Harbor Launch at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) is an incubator for early-stage science and science support companies, with a focus on life sciences. Founded in 2016 as an initiative of IMET, a University of Maryland research institute, Harbor Launch connects incubator companies with the resources (people, facilities, and more) of the University System of Maryland. It offers affordable wet labs and office space, business advising, networking, an Entrepreneur in Residence program, open pro bono Entrepreneur Office Hours, and many other resources.
Harbor Launch companies include academic “spinoff” companies and those external to the University. They are solving problems in human and environmental health through the development of products and services. Their technologies include novel therapeutics, diagnostic devices, molecular tools, bioservices, big data-enabled platforms, algae and bioproducts technology, and more.
Why did IMET establish Harbor Launch? It contributes to IMET’s mission of economic development, along with IMET’s other entrepreneurial activities. Harbor Launch companies collaborate with IMET scientists; act as models for aspiring IMET entrepreneurs; and serve as peers for IMET researchers and students who have made the leap into entrepreneurship.
IMET researchers and graduate students gather together to yell “We Love Harbor Launch at IMET” as part of a video contest.
The Harbor Launch incubator got its start with help from a grant from the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation.