Start Up Zone Connect and Pitch
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) (EDT)
Description
Join us for Start Up Zone Connect and Pitch, a high-energy morning designed to spotlight emerging companies, spark meaningful connections, and celebrate innovation in Maryland’s tech and life sciences ecosystem. Entrepreneurs will take the stage for a fast-paced 1-Minute Lightning Round before engaging with attendees, judges, and industry leaders during an interactive networking and exhibit showcase. The program will feature insights from keynote speaker George Davis on building mission-driven companies that create meaningful impact. The event will conclude with the announcement of two winning companies, including an Audience Choice award, with two $5,000 cash prizes sponsored by PIC MC and complimentary one-year memberships to Maryland Tech Council
- Breakfast Networking & Startup Exhibits
- Opening Welcome
- Keynote Speaker - "Building What Matters" - Mission-driven entrepreneurship and meaningful innovation. - George Davis, Managing Director, Wexford Ventures
- 1-Minute Lightning Round (12 Companies)
- Networking + Exhibit Showcase + Judge/Attendee Engagement
- Judges Deliberation
- Winners Announced (2) including Audience Choice!
- Two $5,000 cash prizes sponsored by PIC MC.
- Complimentary one year membership to MTC
The Start-Ups:
- AllSci
- BenchLab
- Caleo
- Lugenica
- Upling
- WhisperSom Medical Technologies
- Camo Text
- Cursive
- Esurgi
- Experio
- OptimaFlo
- Rizkly
Judges:
Brandon Canaday (Maryland Department of Commerce), Mike Buher (Citrin Cooperman), Laurie Boyer Babb (MCEDC), Caroline Popper (Popper and Company), Julie Wilkinson (Sherpani / VentureWell), Brian McNally (USP), Prashant Panchal (AstraZeneca), and Paul Thompson (Montgomery College).
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
Networking Breakfast Sponsor — $3,000 (Exclusive)
- Complimentary registrations — 4
- Logo on breakfast table signage
- Verbal remarks during breakfast welcome
- Logo on registration page and all marketing promotions
- Attendee list (opt-in), without emails
- Opportunity to provide hand-out to start up companies
- Opportunity to display tabletop materials (not full exhibit)
Start Up Judge Sponsor - $2,500 (4 available)
- Complimentary registrations - 4
- Logo on registration page and marketing promotions
- Verbal recognition during welcome
- Attendee list (opt-in), without emails
- Opportunity to have one representative serve as Judge.
- Opportunity to display tabletop materials (not full exhibit)
Start-Up Supporting Sponsor — $1,500
- Complimentary registrations — 3
- Logo on signage
- Logo on registration page and marketing promotions
- Verbal recognition during welcome
- Attendee List (opt-in) without emails
- Opportunity to display tabletop materials (not full exhibit)
Start Up Friend Sponsor - $750
- Complimentary registrations — 2
- Logo on signage
- Logo on registration page and marketing promotions
- Verbal recognition during welcome
- Attendee List (opt-in) without emails
Title Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
Start-Up Judge Sponsor:
MTC Member: $35
Non-Member: $50
Investors: Complimentary Registration. Contact Amy at amyspeck@mdtechcouncil.com for a promo code