Regional Innovators Sought

The Maryland Department of Commerce recently sent a message to The Patuxent Partnership, requesting help with research on how to improve Southern Maryland by commercializing products that have been developed at military installations. TPP emailed members asking for help with the research because TPP is committed to being a part of the innovation and success of the local economy. Innovators in the region are being sought for their input.

The research has been funded by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment and is being handled by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The hope is that the research, undertaken at military installations in Southern Maryland, will translate into commercial applications by local companies.

Technology transfer offices of Patuxent River Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Naval Research Laboratory, and NSWC Dahlgren have helped create a comprehensive database of available patents, and now work is underway to map out how the region supports innovation and entrepreneurship.

Now, the work is focused on identifying regional companies that might want to explore the possibility of taking the research to market, with the help of state and federal resources.

Axcel Innovation, one of the organizations that has taken on the work for the Department of Commerce, wishes to connect with regional companies that might wish to learn more about the program and then help shape it as it moves forward.

A brief online survey has been created to help find companies interested in participating. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Anyone who thinks the opportunity might be of interest to their company also may contact Gary Evans of Axcel Innovation directly at [email protected] or Jeff Arrington of the Maryland Department of Commerce at [email protected].

To learn more about The Patuxent Partnership and its programs, visit its Leader member page.