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Cyber Howard Accelerator

Graduation and Next Steps

Graduation Is Just the Beginning

What Happens After the Accelerator

The Cyber Howard Accelerator prepares startups to operate independently and continue growing within Howard County’s cybersecurity ecosystem. Each company’s progress is evaluated based on business development milestones, market readiness and investor engagement.

 

Graduation Criteria

Participants must demonstrate:

  • A well-defined business strategy with measurable progress in operations and key performance indicators
  • A go-to-market plan with a clearly identified customer base and industry positioning
  • A functional marketing and sales strategy with tested branding and sales execution
  • Active investor and funding engagement through participation in pitch events and funding rounds
  • Product readiness, including compliance progress and successful product iteration

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    What Comes Next

    Graduates will transition into one of the following paths:

  • Further incubation at the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) to continue scaling operations
  • Establishing independent operations in Howard County with a focus on growth and market expansion
  • Securing government contracts, commercial partnerships or investor funding to accelerate development

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    Graduates will remain connected to the HCEDA, TAC and MIC network, gaining continued access to resources and business development support.

     

    Applications for this cohort are closed. The next cohort opens January 15, 2026.  You may submit early, but reviews will begin on that date.

     

    Apply Today!