In an age of constant innovation, staying competitive requires a blend of vision, strategy, and collaboration. Maryland has become a beacon for life sciences and technology, thanks to its wealth of federal laboratories, world-class universities, and forward-thinking companies. On the latest episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow, Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council (MTC), shared her insights on what makes Maryland’s innovation ecosystem thrive.
With a rich history of public service and her current role leading MTC, Kelly brings a unique perspective on how workforce development, policy advocacy, and cutting-edge advancements are shaping Maryland’s future. She joined Hugo Malan for an in-depth conversation on the transformative strategies driving Maryland’s success.
Kelly Schulz’s journey to becoming CEO of the Maryland Tech Council is a story of dedication to economic and workforce development. As a former legislator and cabinet member under Governor Larry Hogan, she developed a deep understanding of the policies and practices that fuel economic growth. Her leadership roles at the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce sharpened her focus on connecting policy to action.
Now at MTC, Kelly uses this experience to tackle the pressing challenges facing Maryland’s tech and life sciences industries, from closing workforce gaps to fostering innovation across sectors. Her work exemplifies how public and private partnerships can address complex economic and social issues while laying the foundation for a thriving ecosystem.
Maryland has earned its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge advancements in life sciences and technology. The state’s contributions to medical breakthroughs and groundbreaking research are a testament to its strategic investments and collaborative approach.
In life sciences, Maryland stands out as a leader, having been home to the discovery of the human genome. Today, the state continues to drive innovation through its biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, with companies working on cancer therapies, gene editing, and advanced diagnostics. These advancements are supported by a network of academic institutions and federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish.
On the technology front, Maryland’s influence extends from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity. The state’s proximity to federal entities like the NSA and its robust pipeline of tech professionals have fueled a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem. Maryland is also making strides in sustainability, with companies revolutionizing energy storage—a critical component of the global shift to renewable energy.
A thriving innovation ecosystem requires a skilled and adaptable workforce, which is why MTC has made workforce development a top priority. One standout initiative is BioHub Maryland, a program designed to address the growing demand for talent in the biomanufacturing sector.
During the conversation, Kelly shared the origins of BioHub Maryland. A study conducted several years ago revealed significant gaps in entry-level workforce readiness for biomanufacturing roles. In response, BioHub Maryland launched targeted training programs, providing participants with certifications and hands-on experience that lead to immediate employment—often without requiring a college degree.
This initiative does more than fill jobs; it creates sustainable career pathways. Through intensive two-week training sessions followed by on-the-job mentorship, BioHub Maryland equips individuals with the tools to succeed in life sciences. The program’s focus on inclusivity—specifically targeting veterans and underrepresented communities—ensures that Maryland’s economic growth benefits people from all walks of life.
Strong innovation ecosystems rely on policies that encourage growth and mitigate barriers. With her extensive legislative background, Kelly Schulz has positioned MTC as a powerful advocate for Maryland’s industries.
One key area of focus is balancing affordability with innovation in the prescription drug market. While reducing drug costs is essential for patients, Kelly emphasized the need to protect the funding and research pipelines that drive medical breakthroughs. MTC works to advance policies that support both goals, ensuring Maryland remains a leader in medical innovation.
Maryland is also positioning itself to become a hub for data centers. With Loudoun County, Virginia, already serving as the world’s largest data center cluster, Maryland has a unique opportunity to expand this industry northward. By collaborating with state and local governments, MTC is helping to create a regulatory environment that attracts data center investments while ensuring sustainable development practices.
Kelly’s vision for Maryland’s innovation economy is rooted in collaboration. Whether fostering partnerships between businesses and universities or aligning local, state, and federal priorities, MTC serves as the connective tissue that binds Maryland’s ecosystem.
Federal laboratories play a particularly critical role in this equation. With 74 federal labs located within the state, Maryland has unparalleled access to cutting-edge research. MTC helps bridge the gap between these labs and local businesses, turning scientific discoveries into economic drivers.
Looking to the future, Maryland is poised to lead in several key areas. Artificial intelligence is expected to revolutionize industries from healthcare to cybersecurity, and Maryland’s leadership in AI research positions it as a major player in this space. Similarly, the state’s focus on green technologies, such as advanced energy storage, aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy sources.
Workforce development will remain a cornerstone of Maryland’s strategy. Initiatives like BioHub Maryland could expand into other sectors, creating new pathways for people to enter high-demand fields without the financial burden of a four-year degree.
Kelly Schulz is more than a leader—she’s a visionary. Her mission-driven approach emphasizes creating opportunities that benefit individuals and communities while fostering innovation on a global scale.
Maryland’s innovation ecosystem is a testament to what’s possible when public and private sectors work together. Through initiatives like BioHub Maryland, strategic policy advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, the state is not only addressing today’s challenges but also laying the groundwork for a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.
For a deeper dive into these topics and more, listen to the full episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow featuring Kelly Schulz. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone passionate about fostering innovation and driving meaningful change.
Click here to listen to the entire episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow presented by Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom.