The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (MEIA), a program of the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), continues to take steps in advancing climate technology innovation with the launch of Phase 2: Prototyping and Manufacturing Accelerator Programs. Established through Senate Bill 0960, this next phase is designed to meet startups where many of the toughest challenges emerge.
MEIA’s Phase 2 programs, the Prototyping and Manufacturing Accelerator, are designed to bridge the startup valley of death in the following ways:
- The Prototyping Accelerator turns promising technology into scalable, commercial products.
- The Manufacturing Accelerator will help startups start up their manufacturing operations in Maryland
These programs provide hands-on technical support, targeted funding, and structured project management to help founders reduce risk, accelerate development, and prepare for commercial deployment.
Eligibility of the 2 Programs are the Following:
Prototyping Accelerator
- Maryland-based climate-tech companies
- Pre-revenue to early revenue (pre-seed to seed)
- Clear product concept and early proof-of-concept data
- Fewer than 5 employees (preferred)
- Need for external design/engineering support
Manufacturing Accelerator
- Maryland-based climate tech companies with a validated prototype
- Preparing for seed/Series A or scale-up capital
- Typically, 2-50 employees
- Identified customer/beachhead market and line-of-sight to production
Phase 2 Programs:
Prototyping Accelerator
Designed for early-stage climate-tech companies ready to turn a concept or lab demonstration into a functional, manufacturable prototype or MVP. MEIA provides hands-on engineering support, rapid prototyping resources, and project management to accelerate development and reduce technical risk.
Examples of services from the Prototyping Accelerator:
- Industrial design, mechanical/electrical/thermal engineering support
- CAD, 3D modeling, and materials selection
- Rapid prototyping and small-batch fabrication
- Functional testing and validation
- Design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) guidance
- Weekly MEIA project management and milestone tracking
Manufacturing Program
Built for startups transitioning from prototype to production. This program helps founders de-risk manufacturing by supporting supply chain strategy, process engineering, cost modeling, and production planning—setting companies up for scale and investment.
Examples of services from the Manufacturing Accelerator:
- Process engineering & design-for-manufacturing refinement
- Supply chain mapping and vendor identification
- Make-vs-buy analysis and contract manufacturing support
- Facility planning, equipment strategy, and automation feasibility
- COGS modeling, costed BOMs, and production forecasting
- Quality systems, compliance pathways (as relevant)
Budget & Timeline for Phase 2 Programs:
- Up to $30,000 in MEIA-funded prototyping support (paid directly to vendors)
- 3-6 month engagements with structured milestones
These programs directly advance Maryland’s climate-tech economic development priorities and align with the intent of SB960 by providing structured technical support that helps founders move from concept to commercial readiness. By coordinating Maryland’s engineering, design, and manufacturing resources, MEIA strengthens the state’s capacity to keep early-stage companies here, accelerate prototype and production timelines, and lay the groundwork for Maryland-based manufacturing, job creation, and long-term economic impact.
Overall, this program helps ensure that Maryland climate-tech startups don’t just invent here – they build here, grow here, and create lasting economic value for the state.
Get Involved
Join MEIA for an informational session on February 11, 2026, from 3:00–4:30 PM EST to learn more about the Phase 2 Prototyping and Manufacturing Accelerator Programs. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fx1gX0OGTdapSe9SaAhU6w
Applications are now open at mdeia.org/inventors. First-time MEIA applicants must complete the Inventor Expression of Interest form. Questions? Contact [email protected].