About
Back by popular demand, the Innovation Summit returns in 2025, bringing together top thinkers, builders, and decision-makers across public and private sectors to explore bold ideas in AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, innovation, and more.
Join County Executive Calvin Ball for a high-energy, one-day event. Expect a full day of panels, breakouts, a vendor showcase, networking, and a live pitch contest — all designed to spotlight transformative projects, foster meaningful connections, and celebrate forward-thinking leadership, all while driving real-world solutions that shape the future of innovation in Howard County.
Whether you’re returning from last year or joining us for the first time, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and empowered to make a positive impact in your organization and your community. Together, we’ll shape the future of how we live, work, grow, play, and thrive.
Agenda Details
Please find the agenda below. Please note that it is subject to change.
- 8:00 AM – Registration, Breakfast & Vendor Networking
- 8:45 AM – Welcome: County Executive Calvin Ball
- 9:00 AM – Fireside Chat
- 9:35 AM – Panel 1: AI in Action
- 10:25 AM – Panel 2: Women in Tech
- 11:15 AM – Lunch
- 12:20 PM – Pitch Contest (Live Presentations)
- 1:40 PM – Breakout 1: Cybersecurity, Innovation, AI + Quantum
- 2:15 PM – Breakout 2: Cybersecurity, Innovation, AI + Quantum
- 2:50 PM – Breakout 3: Cybersecurity, Innovation, AI + Quantum
- 3:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Networking
Fireside Chat
Leadership, Partnership & Building a Lasting Legacy in Sports
Featuring Sashi Brown, President, Baltimore Ravens
Moderated by Angela Cabellon, Chief of Staff to the Howard County Executive
Summit Panelists
Our two featured panels — AI in Action and Women in Tech — bring together dynamic leaders who are redefining what innovation, access, and transformation look like in practice. These panelists are not only experts in their fields but also catalysts for change across technology, policy, and community impact.
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Femi Ayanbadejo Super Bowl champion turned leader at the forefront of innovation, technology, and health optimization, Femi leverages AI-powered biometrics through HealthReel to transform how individuals and organizations approach wellness. |
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Max Shantar Max brings a sharp technical lens to the AI conversation, applying Cisco’s cutting-edge technologies to combat evolving cyber threats in both public and private sectors. |
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Micah Coger As the visionary behind AutoBridge, Micah explores how AI is transforming autonomous transportation and smart infrastructure with real-world government applications. |
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Steven Tom Steven Tom leads the Data Science & Insights line of business at Blend360, delivering AI/GenAI, advanced analytics, and business intelligence solutions for global clients. |
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Dr. Onyema Osuagwu Dr. Osuagwu merges AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing—advancing tech innovation while expanding opportunity and representation in STEM. |
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| Panel: Women in Tech | |
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Brandee Ganz Brandee oversees major County operations, including public safety, finance, technology, and more. As former CIO, she led digital transformation during the pandemic and helped launch Transform Howard, expanding digital equity and access across the County.or |
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Shamaa Ahmad |
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Tracy Curry |
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Shervonne Cherry |
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Breakout Session Presenters
Each of our breakout sessions features three powerful presentations from leaders at the forefront of Innovation, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Quantum Computing. Whether pioneering new technologies or reimagining how government serves, these presenters bring real-world experience and bold ideas that reflect the future-forward vision of Howard County.
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Femi Ayanbadejo Former NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion turned leader at the forefront of innovation, technology, and health optimization. |
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Micah Coger Micah is redefining mobility through AI-driven autonomous vehicle solutions tailored to urban infrastructure and public sector use cases. |
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Shonte Eldridge A former Baltimore City Deputy CIO, Shonte partners with governments to modernize legacy systems and drive digital transformation. |
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Joel Offenberg Joel is shaping the next generation of cybersecurity talent while leading academic programs grounded in real-world application. |
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Jimmy Alignay Jimmy and Max deliver cutting-edge insight into the evolving threat landscape and how AI is reshaping cyber defense in real time. |
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Lieutenant James Zammillo A 20-year veteran, Lt. Zammillo oversees key technological and analytical operations, including crime analysis, IT systems, and body-worn cameras. |
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Dr. Daniel Gottesman A world-renowned quantum computing theorist, Dr. Gottesman is shaping how next-generation computation will revolutionize public systems. |
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Dr. Onyema Osuagwu Dr. Osuagwu merges AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing—advancing tech innovation while expanding opportunity and representation in STEM. |
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Dr. John Woodland Blanchard Dr. Blanchard specializes in quantum sensing and measurement, advancing technologies with profound implications for national security and innovation. |
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Pitch Contest
2025 Innovation Summit Pitch Contest Contestants
Meet the innovative entrepreneurs and startups selected to pitch their groundbreaking ideas at this year’s Summit:
- Tina Wiliam-Koroma – CyDeploy
- Ritesh Seth – Empathy Employer
- Colin Hamill – Sentinel Forge Technologies
- Tom McNamara – Hopr Corporation
- Alexander Zanders – uFarmX
- Jyothirmaye Challa – JIO Robotics, LLC
- Yoseph Kin – OptoSurgical, LLC
- Arti Varanasi – Advancing Synergy
- Dinesh Ganesan – Acarin, Inc.
These entrepreneurs represent a diverse range of industries—from robotics and cybersecurity to digital health and sustainable agriculture—demonstrating the forward-thinking spirit driving innovation in our region.
Vendors
- Acarin, Inc.
- Appellate Tech
- Autobridge
- Beyond Commissions
- Cisco
- Cispoint
- Comcast
- Consult Lemonade Corp.
- Cyber Accelerator Cohorts
- CyberLinx
- Howard County Economic Development Authority
- Howard Community College
- Integres
- JIO Robotics, LLC
- Optosurgical, LLC
- Howard County Government Procurement
- Sentinel Forge Technologies
- Servos
- Unicorn Home, LLC
- Vasoptic Medical, Inc.
- Visionary Technology Consultants
Johns Hopkins APL Kossiakoff Center
11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723