Governor Moore Announces Third Round of Build Our Future Grants to Make Maryland’s Economy More Competitive

BALTIMORE, MD (August 18, 2025) — Governor Wes Moore today announced that applications for the Build Our Future grant program—a financial resource for innovative infrastructure projects that support eligible technology sectors—will open again on August 25. Funded at $7 million for FY 2026, the program’s third round will provide matching grants of up to $2 million to projects that demonstrate a transformative impact in accelerating growth and innovation in the state’s strategic industry sectors.

“When we invest in industries of the future, we grow the economy, attract greater private-sector engagement, and create new, good-paying jobs in every corner of Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “Our administration’s flagship Build Our Future Grant program continues to fortify Maryland’s economic strength and is central to our ongoing mission of generating new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all.

Administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the program was established through Governor Moore’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023, a key piece of the governor’s plan to bridge the gap between vision and economic growth in Maryland. Eleven projects received approval for Build Our Future grants in June 2024, and ten projects were approved for the second round of funding in June 2025. The $15.9 million in program grants issued thus far have spurred $48.7 million in private capital investment and supported 655 new jobs.

“From cybersecurity training centers to wet lab space to advanced manufacturing facilities, previous Build Our Future grant recipients have been laying the groundwork for future innovation and success,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “We look forward to identifying and partnering with a new group of innovative projects working to move Maryland forward. The Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland General Assembly recognize that investing in Maryland is good for business.”

Grants may be awarded to private companies, nonprofit entities, local governments, or colleges and universities in Maryland. Eligible projects include cyber ranges, prototype manufacturing centers, research spaces, sensitive compartmented information facilities, and wet laboratories, among others. Several awardees have already completed their infrastructure projects, which support cyber workforce training, biomanufacturing, and development of new wood-based construction materials.

Applications will open on Monday, August 25, with an informational webinar to be held Thursday, August 21, at 10 a.m. Additional details, including webinar registration and eligibility terms, are available through commerce.maryland.gov.