Howard County Executive, Calvin Ball, helped officially open Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) and Technology Advancement
Center’s (TAC) new Cyber Howard Accelerator program.
Aimed at cybersecurity focused startups, this program will assist new companies transition from product development to market expansion, and connect them with key industry leaders, investors, and government partners.
By supporting and fostering the next generation of cutting-edge cyber companies, our Cyber Howard Accelerator program further strengthens Howard County’s position as the premier hub for cybersecurity innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition to cultivating promising cybersecurity companies, this program also strengthens our local innovation ecosystem, attracts top talent, and fosters connections to key national assets, such as the U.S. Cyber Command and NSA. I want to thank Jennifer Jones, her HCEDA staff, our partners at the Technology Advancement Center, and all our industry leaders, government partners, and entrepreneurs who made this possible. – CE Ball
Hosted in partnership with HCEDA and the TAC, the Cyber Howard Accelerator is a 12-week intensive initiative designed to target and support early-stage, product-focused cybersecurity companies as they scale their businesses, refine their technologies, and establish a strong market presence. Participating companies may be transitioning from ideation to commercialization or preparing for their next growth phase, whether through sales expansion, product refinement, or investor engagement. Target markets for participants may include DefenseTech, GovCon, dual-use, and commercial industries.
“The Cyber Howard Accelerator is more than a business development program—it is a strategic investment in Howard County’s economic future,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “By helping early-stage cybersecurity companies scale and succeed, we are fostering job creation, attracting investment and solidifying Howard County as a national destination for cyber innovation and growth.”
Initiatives like Howard County’s Cyber Howard Accelerator showcase how targeted local investment cultivates innovation, attracts high-wage jobs, and fortifies public-private ecosystems. By connecting entrepreneurs with defense, government, and commercial partners (including NSA and U.S. Cyber Command), the program doesn’t just launch businesses; it positions the county as a magnet for talent and venture capital while future-proofing its economy.
