Before the year ended, Gov. Larry Hogan put forward several tech-centric plans for 2018 as part of a package of economic development plans. It’s the result of work by Excel Maryland, a committee of state and tech leaders that got together earlier this year to plot for growth in cybersecurity and biohealth.
Here’s a look at the initiatives announced this week:

Maryland Technology Internship Program

The program that provides matching funds to companies for internship stipends will be funded, Hogan’s office said.
To help set up internships, the state is also launching a platform called inMD. The platform is designed to provide connections to provide a spot where students and mentors can connect to explore career paths and set up internships with companies. It also provides a spot for training, and uses data to match students and companies. It’s the result of a partnership between the Maryland Technology Council, Rockville-based community engagement startup Breezio, Baltimore-based dev shop Fearless and the Maryland Department of Commerce.
“Funding the inMD internship platform and creating a way for Maryland’s smaller companies to be reimbursed for expenses associated with interns will help create a workforce trained at the highest levels and keep our top talent in Maryland,” Maryland Tech Council CEO Tami Howie said in a statement.

The Maryland Center for Cell Therapy Manufacturing

With a new Baltimore-based biotech center leaders are looking to build on research efforts in the area of regenerative medicine. It’s a $17 million investment. The center is a partnership between the state, Johns Hopkins University, Cognate Bioservices, and Forest City, which is the developer for new projects around Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore.

More STEM Degrees

Education is also a part of what’s being proposed. In a partnership with the University System of Maryland, the state is backing a $33 million effort to increase the number of STEM degrees offered at state universities, according to Hogan’s office. It comes on the heels of a new push to increase computer science education.

Cybersecurity Incentives

The governor will look to give legislation that provides incentives for Maryland’s cybersecurity industry another try. While a bill didn’t pass in 2016, the state did get a $3 million grant for cybersecurity apprenticeships through Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN).