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TEDCO powers Maryland's life sciences surge with investments in AI, diagnostics, and smart sensors
In a testament to its commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth, TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, has continued to invest in promising Maryland-based companies, like Tomorrow's Bio Today, NanoBioFab and AGED ventures, at the cutting edge of veterinary diagnostics and advanced sensing technologies, exemplify the diverse and impactful solutions emerging from Maryland's robust life sciences ecosystem.
Tomorrow's Bio Today: Revolutionizing Veterinary Diagnostics with Ingestible Cameras
In Princess Anne, Md., Tomorrow's Bio Today is working to transform veterinary care with its groundbreaking ingestible camera tablet for horses and cows. Slated for an official launch in February 2026, this innovative device promises to enhance diagnostic capabilities while significantly reducing risks for veterinarians during examinations.
The genesis of Tomorrow's Bio Today is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. Founder David White, with no formal technical or medical training, conceived the idea through a series of vivid dreams. What began as an aspiration for human medical use pivoted strategically to veterinary applications, a move that captured the attention of TEDCO, who announced a $25,000 Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) Rural Pre-Seed Fund investment in the company last year.
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'Working with Bill Bernard has been a dream,' acknowledged White of TEDCO's Rural Business Innovation Initiative mentor. 'He's been someone who advocates for me, even when I don't think I need it. I do, because I've never been in those spaces.'
The square-shaped tablet, designed with a flat front for superior imaging and directional control, features a gelatinous, seaweed-based flavored coating for easy ingestion by large animals. It cleverly includes a laxative to aid its safe passage. Equipped with a single camera and four LED lights, the device captures high-quality internal imagery, controlled via an intuitive app that sends footage directly to a shared Google Drive folder for easy access and analysis.
'We're not here to diagnose,' confirms White. 'What we are here to do is capture the images and the video so the veterinarians can have a better chance of diagnosing.'
Tomorrow's Bio Today has invested significantly in the technical aspects, including custom-designed casings with epoxy seals for waterproofing and $15,000 for code development. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop 3D modeling capabilities for veterinary education and envisions a reusable design, offering a rebate for returned units.
With the initial TEDCO funding serving as leveraging capital, collaborations are underway with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) for animal testing and integration into veterinary school curricula. The company's strategic focus on the veterinary market positions it to avoid immediate competition, with plans to expand into smaller pet markets and explore additional partnerships or licensing agreements.
NanoBioFab: Developing AI-powered smart nanosensors for healthcare
In Frederick, Md., NanoBioFab is making significant strides as a woman-owned medical device manufacturer specializing in AI-powered smart nanosensors for pathogen detection and wound management. TEDCO recently announced a $250,000 Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment in NanoBioFab, which will support the company's continued growth.
NanoBioFab's technology seeks to address critical healthcare challenges through real-time monitoring and early infection detection. Leveraging its patented high throughput nanosensor research and development and manufacturing technology, the company develops sensors to detect trace amounts of gases released from pathogens while also monitoring key parameters like pressure, temperature, and humidity.
'We are excited to continue our business journey,' said Xiaonao Liu, Ph.D., CEO of NanoBioFab in a recent press release. 'TEDCO has been instrumental in our progress and success. Entrepreneurs looking to expand their business should look at the different opportunities that TEDCO offers.'
NanoBioFab's engagement with TEDCO extends beyond this recent investment. The company has actively participated in a variety of TEDCO programs, including Network Advisors, the Loaned Executive program, the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab, the Rural Business Innovation Initiative (RBII) grant and the Rural and Underserved Business Recovery from Impact of COVID-19 (RUBRIC) Program.
AGED Diagnostics: Creating solutions for liver disease detection
Bethesda, Maryland-based AGED Diagnostics has set out to change statistics. Currently, one in three Americans have liver disease, but many remain unaware of the disease until it has progressed to later stages. This late discovery often results in poor outcomes and expensive healthcare costs.
'I saw an opportunity to apply genomic innovation to improve the lives of patients,' Rachel Zayas, CEO and cofounder of AGED Diagnostics explained at a recent lightning pitch. Now, the company is in the midst of a '500-patient clinical trial' taking place in nine states.
'Thanks to TEDCO's investment we are able to continue our research and development, working towards a future where liver disease can have early detection,' said Zayas.
TEDCO's commitment to Maryland's life sciences sector
These strategic investments in Tomorrow's Bio Today, NanoBioFab and AGED Diagnostics underscore TEDCO's vital role in cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across Maryland, currently home to the third-largest bio cluster in the nation. The city of Frederick alone is home to eighty bioscience companies, providing opportunities for life science innovators and researchers to build a business.
By providing not just capital, but also invaluable guidance and connections, TEDCO empowers visionary companies to navigate entrepreneurship and translate innovative ideas into tangible solutions that benefit both the economy and society. As companies continue to advance their technologies, they provide a mere glimpse of the transformative potential within Maryland's innovation landscape, nurtured by TEDCO's support.
