Baltimore, January 23, 2026
The University of Baltimore’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has announced the launch of an AI-Enabled Business Accelerator aimed at empowering diverse entrepreneurs. This four-month program will provide underrepresented and minority founders with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the evolving landscape of AI business solutions. Supported by TEDCO, the initiative emphasizes practical applications, mentorship, and community engagement to drive economic growth in Baltimore.
University of Baltimore Launches AI Business Accelerator
Create Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs in Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland – A new initiative is set to empower the next generation of innovators in Baltimore as the University of Baltimore’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) announces the launch of its AI-Enabled Business Accelerator. In a city ripe with entrepreneurial spirit, this program aims to equip diverse founders with the practical knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in the AI business landscape. Supported by TEDCO, an organization committed to fostering innovation within Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, this accelerator promises to boost economic growth and inclusivity in the local economy.
As the landscape for businesses continues to evolve, the introduction of AI technologies presents both challenges and opportunities. The CEI’s AI-Enabled Business Accelerator is designed to reduce barriers for underrepresented and minority entrepreneurs, ensuring they have access to cutting-edge tools and mentorship. This initiative serves as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that define Baltimore’s business community while fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.
Program Overview
The AI-Enabled Business Accelerator is structured as a four-month, part-time program running from January to March 2026. It is slated to recruit up to 10 founders beginning in the fall of 2025. The program will emphasize practical applications of AI in business and aims to make these technologies actionable for growth. This aligns with the ongoing efforts to simplify processes and minimize regulatory hurdles for budding entrepreneurs.
Key Components of the Accelerator
- Curriculum Development: Participants will engage with a modular “AI for Business” curriculum crafted by the University of Baltimore’s faculty alongside AI industry professionals, ensuring relevance and applicability.
- Mentorship Opportunities: The accelerator offers mentorship pairings from CEI’s extensive network, including established organizations like Innovation Works and UpSurge, fostering valuable industry connections.
- Workshops and Applied Learning: A combination of in-person and virtual sessions will cover essential topics such as business modeling, AI tool demonstrations, and strategies for customer discovery.
- Technology Transfer and IP Support: Participants will collaborate with experts from the Merrick School and industry advisors, aiding them in identifying protectable assets and developing effective go-to-market strategies.
Building on Established Success
This initiative builds upon the CEI’s track record of supporting inclusive entrepreneurship, having awarded over $500,000 in seed funding since its inception in 2006. Through its programs, CEI has nurtured hundreds of founders, establishing a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success in Baltimore. The introduction of the AI-Enabled Business Accelerator further leverages the University of Baltimore’s unique assets, including its recent launch of Maryland’s first Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business program.
Contributing to the Local Economy
The AI-Enabled Business Accelerator is part of the inaugural round of the Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) Pilot Program, which reinforces Maryland’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. With a targeted approach to inclusive entrepreneurship and practical AI applications, the accelerator aims not just to facilitate business growth but also to drive economic development across the Baltimore region. This initiative plays a crucial role in transforming promising AI-driven ideas into viable, fundable ventures, ultimately contributing to job creation and economic resilience.
Get Involved
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the AI-Enabled Business Accelerator?
The AI-Enabled Business Accelerator is a four-month, part-time program launched by the University of Baltimore’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) to empower diverse entrepreneurs in developing and scaling AI-driven businesses.
Who is eligible to participate?
The program prioritizes underrepresented and minority entrepreneurs, aiming to make AI accessible and actionable for real-world business growth.
When does the program begin?
The inaugural cohort is scheduled to run from January to March 2026, with recruitment for up to 10 founders beginning in fall 2025.
What support does the program offer?
The accelerator provides a modular “AI for Business” curriculum, mentorship opportunities, workshops on business modeling and AI tools, and support for technology transfer and intellectual property.
How does this initiative contribute to the local economy?
By focusing on inclusive entrepreneurship and practical AI applications, the accelerator aims to drive economic growth in the Baltimore region and prepare founders for more advanced accelerators, turning promising AI-enabled ideas into validated, fundable ventures.
Key Features of the AI-Enabled Business Accelerator
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Development | A modular “AI for Business” curriculum crafted by UBalt faculty and AI industry professionals. |
| Mentorship Opportunities | Pairing participants with mentors from CEI’s network, including Innovation Works, UpSurge, and CEI entrepreneurs-in-residence. |
| Workshops and Applied Learning | In-person and virtual sessions covering business modeling, AI tool demonstrations, and customer discovery strategies. |
| Technology Transfer and IP Support | Collaboration with the Merrick School and industry advisors to help participants identify protectable assets and explore go-to-market strategies. |
| Program Duration | Four-month, part-time program running from January to March 2026. |
| Target Audience | Underrepresented and minority entrepreneurs aiming to develop and scale AI-driven businesses. |
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