For Entrepreneurs

Screening

For inventors at the idea stage, MDC leads a comprehensive screening process to understand technical feasibility, market dynamics, funding pathways, and team readiness.

• Will the technology or idea impact healthcare?
• Can it be built, and how complex or expensive is the prototyping process?
• Who will be interested in a demonstration once a prototype exists?
• Who would ultimately buy the company's products?
• How big and accessible is the market?
• Who are the competitors?
• Has a patent or disclosure been filed?
• Is there competing intellectual property and, if so, is there freedom to operate?
• How can development be funded, and by whom?
• Is federal or state funding available?
• Will clearance be required to market the technology, and what is the pathway?
• What timeline should we anticipate?
• What will the development cost?
• If a company already exists, who owns it and how is equity distributed?
• Is the team committed to the project?

Commitment

Founding teams and their commitment are central to MDC's decision to partner. MDC works hands-on alongside inventors—this is not a passive incubator or short-term accelerator. The studio co-develops traction and remains engaged as long as it takes.

Funding & Opportunity

When the screening process points to strong potential, MDC negotiates to form or support a company and actively pursues funding. The team introduces founders to investors, helps identify grants, and co-writes proposals. MDC-supported companies have secured more than $15M in contracts, grants, and investments, including multiple NSF SBIR awards.

Because the studio operates within an Opportunity Zone, eligible investors can benefit from favorable tax treatment. The State of Maryland BioTax Incentive Program further enhances potential returns for investors in MDC Hong Kong ventures.

Prototyping & Testing

MDC builds detailed development roadmaps for prototypes and test programs. The studio maintains an in-house laboratory and collaborates with experienced partners such as Root3 Labs, Key Tech, and others. For preclinical work, MDC taps Noble Life Sciences and cadaver labs at the University of Maryland.

Staffing & Services

MDC can loan seasoned employees, provide low-cost workspace, and stay patient through pivots. The studio supports teams through programs like I-Corps and supplies back-office services—company formation, registrations (D&B, SAM, SBA), payroll, benefits, and tax preparation—at a fraction of commercial rates.