Maryland Legislators Tour Pioneering Climate Tech Startups Driving Clean Energy Progress

A delegation of Maryland legislators visited cutting-edge climate tech startups across the state, witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking innovations poised to transform clean energy and drive economic growth. The tour highlighted the state's commitment to carbon reduction and the advancement of clean energy technology.   

"It is incredibly exciting to witness the dedication of Maryland entrepreneurs, especially in Baltimore, who are not only deeply committed to protecting the environment but are also leveraging their expertise from Johns Hopkins to drive groundbreaking innovation in climate tech,” said Maryland State Senator, Shelly L. Hettleman. “Their efforts are creating tangible benefits for the environment and are also playing a critical role in boosting our local and state economies. This is truly a win-win for Maryland's future."

These startups are key to achieving Maryland’s ambitious climate and economic growth goals, helping the state lead in both technology commercialization and sustainability. The sites visited consisted of companies supported and advanced by the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA). MEIA, a program of Maryland Clean Energy Center, which facilitates early-stage technology commercialization in partnership with Maryland-based businesses, universities, and labs to rapidly bringing new solutions and innovations to market to help mitigate and adapt to climate change.  

“Our intention is to build the climate tech innovation ecosystem through partnerships and targeted investment in early-stage commercialization, with the vision of establishing a new industry sector—similar to the way the state grew biotech and life sciences into the economic engine it is today,” said MEIA Acting Director, Mike Ducker. “MEIA is helping to accelerate these climate tech startups and bring their groundbreaking research to market faster as part of that goal.” 

JJ Innovative Materials is tackling emissions in construction with carbon-negative materials, while EDAC Labs is pioneering electrochemical processes for decarbonization. Archer Power Solutions brings off-grid energy solutions with its battery-operated AC system. Terra Fusion, a spinoff from UMBC and UMCP, is advancing fusion energy technology, and NextGlass is developing ultra-insulating, low-cost windows. 

The site visits were attended by several notable Maryland legislators, including State Senator Shelly L. Hettleman and Delegates Joe Vogel, Natalie Ziegler, David Fraser Hidalgo, Andrea Fletcher Harrison, Lily Qi, and Ryan Spiegel. Mateo Garcia, Chief of Staff for Delegate Joe Vogel, also joined the group. Delegate Joe Vogel expressed his enthusiasm throughout the day, repeatedly stating that “it was the best day ever!” This strong legislative presence underscores the state’s commitment to supporting clean energy innovation and economic growth. 

The tours are part of MEIA's efforts to raise awareness of its work and Maryland’s growing climate tech sector. On October 7, MEIA will host its 2nd annual Climate Tech Exchange, a Pre-Summit event leading up to the 2024 Maryland Clean Energy Summit, bringing together climate tech leaders, innovators, and venture capitalists. The event will showcase MEIA startups, highlight the state of climate tech in Maryland, and offer insights from clean energy leaders, along with opportunities for networking. 

The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator | https://mdeia.org/