Resource Roundup: Check out new opportunities in Baltimore for startups, nonprofits and students

It’s Monday, a time to dig out your inbox and seek out fresh opportunities in a new week. So Technical.ly is bringing a few new chances to plug into the tech and entrepreneurship community with Resource Roundup. It’s a look at open applications for business and career-building programs around the region. Want to tell us about a program or new opportunity for entrepreneurs and technologists? Email us at baltimore@technical.ly.

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On Monday, the Gula Tech Foundation opened a $1 million grant competition for nonprofits working to increase public cybersecurity awareness.

The foundation was launched this year by Ron and Cyndia Gula, entrepreneurs and former execs at Columbia-based cybersecurity company Tenable. As the Gulas explained, the foundation is running a series of competitive grant programs in key areas this year.

Today starts the second competitive grant process for the Gula Tech Foundation. We are granting $1m to nonprofits that increase awareness in cybersecurity. Grant applications are open from 3/22 through 4/9. Winners announced at RSA. https://t.co/JO0Srw5lOh

— Ron Gula (@RonGula) March 22, 2021

With this round, it is seeking out nonprofits that educate any part of the general public about the risks and opportunities of cybersecurity, according to its website. Applications are being accepted through April 9.

The awards will be as follows: $250,000 for first place, $200,000 for second place and $150,000 for third place. Additionally, runner-up awardees will receive $100,000. Winners will be recognized at a virtual ceremony that’s part of the 2021 RSA Conference.

Climate tech pre-accelerator

A new Maryland program will provide university-affiliated innovators with resources to answer the question: “Can this technology be turned into a business?”

The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator and Mtech Ventures are launching the Climate Tech Pre-Accelerator at University of Maryland College Park in June.

The free, eight-week program will offer inventors a chance to work with mentors from industry on customer discovery and early business model development.

MEIA and Mtech Ventures are running a Climate Tech Pre-Accelerator starting June 1st for 8 weeks. Open to all students, faculty and researchers in Maryland universities and labs. Find out if your technology has a market. Work with professional mentors.https://t.co/YK1ywiydKg

— Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator (@MDEnergyAccel) March 15, 2021

It’s open to faculty, students or researchers from any Maryland-based institution or federal lab. As far as the technology, it has a primary focus on “hardware and software technology products that will have positive environmental benefits,” according to its website, such as reducing pollution.

Applications are due by April 30.

If you want to learn more, information sessions are scheduled for April 7 and April 21.

Baltimore BioCrew accepting applications

The Baltimore Under Ground Science Space is looking to form up a new team for its high school research program.

The Highlandtown-based community lab has applications open to be a member of the Baltimore BioCrew. That’s a team of students from Baltimore, Maryland and Northern Virginia that competes in iGEM, or International Genetically Engineered Machines, a global challenge bringing together high school and college teams. Teams work to make their own “genetic machines” from new and existing parts. Along the way, they learn skills such as advanced molecular lab techniques, math modeling, wiki creation, HTML coding, and biology safety and ethics. For a closer look, check out a 2016 feature we wrote about a team’s new approach to cleaning plastic from Baltimore’s harbor.

Teams meet regularly from March to October, and this year there are virtual and in-person options.

Applications are due by March 28 at 9 p.m.

iGEM is our premiere opportunity for high school students (ages 13 and up) to engage in research over the summer. This year we'll have virtual and in-person options. To apply (by March 28th!) or get more information, visit: https://t.co/ePY3BiR91H #igem #highschoolstudents pic.twitter.com/ublaJJbaZJ

— Baltimore Underground Science Space (BUGSS) (@BUGSSlab) March 22, 2021

Here’s a few reminders for resources we wrote about last week. There’s still time to apply:

• Conscious Venture Lab is accepting applications for a new cohort of social impact-minded startups until April 5.
• Kiva Baltimore is hosting a virtual information session about its microlending options for entrepreneurs on March 25.
• Baltimore Collegetown’s Industry Days has room for local companies to meet students from local universities.