Baltimore’s tech community made great strides in 2023. Let’s celebrate them

Put simply: 2023 has been a great year for Baltimore’s tech community.

As we’ve moved past the pandemic lockdown, there has been so much progress in the startup community, as well as at existing tech organizations. Folks are going back to their offices and coming out to networking events and other convenings. Organizations like UpSurge Baltimore, Techstars and the Maryland Tech Council’s Baltimore Regional Chapter have been filling bars and auditoriums with their pitch contests, weekly happy hours and community meetings throughout the year. These activities have breathed much-needed, renewed life into this tech ecosystem.

Robotics teams in Baltimore City Public Schools also had a great year. According to the school district, more than 700 students, spread throughout over 140 teams from 70-plus schools, participated in a competitive robotics program this year — a nearly 40% increase over last year. This means that more students are being exposed to design thinking, software development, engineering and working on a project team.

In total, City Schools teams earned 19 statewide awards in robotics, with four teams going to the World Championships. Squads from Arlington Elementary, Baltimore International Academy, Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle, and Cross Country Elementary/Middle all qualified for and attended the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas this year.

Our elementary teams are doing matches at the VEX Robotics World Championships! Here are teams from Arlington, BIA, and Commodore! pic.twitter.com/TmdRFPnzfk

— Baltimore City Public Schools (@BaltCitySchools) May 3, 2023

Plus, high school seniors are getting scholarships to college and alumni are employed at Blue Origin, NSA, McCormick Spice, Northrop Grumman and many other top employers. It’s not uncommon for alumni of the robotics program to be making more than $100,000 three years out of college.

So let’s celebrate all of these interlocking achievements! On Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 4-7 p.m., we’ll be toasting the Baltimore tech community’s successes at Union Craft Brewing. Come join us for a light-hearted and fun evening of refreshments and connecting. All profits from ticket sales will go to support the Baltimore Robotics Center.

Get your tickets here