Homeland security business incubator opens in Maryland - Tech Talk - Chesapeake Innovation Center will create opportunities for transfer and development of technology - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 28, 2003 by Ronald Roach

ANNAPOLIS, MD.

In association with the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, the Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC) recently opened in Annapolis, Md., as the nation's first homeland security business incubator. The CIC is dedicated to nurturing firms specializing in homeland security technology. In addition to partnerships with the Maryland universities, CIC has also formed alliances with the National Security Agency, Nokia/Innovent and the Piper Rudnick law firm.

The CIC will operate as a "gateway," enabling the transfer of technology between the public and private sectors and creating new opportunities for the development of exciting technologies in homeland security. It will host 20 to 25 start-up companies and function as a hub for technology commercialization of early-stage ventures in the security/defense, communications and information technology sectors.

"Developing innovative solutions to defending our homeland is a priority at the CIC," says Janet S. Owens, county executive of Anne Arundel County.

The CIC is an initiative of Anne Arundel County, Md., with the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation serving as the lead agency. "Anne Arundel County's proximity to our nation's capital and the National Security Agency perfectly positions it with resources and strategic connections to spur business growth in the homeland security sector," Owens says.