Gov. Wes Moore Signals Maryland’s Next Economic Chapter With DECADE Act Announcement at City Garage Science & Tech Park
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LaunchPort and Blackbird Labs recently hosted Governor Wes Moore for a high-profile discussion on the impact these two City Garage anchor companies have on the regional and national life sciences ecosystems. Joined by his entire Cabinet, Governor Moore used the occasion to unveil his signature economic competitiveness legislation: the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act. The press conference marked the culmination of a series of strategic initiatives proposed for the upcoming budget session.
A full description of the event can be found at the following BioBuzz link: BioBuzz News January 9, 2026
Currently, LaunchPort is finalizing its advanced manufacturing facility, supported by the State’s Build Our Future fund. This facility expands capabilities in commercial additive manufacturing and nanofiber electrospinning for regulated medical products. Operated under the brand MedicaForge, the venture is a collaboration with Materic/Early Charm and utilizes LaunchPort’s rigorous medical device quality systems. Product lines will include 3D-printed regenerative medicine structures for orthopedic and craniofacial use, as well as spun products for drug delivery and wound care.
LaunchPort’s impact is further evidenced by a recent survey of its residents and clients: collectively, these companies have raised $290M in funding, employ 200 people (with 70% of employees and 83% of CEO’s residing in Maryland), and have developed over 30 groundbreaking medical products—45% of which are already FDA-approved and on the market.
Blackbird Labs—a non-profit fueled by a $100M grant from the Bisciotti Foundation—is accelerating the therapeutic startup pipeline. By integrating with Blackbird BioVentures, which boasts $500M in investment capacity, the organization aims to syndicate with top-tier VCs to anchor new ventures in Baltimore. Blackbird is set to open its new 40,000-square-foot headquarters, lab complex, and vivarium at City Garage in early Q1 2026. More information can be found at https://blackbirdlab.org/
