The Frederick Innovative Technology Center (FITCI) @ Monocacy opened in February 2007 as Frederick County’s second incubator.  The incubator is designed to promote and support the development of early-stage information technology and life sciences companies in Frederick County.  It can accommodate 12 to 15 bioscience and information technology companies and provides client companies with a range of services including business development support, marketing, promotion and public relations activities, mentoring, networking opportunities, financing and research assistance, plus technical and manufacturing assistance.  The incubator also provides client companies with shared services such as conference rooms, audiovisual equipment, copiers, fax machines and shared reception services.

The Rockville Innovation Center (RIC) opened in 2007 with 23,000 square feet on the fourth and fifth floors of the Rockville Arts & Innovation Center, located next to the new Rockville Library in the new Rockville Town Center.  The RIC can provide space and support for approximately 30 start-up technology companies to grow.  Programming is provided by Montgomery County’s Innovation Center Network, which boasts a proven track record of success, having graduated more than 30 companies which have generated over 1,000 local jobs.

The state of the art facility provides lease flexibility to its tenants, as well as shared amenities such as reception, conference and work rooms.  In addition, tenants will take advantage of programs that teach business skills and offer support with licensing, intellectual property, financing and other issues.  Companies generally spend two to four years in Montgomery County incubators, before “graduating” and moving to local commercial office space.

The RIC’s prime, Metro-accessible location in Town Center, its proximity to federal agencies such as NIH, FDA and NIST, as well as many local amenities, make it attractive to prospective tenants.  Companies must submit an application and business plan to be considered for admission.  Capitalizing on Rockville’s strengths in the life sciences, and its international character, the RIC will particularly seek companies with a healthcare / medical / bioinformatics focus, and international technology companies that are seeking to set up their first offices in the United States.

Strategically located adjacent to the Germantown campus of Montgomery College, the Germantown Innovation Center is scheduled to open in late 2008.  The 32,000 square-foot facility will offer 11 wet labs averaging 500 square-feet, two modular clean rooms and 45 offices.  Utilities are metered separately and backup power supports the lab corridors.  The center is expected to accommodate 20 to 30 life sciences and advance technology companies.