Header

Skip to main content

Rockville-Based Space Defense and Orbital Mobility Company Quantum Space to Go Public

Rockville-based company Quantum Space is building the next generation of advanced maneuverable spacecraft to disrupt the orbital economy.

Rockville, MD — June 8, 2026– Quantum Space, LLC (the “Company” or “Quantum Space”), a company building the next generation of advanced maneuverable spacecraft to disrupt the orbital economy, and Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. VI (Nasdaq: IPFX) (“Inflection Point”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”), under which Quantum Space will become a publicly traded company.

Quantum Space was co-founded by Dr. Kam Ghaffarian, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of commercial space and energy companies. The Company is led by CEO Jim Bridenstine, a former NASA Administrator, naval aviator, and member of Congress.

Bridenstine and the rest of the Quantum Space management team are committed to building the leading space mobility platform, with its flagship vehicle, Ranger, as the foundation of future growth and value creation. Ranger will pair single-fuel, multi-mode propulsion with one of the largest storable fuel capacities in its class at more than 4,000+ kg, a refuellable and modular architecture and an operational life of up to 15 years. Protected by a deep patent portfolio, Ranger is being engineered to reach geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and beyond, with up to 70% lower cost than conventional architectures beyond low earth orbit (LEO), based on management estimates and internal analysis.

Quantum Space believes Ranger’s favorable cost economics, maneuverability, and persistence will distinguish it from any spacecraft currently in operation. The platform is being engineered to operate autonomously across orbits critical to U.S. national security, including LEO, the most congested and contested domain, and medium earth orbit, which hosts GPS fleets. From there, Ranger reaches GEO, where critical national security satellites maintain continuous coverage, and on to cislunar space, the strategic high ground between Earth and the Moon.

The Company has achieved significant market traction, attracting a diverse customer base that spans the full breadth of the U.S. national security space enterprise. The Company has six contracts and pending proposals with the U.S. Space Force, the Department of War, DARPA, and the Air Force Research Laboratory and has identified a pipeline of additional opportunities which the Company’s management estimates to have an unweighted estimated value of more than $5 billion across the national security, civil, and commercial space markets. Anchoring this portfolio is the Company’s contract award under the U.S. Space Force’s flagship Andromeda program, an IDIQ vehicle with a ceiling value of $6.2 billion (representing the maximum shared contract value across 14 contract awardees) aimed at fielding a proliferated constellation of maneuverable, refuellable spacecraft in GEO.  The Company has not yet been allocated any specific amount of funding under this contract.

“I founded Quantum Space to build a company I believe the United States needs to lead in this contested era — and we now have the platform, technology, and team to work to shift paradigms. As NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine helped shape the creation of the U.S. Space Force and laid the foundation for the national security space enterprise we serve today. With Jim at the helm, we are positioned to disrupt the orbital economy and lead the shift from a launch-defined era to a mobility-defined one, with Ranger built to define it”

— Kam Ghaffarian, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Quantum Space

“We have designed Ranger to satisfy the U.S. Space Force’s Theory of Competitive Endurance: avoiding operational surprise, denying first-mover advantage, and enabling counter-space campaigning. We believe Ranger will enable us to meet accelerating demand in an environment where sustained maneuverability is no longer optional. Being a public company will better allow us to scale production, deliver on the contracts we’ve already won, and serve new national security, civil, and commercial customers who have been waiting for this platform.”

— Jim Bridenstine, CEO, Quantum Space

“Quantum Space is defining the space national security industry at a pivotal moment for American space preeminence. Its differentiated, highly maneuverable spacecraft has already earned meaningful traction with the U.S. national security space enterprise, including six contracts and pending proposals, as well as selection on the U.S. Space Force’s flagship Andromeda program.”

— Michael Blitzer, Chairman, Inflection Point

“Kam Ghaffarian and Jim Bridenstine have played central roles in the sector’s most consequential programs of the past decade,” Blitzer continued. “Their vision for Quantum Space arrives as defense spending, space infrastructure, and America’s strategic priorities in orbit are converging.”

Quantum Space’s operations are anchored by its engineering and mission development facility in Rockville, Maryland, and its propulsion and integration test facility in Hawthorne, California, as well as a spacecraft manufacturing center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that is currently in development.

About Quantum Space

Quantum Space is building the next generation of advanced maneuverable spacecraft for national security, civil and commercial space operations. Its mission centers on the Ranger platform: a highly maneuverable spacecraft designed to address the needs of national security and commercial operators. With patented propulsion, extended on-orbit endurance, and modular flexibility, Ranger is engineered to outmaneuver legacy satellites and operate dynamically across diverse mission sets. For more information, visit www.quantumspace.us.

Press release originally published by Quantum Space: https://www.quantumspace.us/blog/quantum-space-a-leading-space-defense-and-orbital-mobility-company-to-go-public-via-merger-with-inflection-point-acquisition-corp-vi

Young Artists of America® Signs Long-Term Lease to Bring First Collaborative Performing Arts Hub to Montgomery County

The 2026 Moxie Award Finalist Raises Over $5M for New Home in Heart of Rockville

Rockville, Md., May 27, 2026 – With Gov. Wes Moore signing the State of Maryland’s FY2027 Capital Budget Bill in April 2026, Young Artists of America® (YAA) crossed the half-way mark on their $8M Building Dreams capital campaign. The Bill included a $1.5 million capital grant (funded through the state’s general obligation bond program) specifically for the nonprofit’s plans to open a state-of-the-art rehearsal facility in Rockville, Maryland in 2027. The 10,604 square foot facility consisting of 9 studios and community gathering spaces will act as the nonprofit’s first permanent rehearsal space as well as the first Collaborative Performing Arts Hub in Montgomery County, MD. 

 YAA has signed a long-term lease at 1626 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, Maryland for the future home of this new rehearsal facility. Located at Congressional Plaza, this prime space that was the former headquarters of Federal Realty Investment Trust, sits in the heart of Rockville Pike—a thriving hub of dining, retail, and entertainment. Within 25 minutes from downtown Washington, DC and adjacent to the new Twinbrook Quarter development, it is easily accessible by Metro and offers ample free on-site parking, making it both convenient and centrally located, minutes from YAA’s home stage at Strathmore. 

Renowned architecture firm, Grimm + Parker has been hired to design an elevated space with specialty flooring and acoustic treatments that will enhance the quality of the artistic experience. Davis Construction will act as general contractor, with project management by Clear Real Estate Services. In this space, YAA will be able to bring their entire artist community together under one roof for rehearsals for the first time in the organization’s history. This dedicated space will also create new opportunities to grow revenue by offering additional classes, hosting special events, and making the space available for rentals to the broader arts community. 

Together with their committed Board of Directors, individuals from Broadway to Congress are taking a leadership role in this initiative. Honorary Co-Chairs include Broadway’s Stephen Schwartz, Jason Robert Brown, and Andrew Lippa, local legislators including Maryland’s former U.S. Representative Constance A. Morella, and Montgomery County’s Former County Executive and First Lady Ike and Catherine Leggett, as well as other community leaders. 

YAA is raising funds through their Building Dreams Campaign to complete renovations and invest in the infrastructure to sustain the organization in the future as well as their Tuition Assistance Fund. In addition to the secured state capital funding, major supporters include the Maryland State Arts Council, Federal Realty, as well as over 70 individual, corporate, and foundation donors to date.

###

 

About Young Artists of America (YAA)

YAA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to reimagining the landscape of arts education. For nearly 15 years, YAA has fostered a nurturing and inclusive space for young artists to experiment, take risks, and imagine the world through their own unique artistry—all while delivering exceptional training and performances to the community. One in five of YAA students receive scholarships to ensure access for students from all backgrounds.  They have been awarded a Regional Emmy Award™, performed on world-class stages, hosted Tony™-winning Broadway artists as guest mentors, and paved the careers for many budding industry performers who have gone on to Broadway and other professional stages. Learn more at youngartistsamerica.org

Taiwanese Semiconductor Company Galaverse to Establish Presence at Rockville Innovation Center

Galaverse’s entry into Montgomery County brings international semiconductor expertise to Rockville’s innovation ecosystem.

Galaverse Ltd Corp., a Taiwanese semiconductor company specializing in satellite systems and AI-powered communication technologies, is setting up operations at the Rockville Innovation Center. The move follows a strategic cooperation agreement between Galaverse and Montgomery County Government, announced in March 2026, focused on advancing satellite communications and semiconductor technologies in the region.

Galaverse’s arrival in Rockville comes at a significant moment for U.S.-Taiwan economic relations. In January 2026, the two countries signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade that includes $250 billion in direct Taiwanese semiconductor and technology investments in the United States, along with $250 billion in government-backed credit guarantees. The agreement specifically calls for establishing industrial clusters in the U.S. to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains. Galaverse’s entry into Montgomery County aligns with that broader framework, bringing international semiconductor expertise directly into Rockville’s innovation ecosystem.

Montgomery County is home to a well-established cluster of satellite and advanced communications companies, with Rockville attracting major investments in the sector. In 2023, South Korea-based Intellian Technologies opened its Advanced Development Center in Rockville with a $100 million commitment to develop satellite communication technologies, creating over 70 research and development jobs. Galaverse’s decision to locate at the Rockville Innovation Center adds another international player to this growing concentration of satellite and semiconductor talent.

The partnership between Galaverse and Montgomery County grew out of meetings in Taipei between county leaders, including County Executive Marc Elrich, and Galaverse leadership. Those discussions led to a memorandum of understanding focused on economic development and international soft-landing support for global companies entering the U.S. market. Montgomery County delegations also met with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs to explore joint investment and technology exchange opportunities in the semiconductor sector.

The cooperation initiative targets several priorities: developing advanced satellite communication platforms and orbital systems, expanding semiconductor research and manufacturing partnerships, strengthening supply chain resilience in aerospace and semiconductor sectors, and supporting technology exchange aligned with international trade initiatives. These focus areas position the partnership to contribute to both local economic growth and the broader goals of the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement.

Galaverse also participated in the SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition, held March 23–26 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The annual event draws more than 15,000 professionals from over 110 countries and serves as a major platform for satellite and space industry deal-making, putting Galaverse in direct proximity to the defense, government, and commercial contacts that make the Greater Washington region attractive to companies in this sector.

 

About Galaverse Ltd Corp.

Galaverse Ltd Corp. is a semiconductor company with operations in the United States, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company specializes in AI-powered sensing chips, LEO satellite ground receivers, and advanced wireless communication technologies. Learn more at https://www.galaverse-solutions.com

 

About the Rockville Innovation Center

The Rockville Innovation Center, located in the heart of Rockville Town Center, offers 23,000 square feet of flexible office space for international, professional service, and advanced technology companies. The center is part of Montgomery County’s Business Innovation Network and participates in the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Global Gateway Soft Landing Program, which provides dedicated support to international companies establishing a U.S. presence. Learn more at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/business/expand-move/rockville-innovation-center.html

Comstock Acquires Rockville Multifamily Building, The Reed

Comstock expands their Rockville footprint with acquisition of The Reed

ROCKVILLE, Md., Mar. 23, 2026 – Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHCI), a prominent asset manager and developer in the Washington, D.C. region, recently announced the completed acquisition of The Reed, a 417-unit Class A multifamily property located at 15955 Frederick Road in Rockville.

The acquisition was executed through a joint venture between Comstock and an institutional fund advised by Benefit Street Partners, with additional investment from Comstock affiliate Comstock Partners, LC. This strategic move significantly expands Comstock’s presence in the Rockville submarket, where the company now owns and manages more than 900 apartment units across three transit-oriented properties, including BLVD Forty Four and BLVD Ansel.

Built in 2015, The Reed is situated directly adjacent to the Shady Grove Metro Station and is within walking distance of the retail and dining options in the King Farm neighborhood. The property features a variety of floor plans ranging from one- to three-bedroom units. Residents have access to a suite of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool, a fitness center with yoga and boxing studios, resident lounges, and private parking.

“The Reed is exactly the type of institutional-quality asset we seek as we continue to scale our Institutional Venture Platform,” said Tim Steffan, Chief Operating Officer of Comstock. “The Metro-adjacent location of The Reed fits perfectly in our transit-oriented portfolio. With our experienced property management teams in place, we see a clear opportunity to elevate the resident experience and drive value for all stakeholders.”

Management services for the property will be handled by two Comstock subsidiaries, CHCI Residential Management and ParkX Management, ensuring a high level of service for the Rockville community. Financing for the transaction, which included both equity and debt components, was arranged by NewPoint Real Estate Capital.

This investment underscores the continued appeal of Rockville as a prime location for high-quality, transit-oriented real estate assets and highlights the city’s role in the regional economy.

Link to Press Release: Comstock Acquires Rockville Multifamily Building, The Reed

TEDCO Announces Investment in Rockville-Based Wearable Tech Company

Cybersecurity

TEDCO Announces Nearly $500,000 in Cybersecurity and Information Technology Investment in Stacato LLC

COLUMBIA, Md., (January 26, 2026) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, recently announced a nearly $500,000 investment in Stacato LLC. The funding was awarded through TEDCO’s Cybersecurity Investment Fund (CIF), which is part of its Seed Funds dedicated to supporting cybersecurity and information technology companies.

Located in Rockville, Stacato LLC is a defense technology company focused on developing secure, wireless communications for warfighters. The company’s work aims to integrate immersive augmented reality and tactical communications with electronic resilience to enhance current military capabilities.

“TEDCO looks forward to seeing our investment support this Maryland-based defense technology company’s growth,” said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director of Venture Funds at TEDCO. “We hope our support furthers research and development efforts on such innovative technology that can be utilized by our troops.”

The Cybersecurity Investment Fund is designed to provide capital to companies that are often overlooked by traditional financing sources. This investment aligns with Maryland’s broader effort to leverage its concentration of federal facilities and world-class talent to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem.

“With more than 60 federal facilities across the state, founders have ample opportunity to collaborate with, support and leverage the world-class equipment and talent to further innovative growth,” said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. “Companies looking to expand and innovate need to look no further than Maryland’s collaborative innovation ecosystem.”

This latest investment highlights the continued growth of Rockville’s technology sector and the availability of state resources to support early-stage companies as they scale.

Link to Press Release: https://www.tedcomd.com/news-events/press-releases/2026/tedco-invests-stacato

Rockville Named One of the “8 Best Places To Live In Maryland In 2025”

Rockville exemplifies many of the key qualities that make Maryland communities great places to live

Rockville, Maryland has been named one of Maryland’s “Best Places to Live” for a second year in a row by WorldAtlas, one of the largest publishing resources in geography and related topics including sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel. This recognition reflects Rockville’s ongoing commitment to quality of life, economic opportunity, and vibrant community living.

According to WorldAtlas, Rockville exemplifies many of the key qualities that make Maryland communities great places to live:

  • Strong employment base and economic connectivity: Rockville is part of one of Maryland’s most dynamic job corridors with direct Metro access to Washington, D.C., and deep concentrations of federal agencies, healthcare, biotech, and tech employers.

  • High-performing public schools: The excellence of Rockville’s schools continues to be a draw for families and new residents alike.

  • Transit and infrastructure: Multiple Red Line Metro stations make commuting easy, while reliable local infrastructure supports everyday living and long-term growth.

  • Parks and outdoor lifestyle: With Rock Creek Regional Park on its doorstep and miles of trails, lakes, and green space, Rockville offers outdoor access that enriches daily life — not just weekend recreation.

  • A vibrant downtown: Rockville Town Square serves as a true civic and cultural center, bringing people together for everything from dining and shopping to public events and seasonal festivities.

Per WorldAtlas, Rockville is “a common choice for families and professionals” due to its powerful combination of community amenities, access, and infrastructure that supports a high quality of life. Rockville continues to grow and evolve while staying true to the qualities that make it special — strong neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, accessible transit, and a welcoming community for residents of all ages and backgrounds. This latest accolade follows other recent rankings that highlight Rockville’s strength as both a place to live and work; U.S. News & World Report also ranked Rockville among the top places to live in Maryland for 2025–2026, underscoring the city’s balanced lifestyle, economic opportunity, and quality amenities.

To read the entire list from WorldAtlas, click here: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-best-places-to-live-in-maryland-2025.html 

Maryland Women’s Business Center Recognized as 2026 National WBC of Excellence

The Association of Women's Business Center's recognition highlights MWBC’s commitment to impact, innovation, and service

Rockville, Md., – The Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) is honored to be recognized for graduating in the 2026 cohort with the National WBC of Excellence program offered by the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). This marks the second consecutive year MWBC has earned the National WBC of Excellence designation. 

The primary objective of the National Women’s Business Center of Excellence designation is to recognize organizations that demonstrate commitment and efficacy of the mission, vision, and values of their Women’s Business Center thereby achieving the greatest outcomes for women-owned businesses.

“I am beyond proud of our 2026 Women’s Business Center of Excellence graduates! Their hard work, focus, and passion for serving women entrepreneurs shine through in every aspect of their operations,” says Klassi Duncan, AWBC Board Chair and Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at the Urban League of Louisiana. “Their dedication to excellence will continue to uplift and accelerate the success of women-owned businesses nationwide.”

Over the course of six milestone assignments, WBCs partnered with a peer in their cohort to identify gaps and opportunities for the WBC to improve in a variety of areas; including strategic goal-setting, service delivery, continuous improvement and/or peer relationships. In order to fulfill these objectives, AWBC recognizes the value of the organization’s volunteers, leadership team and funders which is reflected in the involvement of these stakeholders in the final stages of the designation attainment.

“MWBC continually evolves to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and incorporate best practices, including maintaining our designation as a WBC of Excellence,” said Karen Sippel, MWBC Managing Director. “This process strengthens how we serve our clients, and this work directly translates to better outcomes for the business owners we support.”

The National WBC of Excellence graduation and closing ceremony took place on December 12, 2025. For more information about MWBC resources, please visit marylandwbc.org.  

About Maryland Women’s Business Center

Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) is a signature program of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. MWBC helps entrepreneurs and small business owners across Maryland’s Capital Region start, sustain, and grow their companies. Through workshops, one-on-one counseling, facilitated peer group support, and access to capital, MWBC annually helps over 1,500 entrepreneurs gain the skills, connections, and confidence necessary to navigate entrepreneurship. Learn more at marylandwbc.org.

About The Association of Women’s Business Centers

The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1998 to support the national network of Women’s Business Centers (WBC) with programming and advocacy. The AWBC works to secure economic and entrepreneurial opportunities for women by supporting and sustaining a national network of over 152 Women’s Business Centers (WBC) in every State in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. WBCs have more than 30-years of success in providing educational training, mentoring, free business counseling, business development, and financing opportunities to over 150,000 women entrepreneurs and small businesses each year. The WBC program is a public-private partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To learn more about AWBC visit www.awbc.org.

Samsung Biologics expands U.S. manufacturing capabilities with strategic acquisition of Human Genome Sciences from GSK

Aerial view of commercial buildings with two highlighted
Aerial view of cGMP manufacturing plants - Image credit: Samsung Biologics

Samsung Biologics will acquire the Rockville assets for $280 million and will also retain more than 500 employees

Incheon, S. KOREA, Maryland, United States, London, UK, December 22, 2025 – Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced that its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Samsung Biologics America, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Human Genome Sciences from GSK (LSE/NYSE: GSK). This strategic move secures Samsung Biologics’ first U.S.-based manufacturing site, a significant expansion of the company’s global footprint and its long-term commitment to the U.S. market.

Located in Rockville, Maryland, the facility sits at the center of one of the key U.S. bio-clusters and encompasses two cGMP manufacturing plants with a combined 60,000 liters of drug substance capacity, supporting both clinical and commercial production from small to large scale. Existing products will continue to be manufactured at the site, and Samsung Biologics plans to make additional investments to expand the site’s capacity and upgrade technology to further support a more resilient U.S. supply chain for critical biologic medicines.

Under the terms of the agreement, with closing anticipated toward the end of Q1 of 2026, Samsung Biologics will acquire the Rockville assets for USD 280 million. The company will also retain more than 500 employees at the site to ensure operational continuity and stability. By integrating this facility into our global network, Samsung Biologics will provide clients with flexible, multi-site options in both the U.S. and Korea to ensure that live-saving therapeutics are reliably available to American patients.

Samsung Biologics has established a proven track record of operational and construction excellence through on-time completion of its Bio Campus I and II, and also recently secured land for Bio Campus III, which will house distinct R&D and manufacturing programs for new modalities. With 785,000 liters of capacity across five plants, the industry’s leading capacity, Samsung Biologics continues to advance its diversified portfolio spanning monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA, organoid-based services, and next-generation therapies.

“This landmark acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare and bolstering our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. The investment will enable us to deepen our collaboration with federal, state, and local stakeholders to best serve our customers and partners while ensuring a reliable and stable supply of life-saving therapeutics,” said John Rim, CEO and President of Samsung Biologics. “This marks an important step forward in our mission to achieve a better life through biomedicines, and we look forward to building on the legacy of this facility as we welcome experienced colleagues to the Samsung Biologics family and continue delivering innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact.”

Regis Simard, President, Global Supply Chain, GSK, said: “Today’s agreement to divest the Rockville manufacturing site to our valued long-term partner, Samsung Biologics, will secure the manufacture of two important medicines on US soil for US patients and further build GSK’s supply chain resilience. Along with GSK’s recent commitment to invest $30bn in R&D and manufacturing in the US over the next 5 years, this deal enables us to further focus on building the agility, capacity and capability needed in our manufacturing network to deliver the next generation of specialty medicines and vaccines. I am confident in a positive partnership and future for the Rockville site.”

About Samsung Biologics

Samsung Biologics is a fully integrated, end-to-end CDMO service provider, offering seamless development and manufacturing solutions – from cell line development to final aseptic fill/finish – as well as comprehensive laboratory testing services at every stage of biopharmaceutical products. Learn more at samsungbiologics.com

Press release orginally published by Samsung Biologics: https://samsungbiologics.com/media/company-news/samsung-biologics-expands-u-s–manufacturing-capabilities-with-strategic-acquisition-from-gsk

Rockville’s Rise Therapeutics receives TEDCO SBIR/STTR Matching Funds

Rise Therapeutics is developing first-in-class oral immune biomodulators for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Rise Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immunotherapy company headquartered in Rockville’s Biotech Corridor, was among 13 Maryland companies to receive funding through TEDCO’s latest SBIR/STTR Matching Funds awards. The program distributed $875,000 across two rounds, with 11 companies, including Rise Therapeutics who received $75,000 in Phase II matching funds.

The SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program strengthens the impact of federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards by providing supplemental state funding to promote commercialization and job creation.

Rise Therapeutics is developing first-in-class oral immune biomodulators for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Unlike traditional biological therapies requiring injection or infusion, the company’s proprietary platform delivers targeted protein therapy through oral capsules. Rise currently has four programs in clinical testing, including therapies for ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease, and cancer.

The company operates a GMP manufacturing facility in Rockville and has previously received TEDCO Seed Funds investment as well as NIH funding to support its clinical development.

Learn more about TEDCO’s SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program at tedcomd.com/funding/federal-programs/sbirsttr-matching-funds

About Rise Therapeutics

Rise Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing first-in-class Oral Immune Biomodulators, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. With a fully integrated research and product development infrastructure, the team leverages innovative scientific discoveries to drive novel drug development through human clinical proof-of-concept. Learn more at risetherapeutics.com

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

Seventeen Rockville companies awarded Montgomery County Technology Innovation and Founders Fund grants

The recipients span industries that drive growth in the region including life sciences, technology, clean energy, and AI.

Seventeen Rockville-based companies are among the fifty-five Montgomery County businesses selected to receive grants through the County’s Technology Innovation Fund and Founders Fund programs. The awards, totaling $7.5 million across all recipients, support early-stage companies working to commercialize proprietary technologies and bring innovative products to market.

Rockville awardees represent a strong cross-section of the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with fifteen companies receiving Technology Innovation Fund grants and two companies awarded Founders Fund grants. The recipients span industries that drive growth in the region including life sciences, technology, clean energy, and AI.

About the Grant Programs

Montgomery County launched the Technology Innovation Fund and Founders Fund in late 2024, making funding available to support high-growth small businesses throughout the county.

The Technology Innovation Fund provides grants to early-stage businesses developing proprietary technology with high growth potential. The fund supports commercialization projects that help innovative products move closer to market and achieve significant business milestones.

The Founders Fund offers grants to early-stage entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities who face systemic barriers to accessing capital. Eligibility is assessed using Montgomery Planning’s Community Equity Index along with state and federal certification tools for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.

The programs were executed through a partnership among the Office of the County Executive, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and the County’s Department of Finance. Applications were evaluated by FedTech, an independent third-party organization specializing in connecting innovative technologies to commercial markets.

Companies receive an initial disbursement of funds and will receive a second payment once their commercialization milestones have been completed.

Rockville Technology Innovation Fund Awardees

AkriVita – Life Sciences. AkriVita develops 3D-printed microcapillary needles that deliver precision and reliability in microinjection to accelerate discoveries, prevent and treat disease, and help create life.

Cellepus Therapeutics – Life Sciences. Cellepus is developing off-the-shelf CAR T Cells by engineering cord blood–derived γδ T cells with a first-in-class NKG2D-based signaling architecture, targeting them to solid tumors with novel tumor-specific antigens.

EasyScaleCloud – Technology. EasyScaleCloud is an AI, data, and cloud solutions company building a diversified portfolio of specialized AI products.

EzVal Inc. – Technology. EzVal Inc. is developing a paperless validation platform with strengthened cloud infrastructure to deliver greater value to biotech and life-science organizations.

Gutz Analytics LLC – Life Sciences. Gutz Analytics is a multi-omics AI company integrating microbiome, metabolome, and other molecular datasets to build predictive models that support clinical trials and companion diagnostics.

Healable – Life Sciences. Healable empowers healthcare providers with secure, AI-driven tools that enhance peer consultations and improve patient outcomes.

LEGIT (LensGuided Imaging Technology) – Life Sciences. LEGIT is developing a nanophotonic imaging platform for in vivo imaging with minimal damage.

Liatris – Life Sciences. Liatris is an advanced materials company developing high-performance and resilient thermal insulation products for energy efficiency, including state-of-the-art pilot manufacturing capabilities in Rockville.

LoBio, Inc. – Life Sciences. LoBio is a medtech company commercializing a patented at-home plasma collection device that enables clinical-grade plasma collection and safer, more reliable decentralized blood testing.

Lumo Imaging – Life Sciences. Lumo Imaging is developing an AI-driven total body cancer screening system with the potential to expand dermatological access to underserved areas.

Magic Shell Software – Technology. Magic Shell Software builds military-grade security for embedded systems, providing anti-tamper and intellectual property protection for aerospace, IoT, and government customers.

Pediametrix Inc. – Life Sciences. Pediametrix is a medical device startup behind SoftSpot®, the only FDA-cleared mobile app that helps pediatric clinicians and parents measure and monitor infant head shape and growth.

Pirl Technology – Clean Energy. Pirl Technology is dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses to profitably provide electric vehicle (EV) charging as a service to their customers.

Prophiotrics LLC – Life Sciences. Prophiotrics is developing a pioneering bacteriophage-based acne treatment that selectively eliminates Cutibacterium acnes while preserving and supporting the skin’s natural microbiome.

VascRisk LLC – Life Sciences. VascRisk combines smart technology with personalized care to provide early detection, precise prediction, and effective reversal strategies for vascular health.

Rockville Founders Fund Awardees

Ant Technology – Technology. Ant Technology leverages AI to advance the real estate industry by streamlining processes, enhancing decision-making, and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and individuals in the property market.

Wintreatments Holdings, LLC – Technology. Wintreatments Holdings specializes in developing and commercializing smart window treatment solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency, privacy, and automation.