The University of Baltimore (UBalt) announced today the companies participating in its new accelerator for local AI startups.
Its inaugural cohort includes eight Baltimore-based founders applying AI across sectors like healthcare, education and housing. Over the nine-week program, participants will work with investors and industry experts to refine their business strategies through the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI).
The school’s AI-Enabled Business Accelerator is meant to fill the gap for emerging entrepreneurs experimenting with AI before moving on to more advanced accelerators like Techstars Baltimore or Conscious Venture Lab, CEI director Henry Mortimer told Technical.ly.
“This accelerator is designed for entrepreneurs who are past the idea stage but not yet ready for capital-intensive or highly competitive programs,” Mortimer said.
The program is funded through TEDCO’s Baltimore Innovation Initiative, a pilot initiative that supports higher education institutions in the region. The AI-Enabled Business Accelerator will conclude in March with a demo day for participants.
Participating companies include:
- AI Sharp Index: The AI health platform flags potential relapse risk to support clinical care.
- Alektra, Inc.: The AI-powered electricity market intelligence tool forecasts trends for energy producers and traders.
- BrickRose Exchange: The program helps small businesses adopt and use AI tools in their daily operations.
- HealthLink360: The AI health software identifies early metabolic risk and guides personalized care.
- NextGenEdu: The career exploration tech lets students discover and map potential career paths.
- Sommos: The storytelling app helps families save, organize and share memories across generations.
- SphereHub: The housing resource matches students with compatible roommates and off-campus housing.
- Stacks Data: The startup streamlines supply chain compliance and sustainability reporting for manufacturers.
The accelerator builds on UBalt’s broader push into applied AI.
Last summer, the university announced the Center for AI Learning and Community-Engaged Innovation (CAILI), a hub designed to put AI technology to work on local challenges, not just study it.
Led by Jessica Stansbury, UBalt’s director of teaching and learning excellence and CAILI’s inaugural director, the center is focused on ensuring AI doesn’t widen existing digital divides.
“CAILI isn’t just a place for AI innovation,” Stansbury told Technical.ly in August. “It’s a place for AI innovation with and for Baltimore.”
