A Big 2024
MEIA 2024 Startups
Continuing from the support from MEIA’s grant award from EDA MEIA celebrated the launch of innovative startups, including Oasis Energy Partners, Enerytis, Salient Direct Ocean Capture, SpringGem, NextGlass, Floraponics, Finev, Forager Station, Redhelm Labs, SpinQi, Metallic Luxury, CupTech, Loop Closing, and Venki Energy. MEIA also ran three Pre-Accelerator cohorts.
Alumni Achievements
MEIA Alumni Carbon Lockdown, Liatris, EDAC Labs, and ACTIVECharge saw success, being selected for US DOE Voucher Selections for January 2024. While InventWood opened its new Frederick County headquarters to advance sustainable cellulose materials. In addition, Aquatic Circle received a Rural Pre-Seed Fund investment, High T Tech raised $3 million Seed funding round, and Carbon Lockdown received DOE Funding to implement pilot biomass burial project.
Climate-Tech Ecosystem Building
This year, MEIA was proud to be part of numerous exciting events that celebrated innovation, collaboration, and progress in climate technology. MEIA partnered with Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) to co-host the Maryland Climate Tech Meet-Up that combined a eclipse watching party with discussions on funding opportunities. MEIA also hosted the second annual Climate Tech Exchange during the Maryland Clean Energy Summit and supported numerous Baltimore Climate Tech Meet-up events. Additionally, MEIA supported GreenHacks at John Hopkins University to empower the next generation of climate technology innovators and attended the MCEC Legislative Reception among policymakers and industry leaders.
Lastly, the annual Pitch Finale featured startup teams Sustainabli, Archer Power Solutions, JJ Innovative Materials and Terra Fusion. Sustainabli emerged as the grand prize winner, capping off an exciting and impactful event sponsored by the Maryland Department of Commerce.
Celebrations and Milestones:
This year was filled with major milestones, including Governor Wes Moore signing the Climate Technology Founder’s Fund into law, a transformative step to accelerate economic opportunities and carbon reduction in Maryland. In September, MEIA celebrated 5 Years of Climate Tech and honored its First 50 Startups. To cap off the celebration, MEIA led a Climate Tech Tour with Maryland legislators, visiting five startup facilities to highlight the intersection of policy and innovation.
Looking Ahead
As the year concluded, MEIA wrapped up its EDA Build to Scale grant, paving the way for Phase 3 of our mission: empowering diverse founders to build Climate Tech startups in Maryland. With a focus on Minority, Women, and Veteran-Owned Businesses (MWVOB), MEIA is committed to supporting innovators developing products and services that reduce energy use and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Bolstered by the HB 1220 / SB 0960 Maryland Clean Energy Center – Climate Technology Founder’s Fund, a strategic collaboration with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) and the Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (MEI2)- this fund provides essential investments to empower MWVOB entrepreneurs, advancing clean energy and decarbonization solutions while driving growth and innovation within Maryland’s Climate Tech ecosystem. With the support of our partners and a growing network of innovative startups,
MEIA is well-positioned for even greater impact in 2025. Together, we’re building a brighter, more sustainable future! Wishing you Happy Holidays and a clean, prosperous 2025!