Supporting Local Innovation: TEDCO Awards 2024 Makerspace Initiative Grants

Eighteen projects will receive funding to create or expand Makerspaces across Maryland.

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) announced the awardees for the second round of the Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program. This year’s awardees include 18 projects spanning nine counties and Baltimore City.

Makerspaces provide the space and means for community members to design, prototype, and manufacture items using inaccessible or unaffordable tools, such as 3-D printers, digital fabrication machines, and computer-aided design software.

MACo consistently supports leveraging state and local resources to boost Maryland’s creative enterprises. Counties supported legislation establishing the Makerspace Initiative Program, which offers grants of up to $100,000 and technical assistance to entities establishing or expanding Makerspaces or developing related programs.

This initiative aims to create a statewide makerspace network, providing entrepreneurs with access to essential tools, technologies, and knowledge. It fosters innovation aligned with local employer needs, creates jobs, enhances the quality of life, and expands the tax base, empowering counties to better serve Maryland’s communities and businesses.

According to TEDCO, the 2024 Makerspace awardees are:

  • Allegany College of Maryland
  • Baltimore Jewelry Center
  • Baltimore Underground Science Space
  • Dent Education
  • Digital Harbor Foundation
  • Hagerstown Community College
  • Howard County Library System
  • Inncuvate Community Development Partners
  • KID Museum
  • Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.
  • MidAtlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory
  • Paxspace
  • Players Philanthropy Fund
  • Rockville Science Center, Inc.
  • Salisbury University, Perdue School of Business
  • Station North Tool Library
  • Training Grounds, Inc.
  • Washington College

“TEDCO is committed to supporting the continued growth of innovation in Maryland. The Makerspace Program is just one tool that TEDCO has to promote this expansion,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “And after witnessing the success and growth of last year’s awardees, we are hopeful that these awardees will continue the trend.”

See the TEDCO website for more information about the Maryland Makerspace Initiative project.