ELLICOTT CITY, MD - Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today joined the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) and Technology Advancement Center (TAC) to kick-off its inaugural Cyber Howard Accelerator (CHA) program cohort, featuring seven local cybersecurity product companies: LegioX Cyber Technologies, Inc., Qerberos, Precise Contractors LLC, CISO AI, RDO19, Hopr Corporation, and Sentinel Forge Technologies.
By supporting and cultivating promising cybersecurity companies through this initiative, we are strengthening our county’s position as a premier hub for cybersecurity innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering our next generation of cutting-edge cyber companies, attracting top talent, and nurturing connections to key national assets such as the U.S. Cyber Command and NSA. I want to thank Jennifer Jones, her HCEDA staff, our partners at the TAC, and all our industry leaders, government partners, and entrepreneurs who make this program possible. I look forward to watching our first cohort participants grow and thrive and see what impactful products they bring to market.
Launched in March of this year and hosted in partnership between HCEDA and the TAC, the CHA is a 12-week intensive initiative designed to target and support early-stage, product-focused cybersecurity companies as they scale their businesses, refine their technologies, and establish a strong market presence. Participating companies may be transitioning from ideation to commercialization or preparing for their next growth phase, whether through sales expansion, product refinement, or investor engagement. Target markets for participants may include DefenseTech, GovCon, dual-use, and commercial industries.
The launch of the Cyber Howard Accelerator represents an exciting new chapter for innovation in Howard County. This first cohort reflects the depth of cybersecurity talent and ambition in our region, and we’re thrilled to provide a program that equips founders with the mentorship, resources, and connections they need to succeed. By supporting early-stage companies at this critical point in their growth, this program strengthens not just individual businesses, but the broader ecosystem that powers our local and national cybersecurity economy.
Cohort participants will be supported by a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence with expertise in cybersecurity. Participants will receive hands-on support in key areas, including: 1) Product Readiness and Market Validation; 2) Go-to-Market and Business Growth; 3) Investment and Scaling; and 4) Operational Readiness and Business Infrastructure. With access to mentorship, testing environments, and networking opportunities, the program’s goal is to have startup emerge stronger and more competitive in the marketplace.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be equipped to sustain operations and may transition to the Howard County’s worldclass Maryland Innovation Center as resident members for further incubation. Program graduates are expected to remain in the county, create jobs, and drive economic growth, further solidifying Howard County’s reputation as a center of cybersecurity excellence.
Here’s what cohort participants are saying:
- Tom McNamara, Founder and CEO, Hopr Corporation – “We had been searching for the right accelerator for over a year, but most options didn’t quite fit. The Cyber Howard Accelerator stood out because it’s industry vertical agnostic, while still grounded in the cybersecurity space — giving us both flexibility and focus. CHA offers meaningful support across investments, partnerships, marketing, and go-to-market strategy, all at a very accessible entry point. Learning from experienced entrepreneurs and building relationships with mentors will help us think more strategically about timing, priorities, and scale. It’s a compelling environment to grow in, and we're excited to be part of it.”
- Gordon Long, CEO and Founder, LegioX Cyber Technologies, Inc. – “As a first-time founder, I’ve been actively seeking opportunities for mentorship and guidance — particularly in areas beyond the technical side of the business. The Cyber Howard Accelerator stood out for its cyber-specific focus, tailored mentorship, and emphasis on navigating federal procurement. Unlike other programs, CHA supports startups without taking equity, which I deeply appreciate. The smaller cohort size means more individual attention, and I’m excited to build meaningful connections, meet potential customers, and strengthen the non-technical aspects of my company. I truly believe this program will be instrumental in helping LegioX grow.”
- Ayodeji Rotimi, CEO, Precise Contractors LLC – “Finding an accelerator that truly understood the technical and business challenges of scaling cybersecurity solutions was a priority for us. The Cyber Howard Accelerator offers a rare combination of technical mentorship, industry expertise, and hands-on support. Through CHA, we aim to refine our go-to-market strategy, enhance our cybersecurity frameworks, and expand our professional network. From the application process onward, it has been clear that CHA is deeply committed to the success of its participants, and we are proud to join the inaugural cohort.”
- Andy Bowyer, Founder and CEO, RDO19 – “We had been seeking an accelerator with strong ties to our target customer base to refine our product-market fit, and the Cyber Howard Accelerator presented an ideal opportunity. The program’s access to government agencies, investors, and specialized testing environments — along with Howard County’s proximity to key federal customers and deep talent pool — offers an unmatched advantage. We are eager to build essential relationships with partners, customers, and investors, and to support the growth of early-stage entrepreneurship in the cybersecurity sector.”
- Colin Hamill, Founder & IT Solutions Designer, Sentinel Forge Technologies – “My company was at a critical point, and I needed focused support to take the next step. The Cyber Howard Accelerator offers exactly that — a structured program with deep ties to Maryland’s cybersecurity ecosystem and access to mentors, service providers, and peers. Its location at the Technology Advancement Center, near my home base at the Maryland Innovation Center, made it a perfect fit. I’m looking forward to refining our reseller strategy, launching the GuardTower platform in Maryland, and helping shape a program that will drive cybersecurity innovation for years to come.”
- Vivek Rao, Founder, VeraVendor AI – “Building a great product is challenging, but building a successful business around it is even harder. I had been looking for a local accelerator that could provide support beyond just product development, and the Cyber Howard Accelerator was exactly what I needed. The opportunity to develop core business skills, connect with investors and government clients, and build lasting relationships is incredibly valuable. I’m excited to begin this journey with CHA and the Maryland Innovation Center.”