Guest feature: Dinah Winnick is the Director of Communications and Megan Hanks is the Communications Manager at UMBC. Follow along with UMBC on Facebook and Twitter.

The bwtech@UMBC research and technology park has officially launched the iCyberCenter@bwtech to support companies from the United Kingdom and other nations as they establish themselves in Maryland. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan initially announced plans for the iCyberCenter@bwtech, as a collaboration of UMBC and the Maryland Department of Commerce, during a trade mission to the United Kingdom in mid-June, prior to the formal U.S. launch event on July 6, 2017, at bwtech@UMBC.

The iCyberCenter@bwtech will offer an intensive training program for the executives of select international companies seeking to connect with the U.S. market. The first executive training session will be held September 11 – 15, 2017, and organizers anticipate running three such sessions annually, with each including 6-8 entrepreneurs. Through the program, participants will increase their understanding of the U.S. cyber market and develop custom market entry plans for their businesses.

Companies accepted into the program will also benefit from the 12-month U.S. Market Entry Incubator Program, which will offer support while they launch their U.S. operations. Participants in the year-long support program will have access to mentorship from industry experts, and will engage in trainings, events, and networking opportunities.

Jennifer Reynolds, bwtech's director of venture creation, and Andy Williams, most recently the United Kingdom's first cyber trade envoy to the U.S., will lead the iCyberCenter, with Williams serving as CEO.

Reynolds is focused on developing the right supports to meet the needs of incoming companies, noting, "There is not a one-size-fits-all for getting into the U.S. market in cybersecurity." Williams sees his role as educating people about why "there is no better place for an overseas company to develop a U.S. presence than Maryland."

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