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Maryland Industrial Partnerships
Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) promotes the development and commercialization of products and processes through industry/university research...
Maryland Industrial Partnerships
Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) promotes the development and commercialization of products and processes through industry/university research partnerships. MIPS provides matching funds, matched by participating companies, for university-based research projects that help Maryland companies develop new products. Projects are initiated by the companies to meet their own research and development goals and are translational work rather than basic research. The program is administered at the University of Maryland, College Park, and works throughout the University System of Maryland, plus Morgan State University and St. Mary’s College.
General information
Firm type
State-Sponsored Industry-University Technology Transfer and Commercialization Grant Program
Year founded
1987
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
College Park
Corporate office
College Park, MD, United States
Principals
Martha Connolly
Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
What types of companies qualify for a MIPS grant?
Any Maryland-based company — from pre-revenue startups to large public corporations — can apply, provided they collaborate with at least one University of Maryland faculty principal investigator. The project must have a clear path to commercialization and fall within the university's technical research capabilities. Past participants include Lockheed Martin, MedImmune, and dozens of small prototyping firms.
Is MIPS a venture fund or a government research program?
MIPS is neither a venture fund nor a conventional government research program. It operates as a public-sector co-investment platform inside a public university, using state dollars to match company funds for applied R&D projects. Unlike VC, it captures no upside; unlike federal SBIR grants, the funding is tied specifically to labor, materials, and equipment on university-led projects.
Which technical areas does MIPS concentrate on?
The program is deliberately broad, funding projects in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy systems, cybersecurity, robotics, agricultural technology, and materials science. Awards reflect the research strengths of the University of Maryland's College Park faculty, with engineering and computer science departments generating the highest volume of projects.
Has the program produced measurable economic outcomes?
Per the program's own reported metrics, the 700-plus funded projects have led to over 1,000 product introductions and commercialized technologies, thousands of jobs within Maryland, and hundreds of millions in follow-on private investment and federal R&D contracts. Independent economic analysis has periodically validated the link between MIPS awards and in-state manufacturing job growth.
Who reviews and selects MIPS project proposals?
Proposals are evaluated by an independent review board composed of industry experts, venture investors, and economic development professionals from outside the university. The board scores projects on technical feasibility, commercial potential, and the strength of the university-company collaboration before sending ranked recommendations to the program director for final selection.
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