Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mtech Ventures provide funding?
Mtech Ventures does not provide funding to companies in the incubator. Mtech Ventures provides mentorship, lab space and co-working space. If you are interested in early stage funding, please check out the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) Program, TEDCO MII grant, Dingman Angels, Baltimore Angels, Beltway Angels and the Momentum Fund.
However, Mtech Ventures invests in clean-tech companies through the Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund, but these companies are generally not affiliated with the incubator. See the Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund page for more information.
When is the next I-Corps cohort?
Please check this page for the dates of upcoming UMD I-Corps cohorts.
Does Mtech Ventures take equity from companies in the incubator?
No, Mtech Ventures does not require equity from companies as a condition to join the incubator.
Are only companies affiliated with the University of Maryland eligible to apply for space?
No, any company is eligible to apply. However, due to high demand and space restrictions, we prioritize companies founded by students, faculty, or staff of the University of Maryland, College Park.
Am I able to take a tour of the incubator?
Yes. Please email mtechventures@umd.edu to organize a tour of the facilities.
How long can my company remain in the incubator?
Mtech Ventures aims to graduate companies from the incubator in one to three years. Leases are typically offered in one-year periods and are renewable conditionally depending on the company meeting milestones established with the Mtech Ventures team.
How much is rent in the Mtech Ventures Incubator?
Please reach out to mtechventures@umd.edu for pricing.
How do I apply for space in the Rabin Building?
Interested companies should submit their information, along with an executive summary to mtechventures@umd.edu. Select companies will be invited for an admission interview with Mtech Ventures staff. If it is determined that the company’s current goals align with those of the Mtech Ventures incubator, the company will be accepted for admission into the program. The company will then confer with Mtech Ventures staff regarding space requirements, any special facility needs, access to equipment, and other resources prior to the signing of a license agreement.
What does the Mtech Ventures Incubator have to offer?
The Mtech Ventures Incubator offers a wide range of support services to its member companies, including:
Standard Incubator Services Provided:
· 1-on-1 access to business mentors and EIRs
· Customer discovery education and support through the UMD I-Corps program
· NSF I-Corps application assistance
· Industry analysis and market research
· Assistance with team building and operations
· Assistance in building a prototype
· Access to IP and Corporate Law attorneys
· Application assistance for SBIR/STTR grants
· Pitch deck preparation for Angel/Venture Capital funding & introductions
· Monthly milestone meetings with Mtech Ventures staff (or more frequently as needed)
· Potential for strategic partnerships with corporations through the Corprenect Program
Amenities:
· Two conference rooms for 8-10 people
· Mailbox service and package reception
· HVAC with some utilities included
· Wet labs with B&V Testing biosafety cabinets and B&V Testing Airfoil ByPass fumehoods
· Private office space
· Coworking office space
· 10ft lab benches
· Standard 120V outlets
· Access to student and staff athletic facilities
Where is the Rabin building located?
The Rabin building is located on the University of Maryland, College Park campus at address 4467 Technology Drive. The incubator is adjacent to the university’s bioscience, engineering and computer science complexes.
Who is Eligible for the Incubator space?
Early-stage companies developing a technology-driven product or service that has commercial application are eligible to apply for membership. Founding teams are required to complete the University of Maryland I-Corps Program, and if possible, the National Science Foundation I-Corps Program. Companies must have an intellectual property license agreement in place with UM Ventures College Park (formerly the Office of Technology Commercialization) prior to acceptance into the Incubator. The period of residence within the incubator is limited to three years, after which a company is expected to have raised outside funding and graduate from the program.
Does the Incubator offer virtual space?
Yes, Mtech Ventures offers the option of virtual space, as well as physical space and a physical mailbox. Each option requires a separate license agreement.
Are you hiring?
We are always looking for Entrepreneurs in Residence! If you are a serial entrepreneur and are looking to mentor the next generation of high-tech startups, please get in touch with us at mtechventures@umd.edu.
