THE EPICENTER FOR AEROSPACE From advanced air mobility and autonomous systems to next-generation defense, Maryland powers the future of flight, space exploration, and national security—driven by exceptional talent, cutting-edge research, and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
A MAGNET FOR TALENT
aryland offers access to one of the nation’s highest concentrations of M aerospace engineers, fueling a powerful ecosystem of private companies, federal agencies, and military installations. With a steady stream of graduates from leading aerospace programs, the state maintains a continually refreshed pipeline of top-tier talent.
#1
Concentration of aerospace engineers nationally
Top 15
#6
Graduate aerospace engineering engineering program in the U.S.
Undergraduate engineering program in the U.S.
(University of Maryland)
(U.S. Naval Academy)
(California-Lexington Park, MD)
#1
Largest organization of earth and space scientists and engineers in the U.S. (NASA Goddard)
R&D at The Ready Maryland’s aerospace ecosystem unites academia, industry, and government to fuel breakthrough innovation. Companies benefit from next-door access to leading Department of Defense and NASA research centers, while the University of Maryland’s world-class facilities, like the UAS Research & Operations Center, are advancing the future of uncrewed systems.
#1
Federal Tech Transfer Facilities
#2
Federal Obligations for R&D
AEROSPACE ALLEGANY GARRETT
30+ Airports Leading Research Institutions Tap into Maryland’s powerhouse research institutions, military facilities fueling aerospace innovation, and unmatched access to NASA.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab Drives aerospace innovation, from space exploration to national defense.
Space Telescope Science Institute Operates NASA’s Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, enabling groundbreaking research and discoveries.
NASA Goddard Designs, builds, and operates spacecraft and instruments, ans is only 20 miles NASA HQ in D.C.
WASHINGTON
20+
Military Installations (including Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, Andrews AFB)
Industry Leaders Maryland is home to a dense concentration of aerospace companies, from global industry leaders to innovative startups. This ecosystem creates unmatched opportunities for collaboration, research, and innovation in areas like space exploration, defense, and advanced aviation.
Genesis Engineering Provides end-to-end aerospace solutions for NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial space missions.
North American Wave Engine Corp NAVAIR Develops, tests, and sustains advanced naval aviation technologies, for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Developed a “wave engine” (no moving parts) for aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Lockheed Martin Drives innovation through advanced R&D and production. Maryland-based for more than 30 years.
RocketLab Advances satellite design, manufacturing, and mission operations to support government and commercial space missions.
Textron Systems Develops and supports advanced uncrewed aircraft, maritime systems, and defense tech that strengthens U.S. military capabilities.
ECOSYSTEM KEY
CECIL HARFORD FREDERICK
CARROLL
ASSETS:
BALTIMORE
Private Federal Academic
BALTIMORE CITY
Airport KENT
HOWARD
WORKFORCE DENSITY:
MONTGOMERY
Higher
QUEEN ANNE’S
ANNE ARUNDEL D.C. TALBOT CAROLINE
PRINCE GEORGE’S
Lower
CALVERT CHARLES DORCHESTER
ST. MARY’S
WICOMICO
WORCESTER SOMERSET
Digitally Explore Maryland’s Aerospace Ecosystem Scan here or visit business.maryland.gov/aeromap to see the companies and institutions that call Maryland home.
EXCELLENCE IN POSITIONING, NAVIGATION & TIMING
Maryland is shaping the future of aerospace with advanced positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies – driving innovations from satellite alignment and secure communications to autonomous flight. Backed by world-class federal and academic facilities, Maryland’s strong research and defense infrastructure, coupled with bold investments in quantum technology, is powering assured precision and next-generation flight.
FIND YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE
Maryland is a launchpad for growth. Here, benefit from close connections to federal agencies, military installations, and test sites that are eager to collaborate and validate new technologies. With a dense network of primes, small businesses can plug into a thriving supply chain, tap into specialized talent, and accelerate innovation from concept to deployment.
Programs that Power Innovation Maryland is investing in companies that will help secure our position as the Epicenter of Aerospace. Some programs include: B uild our Future Grant: Up to $2 million for projects that accelerate growth in technology sectors. R &D Tax Credit: Up to $250,000 based on eligible R&D spending. J ob Creation Tax Credit: Up to $5,000 per new job. T EDCO: State-backed funding for early-stage investment. R ISE Zone Rental Assistance: Provides financial rental assistance.
G lobal Gateway: Provides $10,000 grants to help foreign companies that soft land in the U.S. E mployer Security Clearance Cost Tax Credit: Up to $200,000 for qualified security clearance administrative expenses. orkforce Training Grants: Matching grant W funds to reimburse up to 50% of a qualified project. A dvantage Maryland: Up to $5,000 for each net new job accompanied by significant private capital investment.
LET’S LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE Ulyana V. Desiderio, PhD Sr. Director, Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship ulyana.desiderio@maryland.gov (443) 835-9038 (M)
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