Naming Rights – “powered by…"
Building | Education Lab | Conference Rooms | Base Camp Community Space
Starting a business is like climbing a mountain.
The Problem
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Healthcare crises are intensifying, with sustainable innovation unable to keep up with growing demands.
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90% of startups fail in their first 5 years (2023) causing startups to face significant hurdles.
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Without support, groundbreaking ideas in healthcare and technology often fail to reach the market, leaving critical solutions unrealized.
Entrepreneurs, like climbers, need physical and mental preparation and guidance for a successful ascent - growing and scaling their businesses.
Why FITCI?
FITCI’s proven formula supports startups with a 93% success rate—far above the average. Businesses incubated here are transforming lives by solving critical crises, including:
- Personalized Medical Solutions: Startups at FITCI are using 3D printing using personal DNA to create customized implants, offering patients alternatives to traditional, invasive steel rods.
- Saving Lives During Childbirth: Innovative technologies developed at FITCI are improving survival rates for mothers and newborns, ensuring healthier outcomes for families.
- Safer Surgeries and Faster Recoveries: Solutions designed here are reducing post-surgical infections and speeding up the delivery of essential medications.
- Revolutionizing Product Testing: FITCI companies are pioneering humane, cutting-edge testing methods to develop safer, more effective treatments and pharmaceuticals.
- Advancing Drug Discovery: By accelerating RNA sequencing, our startups are fast-tracking the development of life-saving drugs and identifying critical biomarkers.
At FITCI, we turn the hurdles startups face into stepping stones for growth. Through our tailored programming and support, we help these companies scale their operations and deliver innovative solutions that improve lives.
Join Us in Making an Impact
Your support keeps these life-changing innovations and businesses right here in Frederick, driving local economic growth and solving global challenges. Together, we can ensure these vital solutions reach the people who need them most and ensure smart, sustainable growth for Frederick.
With FITCI and Maryland's EDGE, entrepreneurs don't have to make the arduous journey alone. We provide the guidance, training, and relationships to avoid common pitfalls, and prepare them to make it to the summit of success.
The Opportunity for Change
By donating to FITCI, the Frederick community can drive the next generation of entrepreneurs to create lasting solutions in healthcare and beyond, right here in Frederick.
Startup and small business success creates jobs and puts money directly into our local and state economies. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient Frederick: nurturing local talent to innovate and turn their ideas into successful businesses with your help.
Join us to create a thriving, lasting ecosystem that supports technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and impactful healthcare solutions for our future.
Your donation goes directly to supporting entrepreneurs bringing their ideas to market, including groundbreaking healthcare solutions that can change the world.
Our Priorities
- Programs: Expand FITCI’s incubation, acceleration, and entrepreneurial programming to support a broader range of startups in all industries, including youth entrepreneurs through the Future Founders of Frederick initiative.
- Partnerships: Strengthen connections with sponsors, mentors, and community stakeholders to maximize impact through dramatically improving the timeline in the lifecycle of businesses.
- Infrastructure: Purchase the Maryland’s EDGE building and develop much-needed mezzanine space to help startups scale successfully, something Frederick does not currently offer.
Our Community
At FITCI, we create a vibrant community where ideas, collaboration, and innovation thrive. Maryland's EDGE at 321 and our Base Camp community space bring together entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners to drive shared success. Through dynamic programming, impactful events, and strategic partnerships, we foster connections, exchange ideas, and create opportunities that allow businesses to grow and scale to new hrights. With the support of resource partners, we empower startups to grow and have impacts on our community. Together, we’re shaping a resilient, inclusive, and innovative Frederick.93%
of FITCI companies succeed (compared to the national avg of >50%)
OUR SHARED JOURNEY
2022-2024
Raised $9.5M to build and launch Maryland's EDGE at 321 Ballenger Center Drive
- Supporting 74 member companies
- Producing a 93% success rate
- 46 Frederick advisors, 12 programs, and 23 sponsors
2025 and Beyond
Raise an additional $12M to:
- Purchase the Maryland's EDGE building and expand programming and offerings.
- Scale to support 246 businesses.
- Launch the Future Founders of Frederick to inspire and enable youth entrepreneurship while collaborating with other nonprofits.
Our Partnerships
- With 20 years of expertise, FITCI and its partners are transforming lives and igniting innovation in Frederick.
- Collaboration with businesses, individuals, and foundations ensures we continue to address community needs and create long-lasting solutions for ventures that provide world-changing benefits through their products and services.
- Our Goal: Raise $22.5M through charitable donations, corporate gifts, lead donors, and asset-based contributions.
Join us to transform Frederick into a beacon of innovation, resilience, and opportunity. Together, we can build a future where startups thrive, healthcare challenges are met with groundbreaking innovations, and Frederick continues to build on its reputation as a great place to work and live.
FITCI is accepting individual and corporate donations. We are always looking for long-term partnerships to join and empower our wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. Contact us at info@fitci.org, and work with us to create a personal Power Partnership that works for your business.
Connections and Community
Seats on the Launch Team | Advisory Boards | Alumni and CEO Roundtables | Training
Powerful Partnerships
Events | Training | Marketing | Promotions | Membership
Trusted by Forward-Thinking Innovators
