After two years online, Baltimore Innovation Week returns in person for 5 program-rich days this October

Celebrate the technology, entrepreneurship and innovation communities in and around Baltimore with us this Oct 3-7, when the 11th annual Baltimore Innovation Week (BIW) descends upon ETC Baltimore for five days of free learning, community building and more.

Since its premiere in 2012, BIW’s goal has been to celebrate and promote Baltimore’s growing and vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. For the fifth year in a row, ETC (Emerging Technology Centers) Baltimore serves as BIW’s main organizing institution. The ETC is coordinating various community groups, government partners and educational institutions to create events that raise awareness of the immense value within Baltimore’s innovation community.

After going virtual for two years, ETC Baltimore is excited to get together in person and welcome the community back into its space.  We anticipate over 2,000 attendees participating in free events —including panel discussions, educational workshops, networking and more — throughout the week.  Each day is filled with free partner-produced events spotlighting local establishments, community groups and startups. Sessions are categorized by these themes to help attendees find what’s most relevant to them: Civic, Explore, Science & Education, Creative & Media, Dev, Business and Access.

The kind of party you can expect to attend during Baltimore Innovation Week. (Courtesy photo)

If that wasn’t enough, BIW officially closes on Friday night with the Innovation Celebration. This is BIW’s biggest party and features the Open Mic Pitch Night, an opportunity for the Baltimore community to embrace new technology and foster connections. This is where entrepreneurs can practice pitching their startup or idea to an audience and receive feedback from a group of like-minded peers, investors and tech leaders in a safe space.

This year, BIW is about bringing people back together and highlighting the innovation ecosystem that is thriving in our city. There are a lot of people working together to shine a positive light on Baltimore, and we want more people to see that and experience it. If you share that goal, pitch a program for BIW.

The entire week is possible thanks to the generous donation and support from BIW’s premiere sponsor, the Maryland Department of Commerce. Events are produced by official partners including Response Labs, Enradius, The Graduate School at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Squadra Ventures and André Bean Brand Architecture.