Tech Showcase Features Emerging Technologies

The annual Tech Showcase offered networking on the patio and tours of FITCI.

On June 14, 2016, the Fort Detrick Alliance hosted its annual Tech Showcase at the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) in Frederick, Maryland. The event featured FITCI's new Executive Director Kathie Brady; County Executive Jan Gardner; Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement; and Dr. George V. Ludwig, the Acting Principal Assistant for Research and Technology, USA Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick. 

“This annual event is an excellent opportunity to learn about new technologies and is an opportunity to connect with industry professionals,” said Richard Griffin, Director of The City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development.

Fort Detrick Alliance President Dr. Harry Modrow opened the event with a welcome to attendees, followed by remarks from other speakers.

The evening concluded with tours of FITCI, Frederick County’s only business incubator. Attendees had the opportunities to meet with the entrepreneurs currently operating out of FITCI and learn more about their research and technologies.  

From left to right: Fort Detrick Alliance President Dr. Harry Modrow; Executive Director Kathie Brady; County Executive Jan Gardner; Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement; and Dr. George V. Ludwig, the Acting Principal Assistant for Research and Technology, USA Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick.

5 Reasons the Biosciences Thrive in Frederick, Maryland

Carroll Creek and Cycling Photo Credit: Visit Frederick

Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Frederick plays a key role within Maryland's bioscience cluster and has much to offer new and expanding biotech businesses.

Below are some of the top reasons the biosciences thrive in Frederick, Maryland. 

5 Reasons the Biosciences Thrive in Frederick, Maryland

1. Location, Location, Location
Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor in Maryland, which is one of the largest bioscience clusters in the U.S. Frederick is home to Fort Detrick, the Frederick National Laboratory, 9,000+ businesses, and 80 bioscience companies. Less than an hour from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, it also offers close proximity to federal regulatory agencies.

2. Opportunity & Collaboration
Businesses enjoy strong biotechnology transfer opportunities from the federal labs at Fort Detrick and the National Cancer Institute. Start-ups can thrive in Frederick's local biotech incubator with state-of-the-art wet labs and offices available. The community is supported with partners offering local networking opportunities and workshops. 

3. Educated Workforce & Great Schools
Ranked among the 2nd smartest cities by Forbes.com, 36% of the workforce holds a bachelor's degree or higher and 13.3% have earned a Masters degree or Ph.D. Local public school achievement exceeds Maryland averages with scores that consistently surpass state and national averages on measures such as the College Board SAT.

4. Transportation
Two-thirds of the U.S. population is within a day’s drive of Frederick, and the location provides convenient access to all major markets on the eastern seaboard. It is within 50 miles of three international airports (BWI, Dulles and Reagan National). Two commuter rail stations serve Frederick, offering daily weekday service to Washington, D.C.

5. Award-Winning Place to Live
     Frederick was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. by Livability.com in 2015.  It was also named one of the "10 Best Places Near Washington, D.C. For Young Professionals" and Frederick County was named among the “Top 10 Counties in America.” Downtown Frederick is bustling with independently owned shops and restaurants, while close to area hiking, biking, wineries, and historic sites.  Frederick offers the ability for residents to “live, work, and play” and experience an excellent quality of life.

Frederick in the News: "Bio-tech hub in Frederick, Md. continues to expand"
Watch this 2015 news report on the expansion of the bioscience industry in Frederick and the importance of collaborations. 

"Bio-tech hub in Frederick, Md. continues to expand"

Want to learn more? Contact us and we can assist you with site selection assistance, how to start your business in Frederick, relocation assistance, and more information about the biosciences in our area.  

For more information on the biosciences in Frederick, visit our partner, Frederick County Office of Economic Development. 

AstraZeneca Announced Plans to Expand its Biologics Manufacturing Center in Frederick

2011 Grand Opening

On Friday, November 21, 2014, AstraZeneca announced plans to expand its biologics manufacturing center in Frederick, Md. The more than $200 million project will increase production capacity at the facility to support AstraZeneca’s maturing pipeline, and will help position the company to keep pace with a growing demand for the development and use of biologics, which currently represent nearly 50% of AstraZeneca’s overall pipeline. The expansion is also expected to bring a total of 300 new jobs to Frederick.

“We’re very pleased by AstraZeneca’s demonstrable commitment to our local workforce and to our growing biotech community,” said Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement. “This expansion will help bring even more high-caliber life science jobs and career opportunities to Frederick and the surrounding region.”

For more information, read the AstraZeneca press release. 

5 Benefits of Doing Bioscience Business in Frederick, MD

Dr. J.J. Lin of Imagilin Technology, LLC got his start at Frederick's biotech incubator, FITCI.

Located less than an hour from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland. It has much to offer growing, expanding businesses in bioscience.

Each year, the City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development (DED) attends the world’s largest biotechnology gathering, the BIO International Convention. Here, they network with high-level executives and influential decision makers who come to BIO to discover new players in the industry, form partnerships, and evaluate emerging technologies. 

At BIO, and at home, DED represents Frederick's role within Maryland's largest bioscience cluster, and lets businesses know why Frederick is ideal for this industry.  There are many reasons these companies are attracted to our area. Below are some of the top reasons the biosciences thrive in Frederick, Maryland. 

5 Reasons the Biosciences Thrive in Frederick, Maryland

Frederick City and County economic development professionals at BIO 2014.

1. Location-Frederick is the northern anchor of the I-270 Technology Corridor in Maryland, which is the third largest bioscience cluster in the U.S. It is home to Fort Detrick, the Frederick National Laboratory, 3,400+ businesses, and over 80 bioscience companies. Frederick also offers close proximity to federal regulatory agencies. 

2. Opportunity & Collaboration-Businesses enjoy strong biotechnology transfer opportunities from the federal labs at Fort Detrick and the National Cancer Institute; a local biotech incubator (FITCI); available state-of-the-art labs & offices, and local networking opportunities with partners.  

3. Educated Workforce-Ranked the 2nd Smartest City by Forbes.com, 36% of the workforce holds a bachelor's degree or higher.

4. Transportation-Major highways and mass transit connect Frederick with Washington, D.C., the I-95 corridor, and the Port of Baltimore. 

5. Quality of Life-Historic Downtown Frederick ranked #6 in Livability.com’s “Top 10 Best Downtowns 2014” list. 

Want to learn more? Contact us and we can assist you with more information, site selection assistance, and information about the biosciences in our area.  

FREDERICK TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS INCUBATOR SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR

The Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors is immediately seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. This position replaces the current Executive Director, Michael Dailey, who recently announced his resignation effective December 31, 2012.  Mr. Dailey has been the Director and CEO of the non-profit technology business incubator since its inception in 2005.  Resumes will be accepted by the Frederick County Workforce Services Division at PMcDonald@FrederickCountyMD.gov until the position is filled.  A job description is posted on the organization’s website www.fitci.org.

“Mike Dailey has provided exceptional service to FITCI’s start-up business clients as evidenced by 16 successful business graduates which have created more than 230 direct jobs during his tenure,” stated Mr. Don Schilling (Corp OHS), President of the Board of Directors.  “Mike has skillfully managed the organization through the recession and reduced government investment to position FITCI for the next business cycle.”

A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Dailey was selected in 2005 by the FITCI Board to lead the build-out and development of the initial 10,000 SF of incubator space at Hood College.  The space quickly filled and FITCI expanded to its current location at 4539 Metropolitan Court in Frederick which is now home to a number of emerging biotechnology, information technology, and green technology companies.  Several FITCI client companies have received statewide and national attention including Akonni Biosystems, WGS Systems, Imagilin Technologies, and Widearea Systems.

According to Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for the City of Frederick, “High-tech business incubation is a critical economic development and job creation strategy of Frederick City and County.  We applaud Mike’s efforts to oversee the launch of incubation in this community and though sad to see him move on, we are excited about FITCI’s next chapter.”

FITCI is a non‐profit organization created in 2005 by Frederick County, The City of Frederick, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED), and the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) in conjunction with the local business community.  FITCI provides services for local entrepreneurs seeking quality entrepreneurial support services along with facilities such as offices, laboratories, shared equipment and conference space equipped with phone and web.  FITCI seeks to foster entrepreneurship in Frederick and accelerate the development of commercial viable high tech businesses and jobs.

Today, FITCI stands as a significant success story of how private-public partnerships can successfully work to meet public sector goals while operating efficiently and cost effectively in the private sector.  The 230 jobs created by FITCI clients have an annual payroll of $17 million and the 16 graduates generate $26 million in annual revenue and occupy commercial real estate in Frederick paying local real estate taxes of nearly a quarter million annually.

Brief Job Description
The FITCI Executive Director is a full-time, benefited position which requires normal weekday core hours and some participation at evening/weekend events.  The executive director serves as CEO of the organization, reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for all operational aspects of organization including facilities, staff, and day-to-day business and financial functions.  The position also requires providing entrepreneurial support and advice to FITCI clients.  The salary is negotiable.  For more information see the full job description on the FITCI website at www.fitci.org.