Maryland Department of Commerce Wins Annual Startup Ecosystem Star Award
BALTIMORE, MD (November 13, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Commerce has been named a 2026 Startup Ecosystem Star by Mind the Bridge, an international innovation advisory firm, and the International Chamber of Commerce, a global business organization.
The global awards recognize public-sector organizations around the world that create the conditions for innovation to thrive. Through policies, initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration, these organizations foster entrepreneurship, attract investment and talent, strengthen research and industry, enable innovative public procurement, and help build a more dynamic and competitive innovation ecosystem.
“As we work toward building a stronger, more competitive Maryland economy, this recognition shows that our hard work is paying off,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “With our commitment to business attraction and retention, workforce development, and collaboration with our local economic development partners, Maryland is dedicated to growing its innovation ecosystem. Thank you to Mind the Bridge and ICC for highlighting our state’s thriving business environment and including us in this year’s award winners.”
Awardees were nominated by Mind the Bridge and selected by a judging committee, with winners announced at an official award ceremony during the Innovation Stars 2026 Summit. Previously held in Paris, this is the first summit to be held in the U.S., gathering senior leaders across industry, governments, and ecosystem partners.
Mind the Bridge was founded in 2007 as a nonprofit aimed at connecting international startup ecosystems to Silicon Valley. Since then, it has grown into a global advisory platform headquartered in San Francisco with offices across Europe. To build on its legacy of recognizing corporate innovators, Mind the Bridge launched the Startup Ecosystem Star award in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce in 2023, to celebrate the organizations shaping thriving innovation ecosystems.
Beginning this year, the initiative enters a new chapter through its partnership with Stanford University, further strengthening the program’s global reach and reinforcing its position as the benchmark for excellence in ecosystem building.
“The Maryland Department of Commerce is recognized as a Startup Ecosystem Star 2026 in the Public Policy Initiatives and Exceptional Industry Support categories for its role in promoting innovation and business growth through targeted incentives, financing mechanisms, and international trade support,” said Mind the Bridge Founder and CEO Marco Marinucci. “Its initiatives support sectors including biotechnology, cybersecurity, and other innovation-driven industries, while helping companies attract investment, develop their activities, and access international markets. Through this combination of policy tools and industry support, it strengthens Maryland’s business environment and creates opportunities for companies to grow and compete globally.”
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
