AURP EXPANDS MARYLAND PRESENCE WITH NEW MEMBERS
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY AND COLUMBIA GATEWAY INNOVATION DISTRICT
New Maryland Members—An HBCU and County-Based Innovation District—Join AURP’s National Network of Research Parks, Innovation Districts, and Innovation-Building Organizations
Tucson, Ariz. and College Park, Maryland, June 24, 2026—The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announced the expansion of its Maryland membership with the addition of two new members: Morgan State University in Baltimore and the Columbia Gateway Innovation District in Howard County.
Morgan State University becomes AURP’s first currently active Historically Black College and University (HBCU) member, while Columbia Gateway Innovation District joins a growing network of county-based innovation districts nationwide that are advancing regional economic development through innovation-driven growth.
“As one of the country’s fastest-growing HBCUs, we are delighted to join our peer research universities across the nation as an AURP member,” said Dr. Willie E. May, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Morgan State University.
Morgan State University recently joined 14 other Historically Black Colleges and Universities to launch the Association of HBCU Research Institutions, a national coalition established to accelerate world-class research, strengthen institutional research capacity, and expand opportunities for innovation and economic impact.
“Joining AURP represents a pivotal moment for the Columbia Gateway Innovation District,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “By aligning with this global network of innovation leaders, we are positioning Howard County to better leverage our strategic location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., while accelerating opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.”
The two new Maryland-based members join an already robust AURP presence in the state, including UM BioPark, Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College, Science + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins, bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park, AeroPark Innovation District in St. Mary’s County, and the University of Maryland Discovery District in College Park.
Collectively, Maryland’s colleges, universities, research parks, and innovation districts represent one of the nation’s most concentrated innovation ecosystems. The state is home to both the only community college and the first active HBCU represented within AURP’s membership network.
Maryland also boasts a strong roster of AURP member organizations and partners involved in planning, financing, and developing innovation communities across the state and nation. These include Wexford Science & Technology, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, HOK, Ayers Saint Gross, St. John Properties, COPT Defense Properties, Fulton Bank, MCB Real Estate, MEDCO, AstraZeneca, TEDCO, plus South Duval, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, and AURP’s Mid-Atlantic office located in College Park, Maryland.
“Bridging the gap between our world-class academic research institutions and our innovative business community is a critical step toward building a stronger and more competitive economy in our state,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “By joining the Association of University Research Parks, the Columbia Gateway Innovation District and Morgan State University are helping advance Maryland’s leadership in the industries of the future.”
AURP will join numerous Maryland-based academic institutions, companies, and partners at the BIO International Convention in San Diego this week, including the Maryland Department of Commerce, an AURP Annual Sponsor.
In September, AURP will participate in the World Quantum Congress, taking place September 23–25, 2026, at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. AURP will present a panel featuring leading quantum innovation hubs from across the country, including representatives from Maryland and the University of Maryland ecosystem.
Immediately following the World Quantum Congress, AURP hosts its 2026 International Conference at Pegasus Park in Dallas, Texas, September 29 through October 1. The conference will feature Maryland-based and other speakers, panels, and participants highlighting the region’s leadership in research, innovation, and technology-based economic development.
According to the National Science Foundation, Maryland ranks first among U.S. states in the percentage of its gross state product derived from academic research and development expenditures.
“As someone born in Maryland, I am gratified to see Maryland institutions coming together to leverage academic, government, and private-sector resources in support of our economy,” said Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer of AURP, who is based at the Association’s College Park office. “These new memberships further strengthen Maryland’s position as a national leader in research, innovation, and technology commercialization.”
About AURP:
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is a global nonprofit membership organization dedicated to creating and advancing communities of innovation that drive economic growth, technology commercialization, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. With offices in the Washington, D.C. region at the University of Maryland’s Discovery District and in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona’s Tech Parks Arizona, AURP connects research parks, innovation districts, universities, government agencies, corporations, incubators, accelerators, and economic development organizations.
Through its international network, AURP provides access to expertise, best practices, benchmarking, data, leadership development, and strategic collaboration opportunities that help members accelerate innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, attract investment, develop talent pipelines, and generate measurable economic and societal impact. AURP serves as a leading voice for place-based innovation ecosystems that support commercialization, entrepreneurship, community prosperity, national competitiveness, and technology-driven growth.
Learn more at www.aurp.org.
Media Contact:
Vickie Palmer
CEO, Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
vickiepalmer@aurp.org
Larry Jones
PR & Strategic Communications Office, Morgan State University
Larry.Jones@morgan.edu
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