MCEDC and Bethesda Green just launched a hospitality tech accelerator

Maryland’s Montgomery County is on the hunt for new startups to elevate the area’s hospitality scene.

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), in partnership with Bethesda Green, recently launched the Hospitality Tech Accelerator with the hope of finding and helping build companies centered around customer experience. The inaugural cohort’s programming will take place this spring, with a focus on the top challenges around sustainability in hospitality.

MCEDC Strategic Initiatives Manager Patty Simonton said that the goal is to find and assist founders in building Maryland’s hospitality ecosystem.

“We seek to highlight the many ways the hospitality industry is pushing the boundaries to implement innovative and technological advancements to improve the customer experience,” Simonton told Technical.ly. “This new venture developed by MCEDC is designed to boost this effort, support the hospitality companies that call Montgomery County home and promote entrepreneurship in the region.”

The program is open to early growth-stage startups in the Mid-Atlantic region with both local and worldwide hospitality brands. Up to nine startups will be chosen to present their solutions in energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction. Programming will be held virtually and in person with Bethesda Green’s Innovation Lab. Selected companies will be notified in mid-March and the program will culminate in a pitch day in June.

These selectees will participate in workshops on topics like the circular economy, sustainable sourcing, B Corp and Green Business certifications and impact measurements. Founders will also take part in pitch practice sessions and coaching while receiving mentorship from industry professionals. To qualify, companies need to be headquartered in the Mid-Atlantic with a product or service tackling waste management, energy efficiency or water conservation; have a validated most valuable product; and be able to demonstrate that the product or service is technically feasible. Simonton said they also need a plan to scale nationwide.

MCEDC leadership said the accelerator will help identify, launch and develop innovation in the hospitality sector.

“Montgomery County is on the forefront of both growing the hospitality sector and pursuing sustainable and green initiatives,” said Bill Tompkins, MCEDC president and CEO, in a statement. “The hospitality tech accelerator program will be a win-win for all involved.”

According to MCEDC, Montgomery County is an ideal place to host a hospitality accelerator, as it’s home to large hotel brands such as Marriott International and Choice Hotels. Last September, Marriott completed its 785,000-square-foot HQ in Bethesda.

“The hospitality industry and the economy as a whole benefit when ideas flow freely, and businesses are challenged to compete based on quality and innovation,” Simonton said. “Through this initial cohort, we’ll highlight some of the many startups in the region developing innovative technologies the hospitality industry can implement to pursue their sustainability goals.”