TEDCO’s Maryland Innovation Initiative Welcomes Abishek Kulshreshtha as New Executive Director

The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), an independent unit within TEDCO, has appointed Abishek Kulshreshtha as its new executive director. Effective July 1, 2024, Kulshreshtha will lead MII's efforts to promote the commercialization of research from Maryland’s academic institutions. With his extensive background in innovation and economic development, Kulshreshtha is poised to drive MII’s mission forward and expand its impact on the startup ecosystem in Frederick.

“On behalf of the MII board of directors and our staff, we are thrilled to have Abi join our team. His experiences and perspectives, merging science and economic development, are perfect for the MII program,” said Renée Winsky, MII board chair. “I want to express my gratitude to my fellow board members and to our amazing MII team for their patience and support during this search process.”

About Abishek Kulshreshtha

Abishek Kulshreshtha brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as the executive director of the Maryland Innovation Initiative. Previously serving as the chief business officer for Southern Research, Kulshreshtha was instrumental in overseeing business development, commercialization, and economic development functions. He successfully launched a biotechnology accelerator and managed an intellectual property portfolio of nearly 200 patents.

Kulshreshtha holds a D.Phil. in theoretical physics from Oxford University and a bachelor's degree in mathematical physics from Brown University. His expertise includes economic development through innovation, translational research, and commercialization. His background aligns perfectly with MII’s mission to support startups, create jobs, and secure significant follow-on funding for research commercialization.

“I am excited to begin this new journey with the MII team, the MII board, and all of TEDCO,” said Kulshreshtha. “Their impact on Maryland’s economic development has been inspiring, and I’m honored to be a part of the continued journey. Together, I know we can enhance MII’s impact, support more entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in the ecosystem, and bring more research to market.”

About TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.