Startups in the Region
As of March 31, 2025, UpSurge is actively tracking 486 technology startups across the Baltimore Region. While Baltimore City continues to serve as the primary nucleus for startup activity, emerging innovation districts are taking shape in surrounding areas such as Columbia, Annapolis, Towson, Fulton, Ellicott City, and Halethorpe. These clusters represent a geographically diverse and increasingly interconnected startup landscape that extends beyond the core of Baltimore City. It’s important to note that 486 does not reflect a decline in overall startups, but a more refined focus on technology startups.
Source: PitchBook, Crunchbase, Tracxn, Public Sources, Primary Sources
Ecosystem Report: Startup Graphs by UpSurge Baltimore
Baltimore’s Tech Economy: Strength in Specialization and Industry Diversity
Baltimore’s tech landscape is shaped by deep expertise in healthcare and hospital systems, where innovation in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health continues to thrive. This strength is complemented by a robust information technology industry that spans from cybersecurity to enterprise platforms, and emerging AI applications. Beyond these core industries, the region is seeing meaningful representation in finance, manufacturing, media and entertainment, and education technologies—contributing to a broader narrative of diversification and resilience.
*In this dataset, “industry” is defined as “the principal market in which a company operates, representing its primary source of revenue.”
**Other Industries includes: Communications, Engineering, Government, Other, Personal Care, Supply Chain, Telecom, Utilities
Ecosystem Report: Number of Regional Startups By Anchor Sectors* by UpSurge Baltimore
The Region’s Sectoral Superpowers
The Baltimore Region’s startup ecosystem is grounded in three anchor sectors that continue to define its economic identity: life sciences, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Of the 486 startups currently operating in the region, 84 are in life sciences (17.3% of all startups), reflecting the region’s robust clinical, research, and healthtech infrastructure. Cybersecurity, represented by 25 startups (5.1%), draws strength from longstanding federal partnerships and a concentration of technical talent. Advanced manufacturing accounts for 22 startups (4.5%), showcasing the region’s ongoing transition toward high-precision, technology-driven production.
Alongside these anchors, Baltimore is cultivating several high-potential opportunity growth sectors—industries that are expanding rapidly due to regional assets and institutional leadership. Aerospace & defense is accelerating thanks to Baltimore’s proximity to major defense installations, a strong contractor base, and access to specialized talent. At the same time, quantum technology is gaining momentum through collaboration with the University of Maryland, home to multiple quantum research centers including the newly launched National Quantum Laboratory at Maryland (QLab). The development of real-world quantum computing and networking applications is equipping the region to play a central role in quantum’s emergence in the ecosystem.
*In this dataset, “sector” is defined as “the category of technology integrated into a company’s products or services.” Sectors were identified based on keyword searches: “Life Science” or “Biotech” for Life Sciences, “Cyber” or “Security” for Cybersecurity, and “Manufacturing” for Advanced Manufacturing.
**Advanced Manufacturing includes companies from additional industries with manufacturing components.