What to expect
Community Connect #9, "The State of the Innovation Ecosystem," is a morning event from BioBuzz Networks held with Montgomery College's Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science + Technology (PIC MC) as part of Montgomery College's Community Connect series. It looks back at Maryland's innovation economy in 2026 and ahead to 2027 across four sectors: life sciences, healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing and aerospace. The program features four short, TED-style talks, one from each sector, followed by sector roundtables where attendees can continue the discussion with speakers and peers. Networking runs throughout the morning, and you can drop in at any point.
Agenda and speakers
- 8:00 AM: Registration and networking
- 9:00 AM: Welcome and open remarks
- 9:05 AM: The State of Maryland's Innovation Economy
- 9:20 AM: Beyond the Headlines: Maryland's Year in Innovation, with talks on life sciences and biotech, healthcare and health tech, cybersecurity and IT, and advanced manufacturing and aerospace
- 10:30 AM: Networking
- 11:00 AM: Site tours
Speakers had not been announced at the time of writing. Listed partners include Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, Hughes Network Systems, the Germantown Innovation Center, BioTrain and Bio-Trac.
Who should attend
Founders, operators and investors in biotech, health tech, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing who want a read on where Maryland's innovation economy is heading and a chance to meet others in the Montgomery County ecosystem.
Venue and access
Bioscience Education Center, Montgomery College Germantown campus, 20200 Observation Dr, Germantown, MD 20876. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
How to register
Registration is free and does not require approval. Sign up on the Luma event page.