Montgomery County Strengthens Its Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with the Technology Innovation and Founders Funds 

In December 2025, the Montgomery County Government and MCEDC announced the recipients of the Technology Innovation and Founders Fund grants, a program that was designed to support the business growth of companies developing proprietary technology and other technology entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The 55 companies that will receive a total of $7.5 million are creating innovative technology across the life sciences and technology sectors. The innovative projects being supported range from off-the-shelf CAR T Cells that target solid tumors to nanophotonic imaging platform for in vivo imaging, advanced microelectronics for spacecraft instrumentation, high-energy-density capacitors for defense and space, and sustainable bio-fungicides from natural products to combat fungal diseases.   

“MCEDC is proud to support entrepreneurs in our County and to help ensure they have access to the resources they need to grow and expand. These programs demonstrate the County’s commitment to nurturing our ecosystem and building a strong, diverse and inclusive economy,” said Jared Smith, MCEDC President and CEO.  

The MOVE Grant, a financial incentive meant to help businesses sign their first commercial lease in the county or expand their lease space by at least 500 square feet, is another great example of the support the County can provide small businesses. Since its inception in 2014, over $6.1 million has been awarded to local companies.  

Montgomery County’s commitment to small businesses is evident through the programs and resources available to small businesses. Through incentives and grants like the Technology Innovation and Founders Funds, to the support and collaboration found at one of the County’s four Business Innovation Centers, Montgomery County is home to a thriving and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. With over 95% of businesses in the county employing 50 or fewer individuals, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and here, entrepreneurs and small businesses are able to tap into a vast network of resources and infrastructure to help them succeed. These programs allow Montgomery County’s business ecosystem to offer the tools and community to help businesses at every stage of growth. 

Read the full press release here.