Where Maryland Corporations collaborate with Global disruptors.
Register your interest for cohort 3 now
We are now accepting inquiries from businesses interested in joining the third cohort of the Maryland Innovation Lab. For the first time, applicants will define the challenges this cohort tackles, rather than following a pre-selected theme. Any organization with a meaningful operational presence in Maryland that wants to jump-start innovation is invited to apply.
Supported by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Lab pairs leading global startups and scale-ups with corporate partners to solve critical challenges and unlock future opportunities through open innovation.
The Maryland Innovation Lab is a public-private initiative dedicated to driving corporate innovation, global trade and next-gen solutions in strategic industries. Central to the Lab is a 10-week solution validation sprint, a collaboration between startups and corporates guided by the UK’s foremost corporate innovation specialist, L Marks.
The Lab has run two cohorts to date. The first cohort in 2024 focused on Food & Agribusiness and the second in 2025 on Energy Affordability.
ENERGY AFFORDABILITY LAB
Driving Energy Innovation in Maryland
Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges of our time, demanding urgent action to reduce emissions and build a sustainable future. The United Nations has set ambitious goals for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and Maryland is rising to the occasion. The second Maryland innovation Lab chose to focus on Energy Affordability to support taking the lead in this transformation, bringing together industries, innovators, and policymakers to tackle decarbonisation challenges head-on.
The Energy Affordability Lab has now closed. You can find more detail and the successes from that cohort below:
The first Maryland Innovation Lab focused on sustainable food systems and agribusiness. Corporate partners Sodexo, Pompeian, and SIMPLi selected five category themes, from sustainability and packaging to retail and product optimization. The industry was chosen due to challenges in the global food system and Maryland’s strength in this sector.
Maryland is uniquely positioned to be a hub for decarbonization innovation. With one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, the state is a nexus for industry, commerce, and infrastructure. Maryland is already a leader in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology adoption, making it the perfect environment for developing and scaling solutions in electrification, smart charging, and predictive safety technologies. By joining the Decarbonization Lab, you’ll be part of a movement that leverages Maryland’s resources to address global sustainability goals.
“When talented people come together to solve big problems, great things can happen. The Maryland Innovation Lab will help us address pressing challenges by connecting companies in our state with companies around the world willing to share their expertise.”
L Marks is the global leader in corporate innovation, trusted by many of the world’s most well-respected brands and organisations to identify, validate, and implement transformative solutions. Through its global network spanning over 80 countries, L Marks discovers more than 10,000 startups and scaleups annually and has enabled over 485 to pilot with corporate partners, achieving an industry-leading deployment rate of 78%. Their alumni have collectively raised over $9.4 billion in venture funding. With over a decade of experience in delivering 120+ award-winning innovation programmes across Europe, North America, and Asia, L Marks is embedding new structures and technologies, driving an innovative culture, and ultimately fuelling sustainable growth.
Where Maryland Corporations collaborate with Global disruptors.
Supported by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the Lab pairs leading global startups and scale-ups with corporate partners to solve critical challenges and unlock future opportunities through open innovation.
The Maryland Innovation Lab is a public-private initiative dedicated to driving corporate innovation, global trade and next-gen solutions in strategic industries. Central to the Lab is a 10-week solution validation sprint, a collaboration between startups and corporates guided by the UK’s foremost corporate innovation specialist, L Marks.
Food & Agribusiness Lab
The first iteration of the Maryland Innovation Lab was completed in 2024 and focused on the Food and Agribusiness sectors. The successful first program saw over 600 innovative businesses scouted from over 60 countries. 10 startups and scale-ups were matched with our corporate partners Sodexo US, Pompeian, and SIMPLi. These included: A material innovation startup with a seaweed-based alternative to fossil-fuel plastic packaging. The first sensorless behavioral AI software for retailers and fast-moving consumer goods. A blockchain-based traceability solution for sustainable food supply chains.
For Startups: The application period for the next Maryland Innovation Lab focusing on supply chain and logistics is not yet open. Sign up here for updates! However, you may create an account and start your registration now on The Bridge to be considered for other global L Marks labs.
For Corporate Partners: The Bridge is a cutting-edge digital platform from L Marks that offers an end-to-end solution and premium experience for corporate partners to facilitate their innovation programs and manage startup relationships. Live voting features are also available for audience interaction at Pitch Days and Demo Days.
Food & Agribusiness Lab
