These TEDCO-backed startups are solving complex challenges, achieving success in Baltimore

A world class hospital, numerous entertainment venues, amazing restaurants featuring international delicacies and the breathtaking Patapsco River views – these are only some of the attractions found in Baltimore City. But, true to its moniker, Charm City, the allure doesn’t stop there.

For business owners, entrepreneurs and aspiring innovators, Baltimore City is the place to be. Bustling with a vibrant and collaborative entrepreneurial innovation community, the city provides up-and-coming businesses with a steady foundation of support, resources and opportunities for success.

As such, it is no surprise that TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, holds an active role in the continued growth and development of Baltimore. Created in 1998, the quasi-government entity’s mission is to enhance economic empowerment by fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. This process is completed by identifying, investing in and helping to grow technology companies throughout Maryland. And where better support to Maryland’s ecosystem than Baltimore City?

With TEDCO’s support, Baltimore’s innovative spirit is transforming futures across various industries. Don’t worry – these claims don’t go unwarranted. Here are four TEDCO-backed companies in Baltimore that are driving change, addressing crucial challenges and setting the stage for a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.

CoolTech Medical: Simple and safe temperature management

CoolTech Medical, a Baltimore-based medical device startup, has developed a temperature management solution that offers patients and providers simplicity and affordability. Their non-invasive CoolStat device uses transnasal evaporative cooling technology to automatically cool and hold patients at a targeted temperature using room temperature air. CoolTech Medical’s technology is particularly beneficial after traumatic events such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Seeing the potential in this innovative development, TEDCO invested seed funding into the medical device startup.

“Without using drugs or chemicals, we drive results, with lower cost and virtually no side effects,” said CoolTech CEO Steven Schaefer. “Thanks to TEDCO, we are tackling some of the most debilitating clinical conditions in the world.”

HomeSale.Plus: Transparent residential real estate

Home buying and selling can be a stressful and confusing process. HomeSale.Plus, a Baltimore-based company backed by TEDCO, is transforming the real estate landscape by offering a transparent, auction-like approach. Their innovative platform empowers all parties with transparency; buyers’ offers are submitted online in an open format and are visible to all participants along with all communications between buyers and the seller. Sellers can follow the action in real time and participate in the process. HomeSale.Plus also streamlines the closing process, providing a smooth and efficient experience, ensuring all parties win.

“HomeSale.Plus’ innovative thinking is another example of how TEDCO’s Venture Funds support technology-based solutions from any industry,” said Katherine Hill Richie, senior director of TEDCO’s Venture Funds.

Oncospace: Patient-specific solutions

The fight against cancer requires a multifaceted approach. Based in Baltimore, the Oncospace platform is developing cutting-edge solutions to personalize radiation treatment. The cloud-native platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze a patient’s unique tumor profile and genetic makeup. This comprehensive analysis allows physicians to predict an achievable treatment plan, optimizing each patient’s outcome. Oncospace’s technology holds immense potential for improving treatment outcomes, ultimately saving lives.

“Predicting achievable dose objectives in Oncospace before we start radiation therapy planning will remove the guesswork that slows us down,” said medical physicist Scott Robertson, Ph.D. “We can begin with the end in mind and take confidence that the final plans will meet the high quality we expect.”

LASARRUS: Remote monitoring for COPD patients

Baltimore-based LASARRUS is on a mission to advance device-enabled solutions for remote monitoring of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. This mission led LASARRUS to develop WearME, a wearable system for a comprehensive cardiopulmonary assessment which can be used for early symptom identification and treatment. WearME integrates a digital stethoscope, motion tracker, and optional ECG and temperature sensors to accurately address the critical needs of COPD patients, ultimately reducing hospitalization cost and readmission rates.

Recognized for their innovative thinking, the medical device company received Pre-Seed Builder Fund investments from TEDCO.

“Thanks to TEDCO’s investment we can accelerate our mission to enhance care for COPD patients and ultimately support more COPD patients across Maryland and beyond,” said Lloyd Emokpae, co-founder, CEO, and chief technology officer of LASARRUS.

Innovation begins in Baltimore

Baltimore’s future is brimming with potential as these companies, and countless others like them, continue to grow and evolve. This growth uplifts Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, supporting research and development processes and helping shape a brighter future for the Charm City and beyond.

With a city as enticing as Baltimore, TEDCO’s support is icing on the cake – providing innovative startups with the resources, connections and funding needed to enhance chances for success whilst enhancing the city’s inherent charm.