Baltimore weekly roundup: Buy Kevin Spacey’s $6M home?; African genetics database; Student founders shine

Welcome to the roundup of the latest from Baltimore's tech and entrepreneurship scene. Want this in your inbox? Subscribe for free.

Looking for an accelerator or incubator in Baltimore? Founders, we’ve got you covered. This week brings our guide to entrepreneurship programming in the region — check out all the options here.

Also, nearly four dozen businesses won a total of $5 million through the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program, which supports small or mid-sized companies with manufacturing at their core. Here’s the full grantee list.

Scroll down for more highlights from the top tech news in the region.

📰 News Incubator: What to know

• Student founders who earned $50,000 grants through the Pava LaPere Legacy of Innovation Act of 2024 showcased their startups last week, in front of LaPere’s family at the recently opened 4MLK building. [Technical.ly]

• IndyGeneUS Bio is working to build a database of African genetic data. The company was once based in DC but is now part of the ETC Venture Hub in 4MLK. [Baltimore Biz Journal/Technical.ly]

• Local consultants focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion are struggling to find work as the Trump administration targets those initiatives. The Equity Brain Trust CEO Angel St. Jean said clients have been removing anything related to equity from their websites. [Baltimore Banner/Technical.ly]

• The Maryland House passed a bill that would prohibit employers from punishing workers who refuse to attend a mandatory meeting where political or religious matters are discussed — a common union-busting tactic. It was motivated by fears that the Trump administration will walk back already established protections. [Maryland Matters]

• Kevin Spacey’s former home on Baltimore’s waterfront is on the market for nearly $6 million. [Baltimore Fishbowl]

• Baltimore accessibility tech firm ReBokeh Vision Technologies will deploy its tech at the Detroit Zoo and a nature center in the city. [ReBokeh/Technical.ly]

• PBS produced a documentary about the Key Bridge collapse and ensuing investigation. [PBS]

• Towson-based construction firm Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is moving its main offices to Goucher College. A new building will be developed as a “hub for introducing young people to career opportunities in today’s high-tech and innovative design and construction industries,” according to an announcement. [Whiting-Turner]

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Biotech leaders will share lessons they’ve learned in starting their ventures and leading businesses during a panel on Feb. 27 at 4MLK. [Details here]

• The CIAA basketball tournament anchors many in Baltimore this week, including a tech summit on Feb. 28.  [Details here]

• Founders: Get the details on how to boost your sales at the next Equitech Tuesday on March 4. [Details here]

• Learn about cooperative models for businesses and land over breakfast during a March 4 event hosted by Impact Hub and the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy. [Details here]

• Baltimore Climate Tech Meetup is hosting a networking event on March 12 at Wet City. [Details here]