By Steve Kozak
When I think of 2010, the phrase “Ready to pounce” comes to mind. Or, as one tech executive recently told me, “Our pipeline feels more like a plum tree these days, laden with multiple fruits that keep swelling and swelling.”

Yes, Maryland’s tech industry is alive and well. Looking back, 2009 was a challenging year, with layoffs, restructurings and expense watching at every company. That said, as I meet with leaders from the tech industry, I continue to hear 2009 “was a relatively ‘even’ year for us, it wasn’t ‘that’ bad” - “that” being a relative word.

Many industry execs mentioned seeing an uptick in business activity this past spring. Others are even mentioning the “H” word: HIRING. In fact, I’d say that many of our region’s tech companies have quietly been in “hire” mode for months now.

How? Well, in general terms, the ongoing need for new technology is not only not going away, it’s getting greater. Plus, given our proximity to Washington, government contracting will continue to play a major role in revving our region’s economic engine. Yes, technology (in broad terms) is driving the growth of our country.

Regionally, our unemployment rate is already significantly lower than the national average. Now, throw in a few new ingredients to the mix, like BRAC, cyber security and bio parks, and the short-term future is bright.
This explains why the Milken Institute’s 2008 State Technology & Science index (which ranks states in the best position to succeed in the tech-led information age) ranked Maryland No. 2 in the country.

Recent activity suggests that the tech industry is ready to flourish in Maryland in 2010.  We ended the year with TeleCommunications Systems acquiring three (THREE) companies within 45 days and Millennial Media, in a historically tough venture market, taking in $16 million in new funding. And we’re only 21 days into the new year and already, more great news.  Last week the Governor released the CyberSecurity report which will position Maryland to be the hub for federal, academic and private-sector cybersecurity efforts and Judy Britz was named Executive Director of the Maryland Biotechnology Center - which is great news for our state’s bioscience community.  Throw in today’s announcement that Martek Biosciences purchased Amerifit Brands for $200…IN CASH…and yes, I’d say our region’s tech industry is alive and well!!

Stay tuned…more good news is coming.