(Baltimore, Md.) – The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and UpSurge Baltimore have announced their intention to combine their efforts under the GBC umbrella in early 2025. This integration marks a pivotal moment in strengthening the region’s tech and innovation ecosystem by aligning the missions of both organizations to further strengthen the region’s rich startup culture, foster collaboration, and drive economic growth. The decision has received full support from the boards of both organizations.
“UpSurge is a pioneering leader at the forefront of Baltimore’s rapidly expanding tech sector, and they’re doing so with a strong commitment towards equitable growth and community empowerment,” said Governor Wes Moore. “This new and exciting partnership between UpSurge and the GBC will fuel increased innovation, partnerships, and investment that will bolster Baltimore’s – and our state’s – thriving startup ecosystem.”
This integration directly supports the strategic vision outlined in All In 2035, GBC’s 10-Year Economic Opportunity Plan for the Baltimore Region. All In 2035 calls for developing a robust and sustainable innovation economy by improving the overall culture of entrepreneurship and supporting a broader diversity of people to be part of it, while also helping ensure that more research gets translated into new products—and new firms. All In 2035 also outlines a vision for strengthening the region’s foundational sectors, through a collaborative approach to developing the sites, facilities, and transportation infrastructure needed to spur and enhance new development and attract national and international investment.
All in 2035 highlights seven foundational industries and three opportunity growth sectors – (1) Life Sciences and Predictive Technologies, (2) Industrial and Light Manufacturing, and (3) Creativity and Culture. The successful designation as one of 31 federal tech hubs—a five-year, bipartisan $10 billion initiative—is one of the first collaboratives to advance the Life Sciences and Predictive Technologies industry in the region. As a leading partner for the tech hub program, Upsurge Baltimore’s formal integration under the GBC umbrella will create even more opportunities for collaboration between startups, investors, corporations, and public sector partners across the region.
Since the tech hub designation, GBC’s tech hub office has supported the consortium members to pursue additional funding opportunities. This includes Upsurge and TEDCO securing a U.S. Small Business Administration regional innovation grant, the State of Maryland’s creation of the Pava LaPere Innovation Acceleration Grant Program, and Early Charm Ventures and Coppin State University establishing material fabrication facilities to accelerate manufacturing. In addition, a University of Maryland-led application is a finalist for the $160 million, 10-year Regional Innovation Engines program by the U.S National Science Foundation, which includes GBC as a partner. And GBC was awarded a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to prepare for the next funding round for the Tech Hub program, which will be announced in 2025.
“By combining our efforts, we’re building on the momentum that has been steadily growing over the past two years,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “Our commitment to regional collaboration is stronger than ever, and this move will allow us to significantly scale the work of our respective organizations: driving greater opportunities for innovation, investment, and growth across the region and all sectors. This partnership enables us to unite the region’s startup and entrepreneurial culture with the region’s corporate, manufacturing, government, and investor communities in ways that will fuel lasting success.”
The integration of UpSurge Baltimore under the GBC umbrella is a strategic step to further develop the Baltimore Region’s position as a hub for innovation. The combined efforts will expand support for tech startups and entrepreneurs, enhance access to capital, and create new opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing. Together, GBC and UpSurge Baltimore will work to accelerate the growth of the region’s tech ecosystem and create pathways for businesses of all sizes to thrive.
The Baltimore Region has over 450 tech startups and more than 50 capital providers operating in the region, which play a crucial role in driving the regional economy. Last year, more than $780 million in venture capital was raised by Baltimore-based tech companies across more than 85 deals. In bringing UpSurge Baltimore under the GBC umbrella, the ecosystem builder’s LLC, which manages the portfolio of Techstars Equitech startups, will also operate under the auspices of GBC.
“This partnership allows us to scale our mission, bringing startups and corporations together as one innovation community and effectively engaging them in the activities and programs that contribute to building a thriving tech ecosystem,” said Kory Bailey, CEO of UpSurge Baltimore. “By joining forces with GBC, we’re unlocking more resources and gaining access to more networks to help our startups succeed, and amplifying the collective impact of the region’s innovators, founders, and investors, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of American innovation for years to come.”
Michael Hankin, board chair of UpSurge Baltimore, added, “This move represents the next logical step in the evolution of UpSurge, helping to bring their ecosystem building work and impact to greater scale. We’ve always focused on driving collaboration and providing resources for the startup community, and now, as part of GBC, under the visionary leadership of GBC President and CEO Thomas and GBC Board Chair Dr. Suntha, we can do so with even greater reach. It’s an incredibly exciting time for business in and around Baltimore.”
Dr. Mohan Suntha, board chair of GBC, said, “The integration of UpSurge Baltimore aligns with GBC’s broader mission of creating a more collaborative, coordinated, equitable and resilient economy in the Baltimore region. With the leadership of Kory Bailey and the UpSurge team, along with the partnerships we’ve built over the past two years, we are now creating stronger connections between the innovation sector and the broader business community. This will drive sustainable economic growth for years to come.”
ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE
The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore Region, providing insightful economic and civic leadership to drive collective impact. Comprising more than 400 organizations, including large, mid-size, and small companies, nonprofits, foundations, and educational and healthcare institutions, the GBC is dedicated to fostering the prosperity of the Greater Baltimore region. For more information, visit gbc.org.
ABOUT UPSURGE BALTIMORE
UpSurge Baltimore is an ecosystem-building organization on a mission to build a thriving tech ecosystem for innovators, founders, and talent in the Baltimore Region. Through strategic collaboration, UpSurge Baltimore strengthens the culture and connectivity of Baltimore startups, mobilizing regional and national assets to support the growth and success of local entrepreneurs. For more information, visit upsurgebaltimore.org.
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