Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program

Build Our Future Grant

Funds Maryland innovation infrastructure across aerospace, cybersecurity, quantum, and robotics programs.

Eligibility · United States · US-MD

Build Our Future is a capital grant programme administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce to fund innovation infrastructure projects that strengthen Maryland's capacity in twelve designated technology sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Blue Technology, Cybersecurity, Defense, Energy and Sustainability, Life Sciences, Quantum, and Sensors and Robotics. The programme is authorised through 30 June 2027, with $7 million appropriated annually. Eligible recipients include for-profit companies, nonprofits, universities, and research organisations that operate in Maryland and whose proposed project directly supports innovation in one of the twelve sectors. Individual awards are capped at $2 million per entity per year.

The matching requirement is unusually steep and scales with award size: grants up to $1 million require the applicant to provide 200% matching funds (the applicant covers twice the grant amount from non-state sources), while grants between $1 million and $2 million require 400% matching (the applicant covers four times the award amount). Colleges and universities collectively may not receive more than 50% of the annual $7 million appropriation. The FY2026 Phase 1 application window has closed; Phase 2 awards for invited FY2026 applicants are expected in spring 2026. The FY2027 cycle is anticipated but not yet open as of mid-2026. Applications proceed in two stages: a Phase 1 outline describing project impact on targeted sectors, and a Phase 2 detailed application with full budget and sustainability plans submitted by invited applicants only.

Grant compliance terms are firm: 50% of funds are released at contract execution, with the remaining 50% paid on project completion. All funds must be expended within two years of the award, and the project must be operational within two years. Property purchases trigger a three-year ownership requirement; non-compliance results in full repayment of the grant. Projects are subject to random audits and must maintain complete records. Contact the programme at buildourfuture.commerce@maryland.gov or 410-767-6300.