INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

THE DMV REGION: A GROWING HUB FOR STARTUP AND TECH INNOVATION

Authors: Sameer Rao & Kaela Roeder, Technical.ly

The DMV region is a bustling hub of innovation, startups, and technology. It is home to over 6 million people and extends across three jurisdictions: the District of Columbia, the Maryland suburbs, and Northern Virginia. Each brings unique anchors that define a robust tech and innovation ecosystem.

The United States Capitol building in Washington DC, USA

How robust? According to industry trackers, tech job postings in Washington, D.C., outpaced even New York City in early 2024. Across many small firms and a sizable number of global companies, the region counted more than 270,000 tech industry jobs in 2023.

That’s more than triple the similarly sized Philadelphia metro area and nearly double the Atlanta region’s count. On the funding side, venture capital investment saw a much less dramatic post-pandemic drop in the DMV than the national average, per PitchBook data, with close to $5 billion invested in 2023.

Several factors contribute to this innovation economy strength, but the most obvious is proximity to the center of the United States government and the action on Capitol Hill.

Dozens of big-budget federal agencies, from the Pentagon to the Department of Energy, regularly contract with tech firms in the private sector. In part because of this dynamic, most of the region’s successful startups are B2B (business to business) or B2G (business to government), though there are plenty of founders with consumer-facing ideas, too.

Its wealth of major academic institutions amplifies the region’s catalyzing power of government funding. Public and private universities across the geographies conduct critical research, spin-out companies, and generally prime people for the innovation workforce.

Community is another strength. Recurring events like DC Tech Meetup, Upsurge, ConnectPreneur, and Unstuck Tuesdays, as well as the annual DC Startup Week, foster connection and collaboration. This multi-day convening connects DMV entrepreneurs and draws attendees nationwide for tech and business-related workshops and discussions.

The district government has its own council dedicated to technology and innovation, which is under the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The council has published work, like the 2023 Pathways to Inclusion report, which broke down the city’s tech assets, accomplishments, and quantitative benchmarks to recommend moving toward a more equitable and robust sector and the new DC’s AI Values and Strategic Plan.

This is where national tech policy develops — setting standards or implementing programs determining how employers, employees, creators, and consumers interact with emerging technologies. For example, in 2023, the Biden administration issued an executive order to establish AI safety standards throughout the public and private sectors. That same year, the Economic Development Administration launched its Regional Tech Hubs program to pump millions of dollars into developing ecosystems throughout the country.

That policymaking power brings lobbying activity. Tech companies spent over $300 million on lobbying efforts in 2023, with $74 million coming from giants Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, and Microsoft. These big tech companies aren’t just sending envoys to persuade lawmakers — they’re establishing roots, taking up a combined 791,000 square feet of city office space in 2023.

Lobbyists are also moving into the venture capital world, which has grown in D.C. In 2024, Silicon Valley powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz announced plans to set up an office in the district, and lobbying firm J.A. Green & Co. announced a partnership with local investment firm Anzu Partners to create a new $100 million fund for defense technology.

Local universities also bolster the D.C. innovation scene. Georgetown has an Entrepreneurs In Residence program where students can get one-on-one mentorship from business leaders. American University offers a graduate certificate in entrepreneurship and an incubator and other programming via its Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship and Kogod School of Business. Howard University collaborated with PNC to launch the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship.

Several accelerators are housed in the district, including the social impact-oriented Halcyon Incubator, Seed Spot, the disabled founder-focused 2Gether-International, the consumer packaged goods focused Union Kitchen, women and tech-focused Springboard, and the government and innovation-focused DCode, to name a few.

Maryland: A Major Player in Biotech, Aerospace & Quantum

Maryland has grown substantially over the past few years through innovation and the startup community’s support, specifically in the aerospace, biotechnology, pharma, and quantum computing sectors.

The section of Interstate 270 that runs from Bethesda to Gaithersburg has long been called “DNA Alley” since the Human Genome Project launched inside the National Institutes of Health headquarters. The Food and Drug Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology offices are also located nearby.

State-level organizations also play a significant role in boosting the Southern Maryland innovation ecosystem. The Maryland Tech Council, a major trade association, hosts an industry awards ceremony, an annual conference, and other events throughout the year. TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, regularly provides early-stage funding and business assistance to startups in the region.

Private sector giants like Adobe, Raytheon, and Capital One are all present at the University of Maryland Discovery District, which also houses university startup spinouts like the quantum computing firm IonQ and federal offices, including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction.

According to Lightcast workforce data, software development jobs in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have grown over the past decade, increasing by more than 25% between 2014 and 2023.

Maryland’s innovation ecosystem thrives on a collaborative network of universities, each contributing unique strengths to the state’s technological and entrepreneurial landscape. While the University of Maryland (UMD) plays a significant role with its top-ranked entrepreneurship programs and vibrant innovation ecosystem, other institutions are equally vital.

Johns Hopkins University brings world-renowned research in medicine, biotechnology, and engineering, complementing UMD’s strengths. The University of Maryland, Baltimore collaborates closely with UMD through the MPowering the State program, enhancing commercialization efforts. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Morgan State, Coppin State, and Bowie State, are integral to the Maryland Innovation Extension, a $1.4 million initiative expanding entrepreneurship resources across the state. These institutions focus on serving underrepresented communities and developing new academic programs in tech-focused fields. The University of Baltimore further supports this collaborative network, contributing to the state’s innovation economy.

Together, these diverse institutions form a powerful alliance, leveraging their expertise in fields such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. This synergy not only enhances research and development but also cultivates a diverse talent pool, ensuring Maryland remains at the forefront of innovation.

By offering a wide array of resources, from startup incubators to research facilities, these universities collectively drive economic growth and attract investment across the state, positioning Maryland as a formidable player in the national innovation landscape.

Virginia: A Locus for Defense Tech, Data, and Developers

Northern Virginia has developed a booming startup and innovation ecosystem ranging from defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, edtech, data centers, and more.

The Pentagon, perhaps Northern Virginia’s most visible federal agency, announces millions of dollars in contracts daily. Northrop Grumman is headquartered there, and it designs and develops missile defense and intelligence tech.

In the private sector, multinational tech giants have established a presence in Virginia. In 2018, Capital One relocated its headquarters to McLean and remains a top employer in the region. Amazon, another major employer, opened its second headquarters in Arlington in 2023.

That same year, Forbes dubbed Arlington the nation’s smartest city (D.C. came in third), with 76% of adults over 25 holding a bachelor’s degree. The same report, however, noted a significant racial attainment gap; less than 1 in 7 degree holders were people of color.

The Northern Virginia Tech Council is a prominent trade association connecting startup founders, Fortune 100 executives, students, nonprofit heads, and others.

Software development jobs in the region skyrocketed between 2014 and 2023, with Arlington and Loudoun counties’ numbers increasing by more than 90%. Fairfax County had over 30,000 developers in 2023, outpacing other areas in the DMV by far.

Educational institutions are key drivers of innovation in Northern Virginia. Fairfax is home to George Mason University, which operates a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is known for business and technology education. The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is slated to open in Alexandria, in the same complex as a branch of Amazon’s—which will further enhance the region’s tech education capabilities.

Perhaps most notably, Northern Virginia has emerged as a global leader in data center infrastructure. In 2024, more than 300 such facilities were active in the region, handling around 70% of the world’s internet traffic. Amazon Web Services operates more than 50 of them, and with generative AI processing increasing demands, companies like Google are investing billions in expanding their presence.

This convergence of federal agencies, tech giants, startups, educational institutions, and world-class infrastructure has positioned Northern Virginia as a powerhouse in the global innovation landscape, driving advancements across multiple sectors and attracting top talent from around the world.

Why the DMV Is The Best Place To Innovate, Incubate & Grow:

In closing, the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) stands out as an exceptional hub for innovation for several reasons:

  1. High Innovation Scores:
    Washington D.C. and Maryland are ranked highly for innovation, with D.C. itself scoring 76 on a 100-point scale for innovation-friendly measures.
  2. Resilient Economy:
    The region typically withstands economic downturns better than many other areas, providing a stable environment for startups and new business formations.
  3. Dynamic Growth:
    The innovation economy in Washington D.C. is poised for growth, making it a welcoming place for tech firms and startups.
  4. Supportive Community:
    The area has a supportive and evolving community that is conducive to innovation, providing a nurturing environment for new ideas and technologies to flourish.

These elements collectively make the DMV one of the best places to innovate, offering a rich blend of resources, a supportive community, and a strong economic backdrop.

Copy contributed by Technical.ly

Ecosystem Champions

TO ALL OF OUR DMV INNOVATORSAND DREAMERS!

Thank you to Rachel Koretsky and Seema Alexander for making this book possible, you are the voice and champion of Innovate® Washington DMV Edition that unifies the community!

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

CUBISMI

A Vanguard of Healthcare’s Transformation

“Grassroots physician leadership will be vital for patient-centered transformative innovation.” – Dr. Moira Schieke Cubismi is redefining the frontiers of healthcare through the synergy of AI, cloud, and physician-led human-centered design. Guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. Moira Schieke, Cubismi is leading transformative innovation to usher in a new...

CITRINE ANGELS

SUPPORTING FEMALE FOUNDERS AND FUNDERS FOR A STRONGER ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM

In a world where investment landscapes favor men, Citrine Angels emerges as a game-changer for its support of female founders and funders. Founded in 2019 by Allyson Redpath along with DC power players Lisa Friedlander, Stephanie Bauer Marshall and Aurelia Flores, Citrine Angels is a dynamic, female-only membership group based...

Myya

Innovating Post-Mastectomy Care

At the heart of Myya lies a deeply personal mission inspired by the life and challenges faced by the Founder and CEO, Jasmine Jones. Witnessing her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer and the subsequent difficulties in finding supportive, well-fitting post-mastectomy bras and prostheses ignited a passion within Jasmine to create...

GW - George Washington University

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Technology Commercialization Office and Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Inspire, Innovate, Impact The George Washington University (GW) GW is a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the core of this dynamic institution are two offices founded in 2010: The Technology Commercialization Office (TCO), a powerhouse dedicated to transforming groundbreaking...

MASON ENTERPRISE

Building the Entrepreneurs of Today and Tomorrow

Mason EnterpriseTM is a George Mason University-based economic development division that focuses the energy, skills, and intellectual capital of Virginians on new company creation and small business expansion. Through 24 intertwined, complementary programs that include business counseling, workshops, training, and connection to university assets (research, class projects, interns), Mason Enterprise...

enquire.ai

The Knowledge Revolution

In today’s fast-paced business world, knowledge inefficiency is a silent drain on resources, costing businesses an astonishing $35M annually per 1,000 employees. Knowledge-efficient enterprises’ average returns on revenues are nearly three times that of median Fortune 500 companies. Amidst this backdrop, Enquire AI emerges as a revolutionary force, spearheaded by...

VITAL

The Perfect Blend: AI Meets Human Flourishing

“Vital envisions a future where AI and human expertise unite to empower personal growth, creating a seamless path to complete well-being.” In today’s fast-paced world, individuals face constant pressures that can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of overwhelm. Vital was created to address these challenges head-on, offering AI-driven...

CGI FEDERAL

SHADMAN HOSSAIN: DRIVING WEB3 ADOPTION IN GOVERNMENT AND BEYOND”

Shadman Hossain, Manager of Emerging Technologies Practice at CGI Federal, is playing a key role in bringing Web3 technology to government. As a leader in the fi eld of digital transformation, CGI Federal specializes in providing cutting-edge technology solutions to government and commercial clients. Hossain, with his expertise in emerging...

VANNADIUM, INC.

Shaping the Future of Data Sovereignty

“We believe in data sovereignty for everybody and that data should be in the control of those originating it.” At the forefront of technological innovation, Vannadium, Inc. is a pioneering DeepTech solution provider committed to redefining data security and sovereignty. Through groundbreaking advancements in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT),...

SCOUT

INNOVATION OUT OF THIS WORLD

A new era is unfolding in the vast expanse of space. “Space is becoming an incredibly crowded place,” says Eric Ingram, Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of Scout Space, a pioneering company based in Washington, D.C. With this opening, we step into the world of Scout Space, a company committed...

MARGOT MACHOL BISNOW IS THE AUTHOR OF RAISING AN ENTREPRENEUR

How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams; 99 Stories From Families Who Did.

Margot had spent most of her career in international development, with stints at the Treasury, White House, and FTC. She had never expected to write a book on raising an entrepreneur. It began when she started meeting scores of successful young entrepreneurs through her older son, Elliott, who, in 2008,...

HALCYON HOUSE

A Haven for Big Risks and Bold Ideas

Halcyon, a non-profit incubator for early-stage start-ups, stands as a lighthouse of innovation. It is a unique and impactful organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of impact-driven businesses. Halcyon accelerates the future of business by focusing on ventures that integrate a social mission into their core that also...

FREELY PAYMENTS

HARNESSING INNOVATION TO TRANSFORM FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

“We are not just facilitating transactions; we are redefining them to create tangible benefits for our clients.” In the bustling city of Washington, D.C., a pioneering force is reshaping the financial contours of the food and beverage industry. freely Payments, a visionary B2B payments gateway, has not just entered the...

EL CAMINO TRAVEL

Pioneering the Future of Travel

Pioneering the Future of Travel El Camino Travel is revolutionizing the world of travel for the modern, adventurous woman. With a daring vision and a commitment to responsible tourism, El Camino Travel has redefined what it means to explore the world. Led by the passionate CEO, Katalina Mayorga, the company’s...

NasaClip

How NasaClip is Changing Nosebleed Treatment

How NasaClip is Changing Nosebleed Treatment In the crowded landscape of medical devices, NasaClip is making a bold statement with its novel approach to treating nosebleeds. Founded by Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne, an emergency physician with firsthand experience in the frustrations of traditional nosebleed treatments, NasaClip offers a revolutionary, practical, and...

MARYLAND SPORTS COMMISSION

About MSC and What they doIn 2008, when the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (now Department of Commerce) partnered to create the Office of Sports Marketing – (later rebranded as the Maryland Sports Commission in 2016) – their intention was clear: Become the...

1863 VENTURES

Unleashing Potential

“We’re excited about the continued progress on our path to creating $100B in new wealth by 2030.” In the heart of innovation, where dreams intertwine with reality, 1836 Ventures stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Born from a modest volunteer project at Georgetown, it has evolved into an...

RASA

Igniting Culinary Passions

A culinary revolution is brewing in the D.C. area, led by two visionaries, Rahul and Sahil, whose destinies were intertwined by their heritage and an indomitable spirit to redefine Indian cuisine. RASA, their brainchild, emerged from the rich tapestry of their upbringing, deeply rooted in the vibrant flavors and traditions...

TO ALL OF OUR DMV INNOVATORS AND DREAMERS! Government and politics: two pillars that have long been synonymous with the identity of the capital region. While these will always remain cornerstones of the DMV, a new narrative is emerging – that of a global innovation hub for startups, emerging tech,...

COLDS Collective

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A NEW AGE

COLDS Collective is a creator collective and digital native organisation helping people of African descent navigate and harness Web3 and other emerging technologies. United by the mission to educate, grow and innovate collectively, COLDS Collective is harnessing the power of bits (technology) to make tangible, positive changes in atoms (real...

TEDCO

LEADING INNOVATION TO MARKET

TEDCO is Maryland’s powerhouse of technology and innovation, driving progress and creating boundless opportunities. Founded by the Maryland General Assembly in 1998, TEDCO (Maryland Technology Development Corporation) has been at the forefront of fostering an inclusive and entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Troy A. LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO...

PodTechs

Internationalization: Podcasting Across Languages with Artificial Voices

In the halls of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., two organizations met in 2019. PodTechs and Baycrest became partners in podcasting. Fast forward half a decade later, and in 2024, the duo accomplished a rare feat: Defy Dementia, which unpacks the significant effects of caregiving on brain health,...

Fairfax County EDA

Igniting Innovation and Growth in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County is not just a hub for innovation; it’s a powerhouse supported by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). Chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and governed by a board of county business leaders, FCEDA is dedicated to transforming Fairfax County into one of the world’s premier business...

CIRCLE

Pioneering the Future of Finance

“Circle is focused on raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value by empowering businesses with digital currencies and blockchain technology.” Founded with the ambitious goal of raising global economic prosperity through the frictionless exchange of value, Circle leverages the power of digital currencies and blockchain technology to...

Load More

The Publisher

Daniel Esterhuyse

Daniel is the Head of International Publishing Partnerships at Innovations of the World. Born and raised in South Africa, he currently resides in Johannesburg with his wife of 19 years, their 12-year-old daughter, and three cats—FluffPuff, Roxy, and Gizmo, all girls.  An entrepreneur since his school days, Daniel has co-founded various small and large businesses.... click to read more

Dustin Canter

Dustin ‘DC’ Canter a.k.a. Mayor of the Mic is a man driven by an unbridled and relentless passion for amplifying the voices of underrepresented Title 1 student entrepreneurs. He is the brains of the operation behind the Cherry Blossom Innovation Summit, an annual celebration to raise the consciousness about the innovative thought leaders that are... click to read more

The Publisher

Daniel Esterhuyse

Daniel is the Head of International Publishing Partnerships at Innovations of the World. Born and raised in South Africa, he currently resides in Johannesburg with his wife of 19 years, their 12-year-old daughter, and three cats—FluffPuff, Roxy, and Gizmo, all girls.  An entrepreneur since his school days, Daniel has co-founded various small and large businesses.... click to read more

Dustin Canter

Dustin ‘DC’ Canter a.k.a. Mayor of the Mic is a man driven by an unbridled and relentless passion for amplifying the voices of underrepresented Title 1 student entrepreneurs. He is the brains of the operation behind the Cherry Blossom Innovation Summit, an annual celebration to raise the consciousness about the innovative thought leaders that are... click to read more

Other Ecosystems