Maryland & South Korea Forge Tech Ties, Seeking Innovation 'Bridge'

Columbia, MD – November 6, 2025 – Maryland is doubling down on international collaboration, forging a new partnership with South Korea’s Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC) designed to accelerate innovation and drive venture capital investment in emerging technologies. The agreement, formalized at TEDCO’s 2025 Entrepreneur Expo, aims to create a transatlantic ‘innovation bridge’ connecting startups and fostering economic growth in both regions.

TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, signed a joint declaration with KVIC, a South Korean entity focused on supporting the global expansion of Korean startups. The partnership will focus on facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices, and funneling investment into areas like biotech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

“This isn't just about deals; it’s about building ecosystems,” explains a source within TEDCO. “We see a huge opportunity to leverage the strengths of both Maryland and South Korea, creating a synergistic environment for innovation.”

Maryland’s Ascent as a Tech Hub

The agreement comes as Maryland solidifies its position as a leading state for venture capital investment. Recent data confirms Maryland consistently ranks among the top states for emerging venture capital, attracting significant funding in key sectors. The state’s proximity to federal research institutions, a highly educated workforce, and a supportive business environment are key drivers of this growth.

“Maryland has a compelling story to tell,” says a Maryland Department of Commerce representative. “We’ve invested heavily in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and this partnership with KVIC is a testament to that success.”

KVIC’s Expansion into the US Market

For KVIC, the partnership represents a strategic expansion into the US market. The corporation has been actively seeking opportunities to support Korean startups looking to scale their operations internationally. The East Coast office in New York City serves as a key hub for these efforts.

“KVIC recognizes the potential of the US market, and Maryland is an attractive destination due to its robust innovation ecosystem and access to capital,” explains an industry analyst familiar with KVIC’s investment strategy. “This partnership allows them to tap into that potential and provide valuable support to their portfolio companies.”

A History of Bilateral Tech Cooperation

While this formal agreement is new, the relationship between Maryland and South Korea in the tech sector has been growing for years. Numerous collaborative research projects between universities and companies in both countries have already laid the groundwork for future cooperation.

“There’s a natural affinity between our two regions,” says a professor at the University of Maryland, who has been involved in several joint research projects. “We share a commitment to innovation and a desire to solve global challenges.”

What the Partnership Means for Startups

The agreement is expected to benefit startups in both Maryland and South Korea. Maryland-based startups will gain access to a new pool of capital and potential partners in South Korea, while Korean startups will have a launching pad for expansion into the US market.

“This opens up a lot of doors for startups on both sides,” says a venture capitalist with experience investing in international tech companies. “It creates a more connected ecosystem and reduces the barriers to entry for companies looking to scale globally.”

Specifically, the partnership will focus on:

• Facilitating cross-border investment: Identifying and supporting promising startups in both regions.
• Sharing best practices: Exchanging knowledge and expertise in areas like technology development, market entry, and fundraising.
• Promoting collaborative research: Encouraging joint research projects between universities and companies.
• Hosting exchange programs: Allowing entrepreneurs and researchers to visit and learn from each other.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, there are also challenges to overcome. Cultural differences, regulatory hurdles, and language barriers could pose obstacles to effective collaboration. However, both TEDCO and KVIC are committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the success of the partnership.

“We’re aware that there will be challenges along the way,” says a source within KVIC. “But we’re confident that with open communication and a shared commitment to innovation, we can overcome them.”

The long-term vision for the partnership is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation, where startups can thrive and contribute to economic growth in both Maryland and South Korea. By fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and providing access to capital, TEDCO and KVIC are laying the foundation for a brighter future.

As one industry observer put it, “This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a strategic alliance that could reshape the landscape of transatlantic tech innovation.”

The next steps for the partnership include establishing a joint steering committee, identifying pilot projects, and launching a series of exchange programs. Both TEDCO and KVIC are optimistic that this collaboration will serve as a model for other international partnerships in the years to come.