FY26 MBIA Commercialization Innovation Grant

With the support of TEDCO, the MCIG was designed to channel strategic funding through the MBIA Entrepreneurial Support Organization members and into eligible companies within their centers or program communities. The goal of this grant program is to provide strategic benefits to aid in the entrepreneurial advancement and commercialization efforts of promising innovative companies and propel success and growth in Maryland.

The program is a competitive process intended to reward the most impactful use of funds that will have the most significant and positive outcomes on Maryland’s innovation ecosystem and economy by promoting the use of Maryland-based vendors and service providers. Grant funds should be directed to Maryland-based companies with innovative or disruptive, technology-enabled business models.

A total of $45,000 can be awarded through the MCIG FY26 grant program.
The maximum grant amount a single applicant can receive is $5,000.

 

Applications will open April 27, 2026.

Application Deadline: 5pm ET on Friday, May 22, 2026.

 

Information Sessions

 

Contact Information:

  • For any questions about this year’s MCIG, reach out to the MBIA team at mcig@mdinnovate.org. 

 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible entities must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be a portfolio member in good standing of an MBIA Entrepreneurial Support Organization member.
  • Be headquartered in Maryland with at least 51% of employees residing in the state.
  • Have fully spent or returned any previously awarded TEDCO assistance grant funds.
  • Have submitted a final report acceptable in form and substance to MBIA for any TEDCO assistance grant fund previously received.
  • May not be an anchor tenant or strategic partner of an MBIA ESO member.

In addition to the above eligibility requirements, the company must be a portfolio member of an eligible MBIA Entrepreneurial Support Organization member that meets the following requirements: 

  • The MBIA ESO member is in good standing with MBIA, which means the ESO must not owe outstanding membership dues for the current or prior fiscal years and must have a dedicated program manager. 
  • The MBIA ESO member must be in good standing with the State of Maryland
  • Qualifying organizations include these FY26 MBIA Members.

 

How To Apply

Program leaders within each eligible ESO are expected to work diligently with their entrepreneurs to identify potential projects and help them submit compelling grant applications. ESO directors are also expected to submit a letter of support for each ESO-affiliated project.

The identified companies should demonstrate innovative or disruptive, technology-enabled business models. Projects should prioritize Maryland-headquartered service providers.

The FY26 MCIG applications will be open until May 22, 2026 @ 5pm ET. A total of $45,000 can be awarded through this year’s program, with a maximum of $5,000 per project. 

In addition to a completed application via Jotform, eligible and complete applications must also include the following documents: 

  • Company one-page executive summary (double-sided is acceptable)
  • A letter of support from the application’s MBIA ESO member director
  • A Scope of Work and Timeline from the applicant’s proposed vendor.
    • Note: If the applicant does not have a preferred vendor in mind, MBIA will work with the applicant, should their application be approved, to identify a vendor. 
  • Project Budget

The full list of questions on the application form can be found here:  MCIG Application Questions FY26

 

Important Additional Details: 

For key details about the FY26 MCIG, including information about the use of funds, application requirements, review criteria, program timeline, and requirements for the final report, please review the FY26 Program announcement here:
FY26 MCIG Program Announcement