Summit Station Leads FSU Delegation at 2025 TEDCO EXPO

Oct 28, 2025 8:00 AM

On Oct. 21, Summit Station of Frostburg State University, made possible through funding from the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), led a delegation of thirteen members from FSU to the 2025 TEDCO EXPO at The Hotel at the University of Maryland. The group included six faculty and staff members and seven students, representing a cross-section of disciplines and interests in innovation and entrepreneurship.

FSU was invited to be an exhibitor at the TEDCO EXPO this year, marking a significant milestone in the University’s growing engagement within Maryland’s innovation ecosystem. Summit Station of FSU was well- represented, highlighting Frostburg’s expanding role in fostering technology transfer and entrepreneurial growth in Western Maryland.

Dr. Stacy Wassell, Director of Summit Station, also served as a panelist alongside Alla McCoy of UM Ventures, Allen Morris of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and Dr. Ajay Jha of Bowie State University. The panel, titled “The Innovation Flywheel: How Early Technology Transfer Wins Ignite Entrepreneurial Culture in Research Labs,” explored the importance of cultural change in academic institutions and how early successes can drive long-term innovation momentum.

The TEDCO EXPO is Maryland’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and innovation leaders. Hosted by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the annual event highlights the latest trends in technology commercialization, startup development and industry collaboration. It offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with investors, hear from leading innovators and explore how ideas move from the lab to the marketplace.

For FSU students, the EXPO offered invaluable real-world exposure to Maryland’s statewide innovation ecosystem. Isidore Tabe stated, "The TEDCO 2025 Summit reminded me that innovation starts with connection. Hearing from leaders and visionaries inspired me to keep pushing boundaries, stay curious, and create opportunities that make a real impact."

Students attended panel discussions, networked with entrepreneurs and investors and gained practical insights into intellectual property development, startup formation and the commercialization process. “There’s not a single person I met at TEDCO, regardless of title, wealth, or field of study, that didn’t have a smile on their face, a business card in one hand and a firm shake in the other,” noted FSU student Quentin Adams.

“Events like the TEDCO EXPO give our students a window into what’s possible,” said Jennifer Walsh, Sr. Associate Vice President of DARE. “They see their classroom learning come to life in real-world innovation spaces, and they make connections that can shape their professional futures.”

Faculty and staff participants also used the event to explore new collaboration opportunities with other universities and innovation partners across Maryland, helping to strengthen Frostburg’s role in the state’s growing technology and entrepreneurship network.

Summit Station’s participation underscores Frostburg State University’s commitment to expanding access to innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students and faculty in Western Maryland. The trip builds on ongoing efforts to connect academic research and community engagement with practical, real-world applications that drive regional and statewide economic growth.