Join us! TechPort UAS Incubator and Community Innovation Hub
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From the Director's Desk:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The First Amendment, Constitution of the United States of America
Lately, it seems, the intent of one of our most fundamental rights is being distorted, twisted, changed. It raises serious concern for many of us – but in particular innovators who depend on science and facts to lead us forward. Among the misconceptions I see are people who think the First Amendment means they can say anything they want to say with no consequences. Another is the idea that if someone says something enough times, it must be true. Also, the idea that social media is the free press.
This presents a grave danger to all of us, but is significant for entrepreneurs in that
communication – free speech – is a critical element of an innovative ecosystem. The first steps of brainstorming, having that initial idea and sharing it with others to query, probe, question, expand, understand and explore as a community is basic to our process. We must have the opportunity to engage to find new solutions to old problems or solve something that isn’t viewed as a problem, but simply makes it better.
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On January 14, Rick Tarr, Director of NAWCAD Tech Transfer Office and Southern Maryland Tech Bridge discussed Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). Joining the discussion was special guest Tony Archer, SBIR/STTR Portfolio Manager.
Thanks to the TechPort and NAWCAD Public Affairs (PAO) teams for supporting this T2 event, as we continue to learn and improve the program with each iteration on a new and innovative platform.
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T2 is a new program sponsored by TechPort and NAWCAD Tech Bridge of Southern Maryland to raise awareness of the Tech Bridge mission and increase access for small business innovators to the Southern Maryland Tech Bridge and Tech Transfer teams. |
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HopFlyt
TechPort's Featured Client of the Month
January 2021
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Rob Winston had a meeting at TechPort recently, so he left his house at the airpark in Calvert County, hopped in his plane and landed three minutes later at TechPort UAS Business Incubator and Community Innovation Hub.
“It’s five miles in a straight line from my house to TechPort. It’s 15 miles by road to the (Naval Air Station Patuxent River, NAS PAX River) base gate,” Winston says. “It takes 30 to 45 minutes with traffic across the (Governor Thomas Johnson) bridge.”
Soon, Winston hopes he and many others will be able to make similar commutes on a daily basis using the aerodynamically advanced electric Vertical Takeoff & Landing (eVTOL) aircraft he is building to transport commuters. His company, HopFlyt, is the latest to join TechPort. For a current TechPort client list click here.
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COFFEE AND CRABS
Southern Maryland has become such a hub of technology and innovation that even those immersed in it still find themselves surprised from time to time. Wanting to capture and
publicize more of these happenings, TechPort UAS Business Incubator and Community Innovation Hub plans to launch a new weekly talk show for 2021, beginning Monday, February 8, 2021, from 3 to 4 p.m. Coffee and Crabs! will be a live broadcast, featuring TechPort Director Tommy Luginbill and Brian Jordan of Jordan Research and Development .The program will be styled similar to a sports cast - featuring highlights of new and emerging technologies and happenings related to innovation and entrepreneurship on national, regional and local levels. Luginbill credits Dominic Fragman’s Progress Culture show with bringing the two-some together in a talk show format.
“We definitely had some chemistry in those conversations,” Luginbill says. “We share different perspectives, which prompts our discussions to open up in a variety of ways. I’m really excited to see where this goes.”
Jordan, an entrepreneur and TechPort client, says that even though he’s lived in Southern Maryland for 20 years he continues to be amazed at the growth and development of technology in the area. Just last week, Jordan says, he learned that a company that builds gyroscopes to help stabilize
yachts from the rocking that causes seasickness is located in Southern Maryland...
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#TechPortTuesdays
#DidYouMissIt?
#Jeopardy
Want to stay up to date with TechPort?
Check out our social medias!
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Which January event are you most excited about?
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TechPort and SMYP Trivia Night
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Virtual Lunchbox Talks - Business Skills for Startups
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Crabs and Coffee - Innovators Connecting with Innovators Program
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ICYMI: Registration Still Open! |
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On January 22, 10 - 1 p.m., in collaboration with SBDC, TechPort will be hosting a virtual Hacking the Traditional Business Plan Modeling Process for Tech Startups Webinar.
This interactive program will provide participants with the opportunity to work one-on-one with their own strategic plan.
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The workshop will address the unique challenges tech companies face while building their strategic plan. Join us as we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, including common pitfalls and areas of concentration. We will also discuss available resources that fit your particular needs as a tech startup, including the value of participating in the ICORP program in breakout one-on-one sessions after each panel.
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Don't Miss Virtual Trivia Night! |
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TechPort UAS Business Incubator and Community Innovation Hub and St. Mary's Young Professionals are inviting the community to join them for a fun night of trivia on January 26, 5 - 7 p.m.!
This riveting game of Jeopardy Style Trivia will include prizes provided by local businesses. Join as a team or an individual.
Everyone will participate in Jeopardy Style Trivia with their team in zoom breakout rooms.
If you would like to be on a specific team please email info@techportsomd.org with the names and emails of the other people you would like to be grouped with. Please note teams are limited to five people each. Anyone who wishes to participate but does not yet have a group will be assigned a group ahead of the event.
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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Topics Pre-Released |
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The DoD issued its 21.1 SBIR Broad Area Announcement (BAA) pre-release on December 8, 2020, which opens to receive proposals on January 14, 2021, and closes February 18, 2021.
The BAA is inclusive of 100 standard Navy SBIR topics, and 2 Direct to Phase II topics from 7 of the Navy's SYSCOMs. Topics include cloud-based air traffic control training systems, aircrew body armor, and lightweight thermal protection to name just a few.
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Help the St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen!
Currently, the St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen is in need of cereal, oatmeal packets, canned tuna, string cheese, crackers, pancake mix, and other products.
TechPort will be accepting food donations through the end of February and we will keep the community updated on high priority items.
TechPort is currently serving as a donation drop-off point for any individuals or businesses in or around the St. Mary's County Regional Airport Innovation District to benefit the St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen!
The mission of St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen is to provide free meals to anyone in need, no questions asked, serving all with a spirit of compassion, dignity, and respect.
Please reach out to us on Facebook or email us at info@techportsomd.org for more information on how to support this effort!
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Interactive Innovation
Progress Culture Tuesdays
The Spirit of Innovation & Freedom - and - SoMD Loves You
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Program Sponsored by : Southern Maryland Loves You
This Week's Episode: Episode 39 - SoMD Truly Loves You
w/ Matt Hayes (SoMDLY and UPD) and Paul F. Murphy & Dominic Fragman (SIF)
Have you ever tinkered outside of your specialty? Develop anything cool? End up with something that helps your community and other communities to better serve themselves???
Last Week's Episode: Episode 38 - Oh's and Oneness
w/ Brian and Donna Jordan (Jordan R&D) and Paul F. Murphy & Dominic Fragman (SIF)
Do numbers create truths, describe them, or both? Can technology show humans how to evolve? Can the connectivity that newer forms of technology offer show us how to be one???
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HUB HAPPENINGS
January 22, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Hacking the Traditional Business Plan Modeling Process for Tech Startups Webinar
The workshop will address the unique challenges tech companies face while building their strategic plan. Join us as we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, including common mistakes and pitfalls, and areas of concentration. We will also discuss available resources that fit your particular needs as a tech startup, including the value of participating in the ICORP program
January 26, 5 - 7 p.m. - Trivia Night with TechPort and SMYP
TechPort UMD and St. Mary's Young Professionals are inviting the community to join us for a fun night of trivia! Teams forming now!
February, 8, 3 - 4 p.m. - Crabs and Coffee Weekly Virtual Series
February 11, 1 - 1:30 p.m. - TechBridge @ TechPort - Fifth Installment
A virtual live-broadcast program featuring the Director of TechBridge of Southern Maryland, Rick Tarr, and special guest Lainie Rodriguez, Associate Director for Strategy at NAWCAD. Join the discussion!
February 19, 2-3 PM - SBIR/STTR Seed funding - What is it? Does it make sense for a Tech Startup looking for funding?
Learn more about America's Seed Fund and if it's the right fit for your tech startup! Did you know 11 federal agencies participate in the program? Join the discussion!
February 23, 5 - 7 p.m. - Paint Night with TechPort and SMYP
Join TechPort and St. Mary's Young Professionals for an evening of painting with Bob Ross virtual BYOB style.
February 26, 11AM - 1PM - TechPort LunchBox Series: Getting Your Financial House in Order:Tech Start-Up Financials
Join TechPort for their monthly business skills series - learn about tax credits, how COVID-19 impacts your financial statements for EOY reporting; and the good, the bad, and the ugly about Tech Startup financials and reporting requirements just in time for tax season.
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March 5 - Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Innovation
TechPort Hosts Fireside Chat with Women Leaders In Tech Innovation
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UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
January 26, 10 - 11 a.m. - QuickBooks Eight-Session Series
Each Tuesday and Thursday in January 2021, a Business Coach from the Kentucky SBDC in Covington will be hosting a no-cost eight-session series on QuickBooks. These sessions address Navigating QuickBooks, Chart of Accounts, Items, Vendors, Accounts, Payroll and Timesheets, and more.
February 2 - National Groundhog Day
National Groundhog Day on February 2nd each year asks one question. Will he see his shadow? Ok, well maybe it asks another question. Will there be six more weeks of winter?
February 9, 4 - 6 p.m. - Steps to Start a Business Webinar
If you are planning to start a business or are in the early stages of launching one, then this workshop is for you. In this workshop, you will learn to develop your business ideas and planning, consider your legal structure, and much more.
February 18 - SBIR Broad Area Announcement Opening for Proposals Closes
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TechPort's mission is to serve as a center of innovation for the community. Incubating ideas and accelerating diversification of the innovation ecosystem of Southern Maryland. Operated under contract by the University of Maryland,TechPort targets startup and early stage companies that specialize in autonomous systems and commercialization of Navy technology while serving as a community resource for innovators of all kinds.
Sign up here for a private virtual tour of our Incubator space available to new clients.
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What does the TechPort Innovation Hub mean to you?
Or on our social medias!
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TechPort is now seeking for sponsorships for 2021 Programming
If interested, please contact TechPort Director Tommy Luginbill here!
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TechPort is a public-private sector initiative supported by: |
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