/ndninterntl.com\/\"><strong>NDN International LLC<\/strong><\/a> is developing a patented, efficient, and portable hand-washing station designed for indoor and outdoor use. NDN International is located in Montgomery County and was founded by Naa Nyanin, a University of Baltimore alumnus.<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.numoontech.com\/\"><strong>NuMoon Technologies, LLC<\/strong><\/a> is commercializing UMBC-licensed intellectual property enabling high-speed hazard detection from a distance. NuMoon Technologies is located in Howard County and is a woman-owned small business led by CEO Gianna Arnold.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/rebokeh.com\/\"><strong>ReBokeh Vision Technologies<\/strong><\/a> is developing an app-based assistive technology system that allows people with moderate vision impairments to personalize how they see the world. ReBokeh Vision Technologies is located in Baltimore County at Towson University\u2019s StarTUp at the Armory and is led by Rebecca Rosenberg.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.repurposefarmplastic.com\/\"><strong>Repurpose Farm Plastic Inc.<\/strong><\/a> is developing an affordable farm-plastic cleaning device that supports agricultural plastic recycling. Repurpose Farm Plastic is located in Queen Anne\u2019s County and is led by Krisztina Christmon, a recent PhD graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/ryansplacellc.com\/\"><strong>Ryan\u2019s Place LLC<\/strong><\/a> is developing a comprehensive health care center for transitioning youth with disabilities and complex medical conditions. Ryan\u2019s Place is located in Montgomery County and is led by Debbie Sahlin, a graduate of the School of Nursing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gosustainabli.com\/\"><strong>Sustainabli<\/strong><\/a> is building an easy-to-retrofit IoT system that monitors and promotes energy efficiency and safety in laboratories and hospitals. Sustainabli is located in Baltimore City and is led by Kevin Tu, a University of Maryland, College Park alumnus and medical student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.<\/li><li><strong>Valoa, Inc<\/strong>. is developing technologies to help surgical oncologists treat unresectable tumors. Valoa is located in Baltimore County and was founded by University of Maryland alumnus <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Sumiao Pang, PhD <\/span>and faculty member <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Huang-Chiao Huang, PhD.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h3>Innovative Essentials<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/goodplusplenty.com\/\"><strong>Good + Plenty Naturals<\/strong><\/a> is operating as a social enterprise that empowers women to live cleaner, healthier lifestyles through natural personal care products. Good + Plenty Naturals is located in Baltimore City and was founded by UMBC alumna Nishan Gugsa.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nakdesignstudio.com\/\"><strong>NAK Design Studio<\/strong><\/a> is developing fashion-technology solutions that enhance the online bridal shopping experience, including MatchAGown, an AI-powered gown matchmaking tool. NAK Design Studio is located in Baltimore City and was founded by UMBC graduate student Nichole Harris.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninascookieexplosion.com\/\"><strong>Nina\u2019s Cookie Explosion<\/strong><\/a> is producing classic and customizable cookies and doughs through a Black woman-owned cookie business. Nina\u2019s Cookie Explosion is located in Baltimore City and was founded by Salisbury University alumna Nina Ross.<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.seeinggreen.studio\/\"><strong>Seeing Green Studio<\/strong><\/a> is operating a houseplant boutique focused on intuitive care and intentional design, offering custom soil blends that simplify plant ownership. Seeing Green Studio is located in Baltimore County and is led by UMBC alumna Amanda Ly.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/smartlabx.editorx.io\/tech\"><strong>SmartlabX<\/strong><\/a> is designing custom web solutions that help small companies solve complex business problems. SmartlabX is located in Towson, MD, and was founded by UMBC undergraduate student Femi Adisa.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/athleteacademymd.com\/\"><strong>The Athlete Academy, LLC<\/strong><\/a> is operating a community-centered training facility focused on injury prevention, rehabilitation, recovery, and performance improvement for youth and adults. The Athlete Academy is located in Wicomico and Worcester Counties and is led by Salisbury University alumni Cody Revel and Ryan Maitland.<\/li><li><strong>The Blade<\/strong> is bringing barbershop services directly to customers through a mobile barbershop offering grooming services and products. The Blade is located in Prince George\u2019s County and is led by Bowie State University undergraduate student Santana Pleasant.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesheller.com\/\"><strong>The Sheller<\/strong><\/a> is manufacturing a patented stainless-steel seafood multitool that functions as a crab mallet, picker, and bottle opener. The Sheller is located in Anne Arundel County and is led by University of Baltimore alumna Shelby Blondell.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/thetrillestdollss.com\/\"><strong>The TrillestDollhouse<\/strong><\/a> is making natural hair education accessible to HBCU students through products, services, and educational programming. The TrillestDollhouse is located in Baltimore City and is led by Bowie State University undergraduate student Lauren Kelly.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinxeddy.com\/\"><strong>Xeddy<\/strong><\/a> is building a platform that provides college students with discounts and rewards for ordering from local restaurants. Xeddy is located in Baltimore City and was founded by UMBC alumnus Basil Udo.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abdirectprints.com\/\"><strong>Apparel and Beyond<\/strong><\/a> is operating as a veteran-owned custom apparel and art-printing business offering sustainable, high-quality printing services, upcycled fashion, and a creative retail space that supports community artists. Apparel and Beyond is located in Montgomery County and is led by Andrew Bird, an alumnus of the University of Maryland Global Campus.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/reclaimsearch.com\/\"><strong>Reclaim<\/strong><\/a> is building an AI-driven lost-and-found platform that automates reporting, matching, notifications, and analytics to reduce processing time and divert recoverable items from landfills. Reclaim serves campuses, airports, hotels, and stadiums and is located in Baltimore County at Towson University\u2019s StarTUp at the Armory. The company is led by Kumlachew Hirgeto.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Arts, Media, and Entertainment<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"http:\/\/indistrict5.com\/\"><strong>DISTRICT5<\/strong><\/a> is creating and producing media content including films, television shows, web series, documentaries, music videos, and commercials. DISTRICT5 is located in Montgomery County and is led by University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate student Sonny Tu.<\/li><li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.joinebo.com\/\"><strong>EBO<\/strong><\/a> is developing an on-demand booking platform that connects vetted subject-matter experts and on-air contributors with media outlets. EBO is located in Baltimore City and is led by UMES alumna Crystal I. Berger.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.room242.fm\/\"><strong>Room 242<\/strong><\/a> is operating an artist incubator that provides housing, label services, artist development workshops, curated events, and community support for emerging musicians. Room 242 is located in Prince George\u2019s County and is led by University of Maryland, College Park undergraduate student Kang Ewimbi.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Education and Empowerment<\/h3><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/baltimorevenom.com\/\"><strong>Baltimore Venom<\/strong><\/a> is operating as a minor-league professional basketball team that uses sports as a vehicle for social change. Baltimore Venom is located in Baltimore City and was founded by Charles Carrington and UMBC alumnus Jacob Dennis.<\/li><li><strong>Brian Furr LLC<\/strong> is providing workforce training, project-based classes, and small-batch manufacturing opportunities for community members. Brian Furr LLC is located in Baltimore City and is led by University of Baltimore alumnus Brian Furr.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cursivetechnology.com\/\"><strong>Cursive Technology, Inc.<\/strong><\/a> is developing a writing-assessment platform that emphasizes proof of effort, transparency in the writing process, and unbiased evaluation of student and AI-assisted writing. Cursive Technology is located in Baltimore City and was founded by University of Maryland alumnus Joseph Thibault.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/femequity.us\/\"><strong>Fem Equity LLC<\/strong><\/a> is building a SaaS platform dedicated to advancing professional women\u2019s financial outcomes and career fulfillment. Fem Equity is located in Baltimore City and was founded by Towson University alumna Adeola Ajani.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ferncomputing.com\/about\"><strong>Fern Computing<\/strong><\/a> is developing a zero-code AI platform for education and workforce development inspired by principles of brain development. Fern Computing is located in Baltimore City and is led by University of Maryland, Baltimore alumnus Garrett Crutcher.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/iris-xre.com\/\"><strong>Imagining Reality Insights &amp; Solutions Inc.<\/strong><\/a> is developing immersive VR reading interventions designed to improve comprehension through multimodal learning experiences. The company is located in Baltimore City and is led by University of Maryland alumna Anne-Laurence Nemorin and co-founded by UMD faculty members Donald J. Bolger, Drew Baden, and Juan Uriagereka.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecubecowork.com\/\"><strong>The Cube Cowork<\/strong><\/a> is operating the largest Black woman-owned coworking space in the United States, providing a family-friendly environment for entrepreneurs. The Cube Cowork is located in Baltimore City and is led by Coppin State University alumna and UMBC faculty member Tammira Lucas.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/extraordinarylibrary.com\/home\"><strong>The Extraordinary Library Adventure\u00ae<\/strong><\/a> is developing K\u201312 edutainment products that inspire, empower, and nurture young learners. The company is located in Prince George\u2019s County and was founded by University of Maryland alumnus Travis Kevin.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglowforwardfoundation.org\"><strong>Glow Forward Foundation<\/strong><\/a> is a Baltimore City\u2013based 501(c)(3) developing programs that support young and single mothers through higher education, career advancement, and community-based resources. Glow Forward Foundation was founded during the USM Langenberg Legacy Fellowship and is led by University of Baltimore alumna Loren Nelson.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-ffaff53 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"ffaff53\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-72a0a00\" data-id=\"72a0a00\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8aa1ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"d8aa1ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"DEI\" class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6eef895 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6eef895\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><div><h3><strong>Values Spotlight on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion<\/strong><\/h3><p>Throughout the marketing, application period, and decision-making process, the Launch Fund is paying close attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion across a number of variables.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Portfolio-Data_October-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The latest information on these variables for the total applicant and awardee pool can be found here<\/a>.<\/p><p>Additionally, we are glad to share high-level information about the reviewer pool from the first round of venture grants, below:<\/p><ul><li><div>1\/3 employed by a USM institution, 2\/3 external<\/div><\/li><li><div>With an overall 76% reporting rate, reviewers identified in the following ways:<\/div><ul><li><div>Female (40%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Male (60%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>A veteran (11%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Person with a disability (9%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Black or African American (34%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>East Asian or Asian (17%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (4%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Non-Hispanic white or European (26%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>South Asian or Indian (8%)<\/div><\/li><li><div>Of Hispanic or Latino or Spanish origin (4%)<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Across a wide range of functional and industry expertise<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0We are always looking to improve, so we welcome feedback <a href=\"mailto:via%20this%20form\">via this form<\/a>, via email, or phone \u2014 Lindsay Ryan at launch@usmd.edu and 410-409-2236.<\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d400907 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d400907\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-96fb509\" data-id=\"96fb509\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-48f9a939 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"48f9a939\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Please direct any questions to Lindsay Ryan at <a href=\"mailto:launch@usmd.edu\">launch@usmd.edu<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-18f447c2 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"18f447c2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-wider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-65e1f21\" data-id=\"65e1f21\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36e9c2e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"36e9c2e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6c20a8fb elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6c20a8fb\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-22fb84d0\" data-id=\"22fb84d0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45c0392 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"45c0392\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USM-Logo-CMYK-outlinewhite.png\" title=\"USM-Logo-CMYK-outlinewhite.png\" alt=\"USM-Logo-CMYK-outlinewhite.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-23c33082 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"23c33082\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The University System of Maryland comprises 12 public universities, three regional higher education centers, and more than 200,000 people\u2014students, faculty, and staff\u2014dedicated to pursuing knowledge, advancing discovery, improving lives, and strengthening communities across the state and around the world.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-1bfd42a4 elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"1bfd42a4\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3bb06a51\" data-id=\"3bb06a51\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f6b0379 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3f6b0379\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"390\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/BSU.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-21\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/BSU.png 390w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/BSU-300x154.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 390px) 100vw, 390px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-451fe2c5\" data-id=\"451fe2c5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-658fce8f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"658fce8f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"132\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CSU.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-23\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CSU.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/CSU-300x66.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-46deb4e9\" data-id=\"46deb4e9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-345f57f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"345f57f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FSU.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-25\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FSU.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/FSU-300x74.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3b0f8e74\" data-id=\"3b0f8e74\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79cee7e elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"79cee7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"192\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/SU.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-27\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/SU.png 576w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/SU-300x100.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-3879981c elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"3879981c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-5cb6920\" data-id=\"5cb6920\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12b8ab79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"12b8ab79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"603\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TU.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-29\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TU.png 603w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/TU-300x70.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-320588f2\" data-id=\"320588f2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54dc8f65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"54dc8f65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"573\" height=\"167\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UB.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-31\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UB.png 573w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UB-300x87.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 573px) 100vw, 573px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-10d25271\" data-id=\"10d25271\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58bff2db elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"58bff2db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"536\" height=\"138\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMBC.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-33\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMBC.png 536w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMBC-300x77.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-64ebfd91\" data-id=\"64ebfd91\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e560d44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1e560d44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMB.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-35\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMB.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMB-300x90.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-7ddf3638 elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"7ddf3638\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-51fc0799\" data-id=\"51fc0799\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62d92c24 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"62d92c24\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"116\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCP.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-37\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCP.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCP-300x58.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-7395e908\" data-id=\"7395e908\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c0cf8e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1c0cf8e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"278\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMES.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-39\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMES.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMES-300x139.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2b6a750a\" data-id=\"2b6a750a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d6f6f09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5d6f6f09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"111\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMGC.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-41\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMGC.png 576w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMGC-300x58.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-25 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-59e15f85\" data-id=\"59e15f85\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-556f5698 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"556f5698\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCES.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-43\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCES.png 576w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMCES-300x97.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-4998bc21 elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default elementor-invisible\" data-id=\"4998bc21\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-ef7f494\" data-id=\"ef7f494\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ed4c9e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4ed4c9e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"206\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMSG.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-45\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMSG.png 600w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/UMSG-300x103.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-607c5588\" data-id=\"607c5588\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-59249909 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"59249909\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"510\" height=\"197\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMHG.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-47\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMHG.png 510w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMHG-300x116.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-4d32a26a\" data-id=\"4d32a26a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c914207 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3c914207\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1162\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMSM.png\" class=\"elementor-animation-grow attachment-full size-full wp-image-49\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMSM.png 1162w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMSM-300x96.png 300w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMSM-1024x327.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/USMSM-768x245.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1162px) 100vw, 1162px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-25141592 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"25141592\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-26f18d7e\" data-id=\"26f18d7e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f674270 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4f674270\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\">Home<\/a><\/h4><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/how-it-works\/\">How It Works<\/a><\/h4><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/portfolio\/\">Portfolio and Performance<\/a><\/h4><\/div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/team\/\">Team<\/a><\/h4><\/div><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/resources\/\">Resources<\/a><\/h4><h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/earlycapital\/get-involved\/\">Get Involved<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maryland Launch Fund Maryland Launch Fund Portfolio and Performance The University System of Maryland (USM) Launch Fund has provided multifaceted support to a wide range of students, faculty, and USM-affiliated ventures. The people and ventures featured below are those who have received in-kind or monetary support, but the Launch Fund also facilitates helpful connections across [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_canvas","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1269","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1269"}],"version-history":[{"count":164,"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2583,"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1269\/revisions\/2583"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usmd.edu\/launch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}