We were selected to develop the Life Science Pathways for early stage startups in the Baltimore region. This is a part of a greater project with pathways in defense / dual use, aerospace, climate tech, and manufacturing. The Pathways will serve as guides for entrepreneurs seeking to build new tech startups in these sectors, and the Pathways will be a part of the Baltimore Tech Connect platform.

>> UpSurge is immediately recruiting 5 part-time Resource Navigators to guide entrepreneurs using the BTC platform and Pathways. More info

Accelerators We’re Mentoring this Fall

College of Staten Island (CUNY) - Innovation Hub Accelerator

• Mentoring & hosting the kick-off session on Investment Readiness

• The CSI Tech Incubator Program is designed as a high-impact accelerator program for startups with emerging technologies that are preparing to raise a Seed or Series A round.

VentureWell Aspire MedTech

• Mentor in Residence

• Aspire Medtech is a five-week hybrid program that equips early-stage, technology-based startups with the training, guidance, and investor connections they need to cross the critical funding gap often called the “valley of death.”

Selected as Reviewers and Pitch Coaches for Accelerate Investor Conference

Join us this Nov 5 & 6 in Arlington, VA

A national venture investor and startup conference and early stage business competition that showcases our region as a powerhouse for innovation and business opportunity.

Dozens of top tech companies and 20+ student teams will compete to win cash and bragging rights. The competition targets entrepreneurs with early to mid seed stage, high growth businesses with the potential to have an immediate and positive impact on our local economy, as well as student concepts with longer-term business viability.

Selected to join the SXSW 2026 Pitch Advisory Board

This premier startup showcase invites ambitious companies from around the globe to apply for a chance to present their ideas live to a panel of expert judges, venture capitalists, angel investors, and early adopters.

The 2026 SXSW Pitch will feature 45 Innovation technology companies from nine different categories: 

• Enterprise and Future of Work; 

• Entertainment, Media, Sports & Creator Content;

• Healthcare, AssistiveTech & BioTech;

• Innovative World Tech;

• Intelligent Systems, Robotics, & Multisensory Technology;

• Smart Cities, Transportation, Manufacturing & Logistics; 

• Smart Data, Security, and FinTech; 

• Student Startups;

• Sustainability, AgTech & Food

Startup Pitching 101

Friday 10/17 @ 12pm-1pm ET Online
co-hosted with the University of Maryland (UMD)

What makes a good pitch? A holistic look at pitch decks and live pitching. What are common successful factors and common pitfalls. How to get investors to actually read your pitch deck. Presentation followed by open Q&A discussion. Hosted by the University of Maryland

• More info & Register here (Free to attend)

• Link to LinkedIn event page for easier sharing

AI Tools for Startup Communication

Wednesday 10/29 @ 12pm-1pm ET Online
co-hosted with the University of Maryland (UMD)

How can your startup communicate faster, smarter, and more effectively with AI? A comprehensive look at the AI tools and strategies changing how startups connect with their customers, investors, and teams. What are the essential AI tools every startup should be using today? Why 'GEO' (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new SEO and how to prepare for it. How to build a simple AI agent to automate your communication workflow. Presentation followed by open Q&A discussion.

• More info & Register here (Free to attend)

• Link to LinkedIn event page for easier sharing

• DC Startup & Tech Week - October 20-24 - Washington, DC

• KIC-DC Tech Summit hosted by Korea Innovation Center - October 24 - Gaithersburg, MD

• Accelerate Investor Conference - November 5 & 6 - Arlington, VA

• Chesapitch of Champions 2025 (by Maryland Tech Council) - November 20 - Arnold, MD

• SXSW 2026 - March 12-18, 2026 - Austin, TX