The Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program and Fund (Fund) is a financing resource operated by the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce), to provide grants for innovation infrastructure projects intended to support innovation in an eligible technology sector.
In FY25 $6.95 million was awarded to transformative projects that accelerate the growth of the state’s strategic industry sectors. See the press release here for more information on these projects.
The program is funded at $7 million for FY26. Matching grants of up to $2 million are available to projects that demonstrate a transformative impact in accelerating growth and innovation in the state’s strategic industry sectors.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Grant awards may be used to defray the cost a grantee incurs to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, install, improve, or equip an eligible innovation infrastructure project.
Grants may be used for eligible innovation infrastructure projects designed to transform and accelerate growth in the following eligible technology sectors:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Blue Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Defense
- Energy and Sustainability
- Life Sciences
- Quantum
- Sensors and Robotics
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities
- Wet Laboratories
- Cyber Ranges
- Prototype Manufacturing Centers
- Other Specialized Workforce Training, Skill Certification, or Research-Related Spaces
A sample of projects funded in the first two years of the Program included: a medical device innovation lab; a battery R&D center; an advanced materials discovery and manufacturing process center; a GMP-compliant manufacturing environment for medical device components; and a prototyping facility for next-generation thermal insulation materials.
APPLICANT PROCESS
The Build Our Future Grant Application process will be in two steps. Phase 1 will constitute an open call for proposals, seeking initial project summary information and detailing the impact of the project on advancing innovation and growth in targeted industry sectors. Following review of the Phase 1 applications, a review committee will down select and invite a limited number of applicants to submit a more detailed Phase 2 application.
Phase 1 Application
- A completed Phase 1 Application must include an outline and narrative of the project and describe how it qualifies and supports the goals and parameters of the program.
- The Application must include the location, size and function of the project. It must identify the technology sector, describe how the project will support innovation in that sector, identify sources and uses of funds, and describe the transformational aspects of the project.
- Incomplete submissions cannot be considered.
- The Phase 1 Application form will be available below. Applications may be submitted to [email protected].
- The deadline to submit Phase 1 applications is Friday, September 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
- Successful Phase 1 applicants will be notified in November and invited to submit a Phase 2 Application.
Webinar
Phase 1 Application Documents
- The Phase 1 Application will be available on this page by August 25, 2025.
- The Scoring Rubric will be available on this page by August 25, 2025.
- IRS Form W-9
- Evidence of Good Standing with the State – Good Standing can be determined on the Maryland Business Express website. A screenshot of the result will suffice; a formal Certificate of Status is not required.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
- A single entity may not be awarded more than $2,000,000 in grant funds in a fiscal year.
- For a grant award up to $1,000,000, a grantee shall provide matching funds that are at least 200% of the grant amount.
- For a grant award exceeding $1,000,000, and up to $2,000,000, a grantee shall provide matching funds that are at least 400% of the grant amount.
- Funds received by a grantee through other State grant programs are not counted toward the grantees matching funds requirement.
- A grantee must demonstrate an ability to cover their share of the project costs.
- Grants may be awarded to private companies (including publicly owned companies), nonprofit entities, local governments, or colleges and universities in the State.
- Not more that 50% of the appropriation to the Fund in a fiscal year may be awarded to colleges and universities in that fiscal year.
- Grants to colleges and universities from the Fund will be awarded to projects that:
- Are performed in collaboration with private industry; or
- Offer the prospect of significant economic impact and the opportunity to develop entrepreneurship or clusters of technological innovation in the State.
TERMS
- There are no fees or costs to apply for a grant. However, please note that grants are taxable.
- Grantees who do not comply with the intended purpose of the grant are subject to repayment of the grant in full.
- Grantees are subject to random audit for compliance with the intended purpose of the grant.
Resources for Applicants
Questions about the Program and Fund should be directed to [email protected]. A member of the Commerce team will respond to your inquiry in a timely manner.