Pioneer Baltimore Celebration night. Co-starters Pioneered by the Emerging Technology Center (ETC Baltimore)

PioAs the Pioneer Baltimore CoStarters program neared its conclusion, each participant was honored with a certificate—a tangible recognition of their entrepreneurial journey. But the true highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a round navigate symbol—a unique emblem reserved for the boldest of innovators, a quest for discovery, for transformation, for navigating uncharted waters in pursuit of dreams.

Crafted with meticulous care and steeped in maritime tradition, the round navigate symbol represented more than just a token. It symbolized the pioneer's quest for discovery and transformation—a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but ultimately leading to growth and success.

As the pioneers received their symbols, a sense of pride and accomplishment filled the room. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and anticipation for the adventures yet to come. With their symbols in hand, they carried not only a token but a legacy—a legacy of courage, creativity, and endless possibilities.

In the heart of Baltimore, where the rhythm of innovation pulsates through the city streets, a group of daring visionaries gathered under the banner of the Emerging Technology Centers' (ETC) Pioneer Baltimore program. Over the span of nine weeks, we embarked on a collective journey of discovery, creativity, and transformation. Guided by the steady hands of facilitators Jacqueline Albright and Henry Mortimer, we delved into the depths of entrepreneurship, each armed with a unique idea and a boundless spirit of innovation.  But it was the leadership of the longtime executive director and president Deb Tillett that attracted me to the program itself. Deb and I have met at a couple of Baltimore Innovation Week programs before I took on an interest at the ETC Pioneer Baltimore programs. In fact, it was Deb whose leadership and primary organizing role with support from  ETC partners like  Technical.ly that helped to launch several entrepreneurial careers by offering affordable coworking space; and made an early case for Baltimore’s entrepreneurial economy before more historic corporations put their foot in it. 

As the program unfolded, I found myself surrounded by a tapestry of brilliance, woven together by the dreams and aspirations of my fellow pioneers. Among them stood AJ Golden, a modern-day alchemist, whose vision for ChargCycl promised to harness the power of electric vehicle charging stations to fuel a sustainable future. With a twinkle in his eye and a passion for environmental stewardship, AJ sought to redefine the way we think about transportation and energy consumption.

At the intersection of technology and human experience stood Aline Lin, the mastermind behind Userhappy. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, Aline sought to revolutionize website usability testing through the immersive power of multimedia. Her vision transcended mere functionality, delving deep into the realms of user psychology and interactive design, where every click and scroll became a symphony of human interaction.

In the realm of social entrepreneurship, I emerged as a beacon of hope and connectivity with CoInFidence. With a heart as vast as the digital landscape he sought to cultivate, I envisioned a social network designed to empower young entrepreneurs truly connect with experienced entrepreneurs via a gaming program and foster a sense of community and collaboration. My vision was not merely about networking; it was about building bridges of opportunity and breaking down the barriers that stand between dreams and reality. Over the years, I would say that concept has evolved to include a FinTech component to broaden the scope of my start-p to disrupt the philanthropic sector through generosity fueled by the transformative power of innovation. As I looked out into the crowd, I saw the faces of my fellow pioneers, each one a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance.

Scott Feldman's imAWARE was a testament to the power of empathy and understanding in the face of mental health challenges. With a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to holistic wellness, Scott sought to provide 24/7 support to complement traditional psychological treatment, offering a lifeline to those navigating the murky waters of depression and anxiety.

Stuart Tweedie's Lunar Pay cast its gaze across continents and cultures, seeking to bridge the gap between families separated by borders and distance. With a heart as expansive as the African savannah, Stuart envisioned a network that would reduce remittance prices for immigrants sending money home, fostering financial inclusion and empowerment in communities around the globe.

As the program progressed, I found myself immersed in a world of innovation and possibility, each pioneer offering a unique perspective and a fresh approach to the challenges of entrepreneurship. Carlos Ramos's Greenbar aimed to revolutionize medication prescribing in pharmacies, ensuring that patients receive the right treatment every time. Bianca Thompson's Fablancers sought to create an online community for freelancers in the fashion and beauty industry, fostering collaboration and creativity in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Dean Burney and Jameel Moses's Tourlighter set its sights on the intersection of music and community, seeking to help bands find tour locations and connect with music fans in cities across the country. Zach Diehl's MythicFit tapped into the power of crowdsourcing to identify future leaders and promote diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership roles. Matthew Menter's Glitter Pictures shone a spotlight on the LGBT community, providing representation and visibility to underrepresented voices in the world of media and entertainment.

Brittany Gerald's MobiDox aimed to streamline drug safety data processing for pharmaceutical companies, enhancing patient safety and regulatory compliance in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. Alistair Penny's Dex offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future of business networking, providing an alternative to traditional business cards and revolutionizing the way we connect and collaborate in the digital age. Ope Thomas's Roadi sought to simplify parking location services, reducing stress and congestion in urban areas and paving the way for a more seamless and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

As pitch night approached, I marveled at the depth and diversity of talent within our cohort, each pioneer a shining example of the power of innovation and imagination. Together, we stood on the precipice of possibility, ready to unleash our visions upon the world and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers. In the grand tapestry of entrepreneurship, Baltimore's Pioneer Program stood as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and community, where dreams became reality and the impossible became possible.

Andrew Benson Greene

BA - International Relations, Civil Law and English, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, 1998

Jeanne Sauvé Scholar, McGill University. Montreal, 2004/5

UN ITU Telecom World Digital Innovation Fellow, Geneva 2011

MS Law Candidate, Francis King Carey School of Law, Baltimore.