Steps from the nation’s capital, Montgomery County, Maryland, is one of America’s most dynamic centers of innovation and talent. From mapping the human genome (DNA) as a result of the Human Genome Projects, one of the most influential scientific endeavors in history, to the first successful transplant of a pig organ into a human and the pioneering work in quantum, this is a place where ideas evolve into research and real-world impact—a county whose identity is rooted in invention, collaboration, and world-changing breakthroughs. Today, it is home to more than 3,000 businesses from high-growth industries such as life sciences, technology and advanced manufacturing, as well as satellite and advanced communications, all driving progress and building the future in cell and gene therapy, cybersecurity, quantum computing, space and defense.
“Located near the nation’s top security and health agencies like the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Montgomery County has long been a hub for cutting-edge innovation and global companies” says Jared Smith, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC).
Indeed, few places in the United States can claim the same concentration of scientific discovery and entrepreneurial energy.
Anchored by Global Industry Giants
Montgomery County’s innovation story is anchored by global brands making transformative investments. “The County is home to many legacy brands like Marriott International, Lockheed Martin, GEICO, United Therapeutics, and Astra Zeneca, which recently opened a $300 million cell therapy manufacturing facility in Rockville, and will bring 150 new jobs to the area, but also to newer companies like X-energy, AeroVironment and Quantum Space,” says Jared. “The ecosystem is well-established here and reflects the level of coordination and support businesses receive from both state and local governments. We all work together to foster economic growth for the County.”
“Recently, X-energy, a nuclear-reactor and fuel-design company pioneering clean-energy generation, also announced it is expanding in Montgomery County, creating at least 500 jobs over the next six years,” Jared adds.
The Greater Washington Region’s Hub for Breakthroughs
In Montgomery County, innovation isn’t theoretical—it’s tangible. Breakthroughs from companies like GeneDX, whose work in genomic technology is transforming medicine, and Precigen, whose PAPZIMEOS therapy promises to help thousands of patients across the US, are redefining how science serves society. Behind these innovations is a powerful ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and research institutions that nurture startups from concept to commercialization.
“From public and privately owned incubators that feature a full menu of resources and support services, including business consulting, legal and accounting resources, intellectual property and commercialization assistance, to the University of Maryland’s Institute of Health Computing—the possibilities for growth here are endless,” says Jared.
Powered by People and a Strategic Location
Montgomery County’s greatest resource, however, is its people. Maryland residents have the second-highest concentration of PhDs in the nation and Montgomery County’s one-million-plus residents represent a deep and diverse pool of expertise. More than a third of adults aged 25 and over have advanced degrees, and a top-notch public school system and higher-education institutions, including the University of Maryland—which recently ranked 16th among U.S. public universities – and Montgomery College—ranked the top community college in Maryland and 17th nationally by WalletHub—ensure that talent is part of the County’s DNA.
Its strategic location amplifies these strengths. Nested within minutes of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland, connects seamlessly to three major airports, rail lines, and ports. From infrastructure to quality of life, companies grow because they’re able to compete globally from here and attract the right talent to help them scale.
Billions in Investment and a Quantum Future
The momentum is visible in the numbers. Since 2019, Montgomery County companies across all sectors have attracted $17,985.44 billion inventure capital, private equity, and grant investments. This inflow reflects a region at the forefront of next-generation industries.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s recent announcement of a $1 billion investment over the next five years to strengthen Maryland’s position as a quantum-technology leader places Montgomery County squarely at the epicenter. “As the most populous county in the state, Montgomery County is primed to be the hub of leading industries like quantum and advanced satellite communications,” Jared adds.
Scaling Global Impact
What truly distinguishes Montgomery County is how its discoveries reverberate beyond its borders. Here, scientific excellence translates into global humanitarian progress. It was in this county that InfraTrac created 3D-printed prescription drugs and Macrogenics developed an FDA-approved medicine for breast cancer. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin is accelerating Quantum Computing for aerospace and defense. From Fortune 500 companies like AstraZeneca, to Bethesda-based VOLT AI, a mission-driven tech company that uses artificial intelligence as a security force to help protect people and property, Montgomery County companies are changing the world.
Here, innovation is driven by purpose and fuelled by an ecosystem rich in collaboration between public and private sectors, academia, and local organizations. “Working in unison with state and local government, as well as local partners, we can attract leading companies that are doing world-impacting work,” says Jared.
An Unmatched Quality of Life
Propelling the County, where breakthroughs happen every day, in offices and across lab spaces and classrooms, Montgomery County’s highly diverse and educated workforce makes this a place with an unmatched quality of life. From award-winning restaurants, entertainment venues, to more than 400 local parks and easy access to vineyards, lakes, mountains and forests, this is where international families find their home away from home and build their lives. Montgomery County’s diverse population is a point of pride—in fact, the county is home to four out of ten of the most diverse cities in the United States.
With a robust talent pipeline, welcoming communities, and companies from all industries that are changing the way we work and live, Montgomery County is where talent comes to turn their ideas into reality. From gene therapy breakthroughs to quantum computing advances, leading companies, local partners, and top talent choose to be here because this is where they can grow, make their mark, and build the future.
“From infrastructure to quality of life, companies grow because they’re able to compete globally from here and attract the right talent to help them scale.”
