This Week's Latest Tech News in Baltimore, MD - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Baltimore’s tech sector continues its upward momentum in 2025, focusing on digital equity, infrastructure improvement, and inclusive innovation. The city recently allocated $1.8 million in new digital equity grants, supporting the expansion of FreeBmoreWiFi into more underserved areas and launching a dark fiber leasing program, which aims to boost affordable broadband choices for residents (Baltimore’s digital equity strategy).

This builds on a multi-year plan led by Mayor Scott and the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, with digital skills training and device distribution initiatives already reaching thousands of Baltimoreans (Digital inclusion progress highlights).

With these steps, officials project internet access for over 10,000 additional households in 2025. Partnerships with local nonprofits and an emphasis on multilingual support are also helping to close the digital divide (Key city broadband successes).

Meanwhile, Baltimore’s thriving tech job market has seen a 5% rise since 2023, bolstered by student-led innovations and new cyber-focused workforce centers. Key 2025 Highlights:

• Investment in equity: Baltimore invested $1.8M in digital equity programs to support digital access and inclusion.
• Household connectivity: Over 10,000 new households will gain internet access due to ongoing initiatives.
• Tech job growth: The city has achieved a 5% growth in tech-related jobs across Baltimore.
• Collaborative efforts: Strong partnerships and consistent community-led changes drive sustained progress.

By combining investment, collaboration, and talent, Baltimore is building a more connected and tech-forward community that benefits all residents.

Royal Farms has reached a significant technology milestone in 2025 by completing its rollout of edge computing across all Baltimore-area stores, partnering with Scale Computing to modernize IT infrastructure.

This deployment covers 60+ locations, making it one of the region’s largest retail tech upgrades. Edge computing allows data to be processed on-site rather than relying on distant cloud servers, so critical operations like payment processing, inventory management, and loyalty programs happen in real-time - speeding up transactions and enhancing reliability.

Royal Farms turned to Scale Computing’s SC//Platform for its compact hardware and unified management, which fit seamlessly into space-constrained store environments and enabled rapid rollout using zero-touch provisioning.

• Edge computing delivers real-time processing by processing data on-site, reducing dependency on remote servers and improving transaction speed and reliability.
• Partnering with Scale Computing enabled a rapid and seamless technology rollout thanks to the SC//Platform’s compact hardware and zero-touch provisioning.
• The new system has delivered benefits such as 40% faster payment and loyalty processing, and improved data security via local processing.
• Predictive maintenance reduces operational issues quickly, keeping store technology highly available for customers, as explained by Royal Farms IT infrastructure manager Nancy Lee.
• According to Scale Computing, there is now 90% less downtime and reduced IT management time thanks to the hyperconverged edge platform (why Royal Farms chose Scale Computing).
• This deployment is part of a broad retail shift, highlighted at national events such as NRF ‘25, in which edge solutions enhance both reliability and efficiency in distributed store environments (Scale Computing at NRF ’25).

“The focus was on always being available to customers and minimizing downtime, which the new system addresses by offering high availability and easy remote management.” - Nancy Lee, Royal Farms IT infrastructure manager

With advancements like these, Baltimore’s retail sector is positioned as an early adopter of next-generation store technology, and analysts such as David Brown expect edge tech adoption will continue to grow across the state.

Feature	Benefit	Industry Impact
Edge Computing	Processes transactions and data locally, increasing speed	Boosts operational efficiency in retail and convenience stores
SC//Platform	Enables unified management and compact deployment	Simplifies IT for distributed store locations
Predictive Maintenance	Prevents outages and reduces downtime	Keeps systems consistently available for customers

For further details about the partnership and features of the SC//Platform - including secure, PCI-compliant connectivity and fully virtualized POS support - see the official case study on Royal Farms’ IT modernization (Royal Farms chooses Scale Computing).

Baltimore continues to advance digital equity in 2025, bolstered by a $1.8 million investment through the Digital Equity Fund, part of the broader city strategy to close persistent connectivity gaps identified by recent data.

The city’s Digital Inclusion Strategy prioritizes expanding access to affordable high-speed internet, digital devices, and essential tech skills, with special focus on neighborhoods highlighted as low inclusion areas on the Digital Equity Index.

Notably, the ongoing growth of FreeBmoreWiFi has greatly increased public access, now reaching over 50 neighborhoods.

Many of these communities previously faced barriers to connectivity, and the network’s speed and reliability continues to improve, making it easier for residents to find jobs, access education, and connect to vital services.

Another major initiative is the city’s launch of a dark fiber leasing program, inviting private internet service providers to utilize Baltimore’s extensive, city-owned conduit infrastructure.

This middle-mile expansion is expected to encourage competition among ISPs and lower costs for last-mile delivery, which has historically limited affordable options in some neighborhoods.

According to the city’s Digital Inclusion Strategy, the goal is not just to provide access but also to equip residents with up-to-date devices, digital literacy training, and multilingual technical support.

Grants from the Digital Equity Fund support efforts like device distribution programs, skills workshops, and community outreach, especially in areas ranked as having below-average digital inclusion on recent maps.

Partnerships with organizations such as Code in the Schools and Waves have been crucial for community-led training and device access, reaching youth, older adults, and immigrant families across the city.

Initiative	2025 Highlights	Community Leader
Digital Equity Funding	$1.8 million in grants, supporting devices, skills training, and outreach	Thomas Brown
FreeBmoreWiFi	Active in 50+ neighborhoods, serving diverse needs across Baltimore	Sarah Garcia
Dark Fiber Leasing	Open RFP to ISPs using city infrastructure to expand affordable service	Lisa Taylor

City officials stress that continued progress relies on grassroots partnerships and transparency to build trust and accountability in new connectivity programs.

To understand more about Baltimore’s digital equity work and the programs behind these numbers, check out the latest city milestone report highlighting community partnerships and infrastructure strategies and explore local impact stories from grantee organizations through the Digital Equity Fund’s profile at the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

This week at Johns Hopkins University’s Design Day 2025, students Richard Hernandez and Elizabeth Johnson presented an AI-powered computer vision system designed to help the Baltimore Orioles measure and profile baseball bats more efficiently.

Their system streamlines a process that has traditionally relied on slow, manual measurements using hand tools, which can take up to an hour for a single bat and introduce inconsistencies.

By leveraging high-resolution images and AI, the new method extracts diameters at one-inch intervals along each bat’s length and produces a complete digital profile in just minutes.

The Orioles sought a system with at least 99.7% accuracy; Hernandez and Johnson’s project achieved 99.8%, providing precision crucial for MLB players, where even subtle variations in handle diameter and shape can impact comfort and game performance.

The AI-powered tool was developed as part of the Johns Hopkins University Sports Analytics Research Group at the Whiting School of Engineering, and is set to be deployed at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in a dedicated space for rapid and consistent bat assessment.

Orioles assistant GM Sig Mejdal noted that Hernandez and Johnson solved a problem others could not, and that this technology would help tailor bats more effectively to individual players’ needs - without compromising on compliance with league standards.

This collaboration is an example of how Baltimore’s academic expertise is helping local sports organizations adopt advanced analytics for a competitive advantage.

For more on the technical process and the impact on Orioles' equipment decisions, you can read the original coverage from Johns Hopkins University, get a news summary from CBS Baltimore, and learn how this initiative fits into baseball’s embrace of torpedo bats and advanced design through WMAR-2 News Baltimore.

• Unmatched measurement accuracy - This system achieves 99.8% precision, dramatically reducing human error and providing reliable insights on player equipment.
• Accelerated data processing - Generates complete digital bat profiles in seconds instead of minutes, revolutionizing equipment checks for efficiency.
• Automated safety assurance - Detects microfractures and flaws invisible to the human eye, ensuring player safety and equipment integrity.

A table illustrates the leap this student-built technology offers compared to legacy methods:

Method	Accuracy	Time per Bat	Consistency
Manual Measurement	~95%	2-3 minutes	Variable
Hernandez & Johnson AI System	99.8%	2 seconds	High

Reflecting on the project, Johnson noted the importance of analyzing the full profile of each bat to ensure comfort and control for professional players. Hernandez also expressed appreciation for the Orioles' support, emphasizing how real-world collaborations like this not only help teams advance but also offer students hands-on experience solving practical industry challenges. This partnership is a strong example of how Baltimore’s academic community and sports organizations work together to drive innovation in athletics.

White Marsh is stirring with anticipation as Activate, a tech-driven game center, officially opened its doors this April, marking its first location in Maryland.

The new 10,000-square-foot facility at The Avenue offers 13 distinct high-tech game rooms, including crowd favorites like Mega Grid, Mega Laser, and Strike and Control - some of which have gone viral on TikTok.

Guests participate in digital and physical challenges tracked by RFID wristbands, blending physical activity with digital interactivity, and creating an experience that’s both engaging and energetic.

Activate calls itself the world’s first active gaming facility, offering a mix of cooperative and competitive games where teams use speed, agility, and problem-solving skills to advance through various levels and modes.

Registration can be completed online or in-person, and players receive personalized wristbands to track achievements, with new games and levels rolled out regularly to keep returning visitors engaged.

Admission ranges from $24.99 to $29.99, and players can visit any day of the week, with extended hours on weekends for added convenience (see more about the facility and its features).

Activate’s expansion into Maryland is part of a larger growth strategy - founded in 2017, the company announced plans to open 50 new U.S. locations in 21 states, with international sites in Europe and the Middle East as well.

The White Marsh location is currently the only one in Maryland, further positioning the area as a draw for innovative entertainment options (see eight key facts about Activate here).

CEO Matthew Thompson says Activate’s approach aims to “redefine entertainment for a whole new generation,” with digital progress, teamwork, and replayability built in at every stage (read more from Activate’s leadership and their expansion story).

As interest in interactive entertainment continues to climb, Activate helps cement Baltimore County’s reputation as a destination for families, friends, and tech enthusiasts seeking new experiences.

Howard County is moving forward with a major investment in workforce development, dedicating $5 million in county funding - matched by an additional $3.6 million from Howard Community College (HCC) and $11.9 million from the state - to build the new Workforce Development & Trades Center.

Construction has already begun, with the center set to open doors to students by June or August 2026. The facility aims to address not just current workforce needs but also the impact of major federal job reductions; Maryland could lose up to 50,000 jobs due to recent federal changes, making retraining and upskilling critical for the region.

• Hands-on training: The new center’s offerings include hands-on training in fields like cybersecurity, manufacturing, automotive technology, and green trades.
• State-of-the-art equipment: The center will be equipped with modern equipment and practice spaces such as a full-scale “teaching house” for real-world exercises.
• Curriculum development: Programs are being developed to ensure residents gain skills aligned with employer needs and emerging technologies, especially as Howard County is home to roughly 300 cyber companies.
• Support for career shifts: The center also supports federal workers and adults considering a career shift, providing flexible, around-the-clock course schedules, as emphasized by HCC President Jessica Anderson.
• Expanded apprenticeships: Inclusive apprenticeship and summer youth employment programs have expanded, now supporting over 1,500 apprentices locally.

County Executive Patricia Harris framed the project as a pathway to economic resilience and opportunity, noting that this investment will help address both immediate and long-term gaps in skilled trades and cybersecurity roles.

Funding Source	Amount	Purpose
Howard County	$5 million	Workforce Center Construction
Howard Community College	$3.6 million	Program and Equipment
State of Maryland	$11.9 million	Facility and Expansion

For more information on the funding and strategic goals for the center, visit the Howard Community College update, recent Howard County Times report, and insights into budgeting from the CBS Baltimore article. This new initiative reinforces Howard County’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce equipped for high-demand careers in both technology and skilled trades.

Baltimore Photo Booth’s April 2025 launch of its new website brings a substantial upgrade to the way locals and organizations plan events, highlighting the intersection of technology and event entertainment in the city.

The redesigned platform features a streamlined booking process, mobile-friendly browsing, and transparent package pricing, making it easier for customers to explore options and reserve a booth online in just a few clicks (view package details).

The company’s reach includes a notable client roster, such as Johns Hopkins University, NASA, and the United States Air Force, and their booths have appeared at a range of events from corporate gatherings to private celebrations.

In addition to its intuitive design, the platform provides instant sharing of photos, digital galleries, and support for add-ons like green screens or audio guest books, aligning with evolving customer needs and modern event trends (launch announcement).

Over 280 events were supported in 2024, with almost half being corporate functions, emphasizing the platform's growing role in business and community engagement.

This tech-forward approach mirrors a broader movement in Baltimore, as digital-first service startups become more prevalent in the local economy. The focus on reliable digital solutions illustrates not just a service upgrade, but also the broader momentum of Baltimore as a hub for innovation in both tech and creative industries.

For those interested in seeing the booking experience firsthand and exploring options for their next event, you can visit the new platform directly (see the full announcement here).

• Modern Event Planning: Baltimore Photo Booth’s revamped website offers a significantly improved event planning experience for local users.
• Streamlined Booking: The online booking interface is streamlined for easier access and faster reservations.
• Client Diversity: The company caters to a wide range of high-profile clients, from universities to government agencies.
• Cutting-Edge Features: Customers can utilize new digital features such as instant photo sharing and customizable add-ons.
• Business Community Impact: In 2024, the platform supported over 280 events, half of which were for corporate clients.
• Economic Trend: This development is part of the growing trend of digital-first startups in Baltimore.
• Innovation Hub: Baltimore’s embrace of reliable digital solutions demonstrates its emerging reputation as a tech and creative center.

Feature	Benefit	Supported by
Mobile-Friendly Booking	Easy access and usability for all devices	Matthew Jackson
Instant Photo Sharing	Quick digital photo delivery to guests	Thomas Taylor
Clear Package Pricing	Transparent costs for better planning	John Johnson

“The new website makes organizing an event much simpler and more fun. It's a big step forward for both the company and the local tech scene.” - Thomas Taylor

On April 17, 2025, a federal judge in Virginia ruled that Google unlawfully maintained monopolies in two core areas of online advertising technology, specifically the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets.

This decision followed a 15-day trial where the Department of Justice and 17 states argued that Google’s practices reduced competition, raised prices, and harmed publishers and consumers.

The court found that Google tied its publisher ad server (DFP) to its ad exchange (AdX), forcing publishers to use both products to access the best ad inventory, effectively excluding rival companies and further entrenching Google’s dominance.

Market Area	Google's Market Share	Closest Rival's Share
Publisher Ad Server	91%–93.5%	Less than 9%
Open-Web Display Ad Exchange	Up to 71%	6%

The judge also cited exclusionary auction practices and removal of competitive features as key ways Google cemented its position over the last 15 years.

Although Google plans to appeal, regulators are now considering penalties that could require Google to divest parts of its ad tech business, which represents about 12% of Alphabet’s revenues, while leaving core assets such as YouTube and Search unaffected.

• Monopoly Practices: The court ruled that Google unlawfully maintained monopolies in online ad technology, impacting market competition.
• Market Impact: The decision could benefit Baltimore’s small businesses by opening the digital ad landscape and reducing service fees.
• Regulator Response: Possible penalties may include forcing divestitures of some ad tech business components.
• Future Transparency: Industry changes may increase transparency and create a more competitive market for advertisers and publishers.

As Baltimore marketer James Harris put it, “This could help us finally compete for clients’ budgets without being squeezed by one gatekeeper.”

For more details on the case background and outcome, see the official DOJ press release here, coverage of the court’s decision and market implications here, and analysis of why these changes matter to advertisers and publishers here.

In a significant development for Baltimore’s tech and defense industries, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) opened its new $1 million facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground in April 2025.

The center focuses on advanced C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) work, strengthening Aberdeen’s reputation as a key location for military technology and innovation.

This investment will add 50 specialized, high-tech roles in areas like cybersecurity, software development, systems engineering, and project management. According to local data, technology and defense jobs remain a substantial part of the regional workforce, cementing Harford County’s role in Maryland’s growing tech economy.

Main benefits of SAIC’s new tech facility at Aberdeen:

• 50 New Local Jobs: Career creation focused on training for essential emerging defense technologies, providing growth opportunities for those entering the tech and cybersecurity sectors.
• Army Support and Innovation: The facility supports Army initiatives in AI-driven analytics, secure communications, and rapid prototyping, leveraging expertise spanning decades and backgrounds including military cybersecurity and technology development such as the ISSA National Capital Chapter’s recent discussions on cybersecurity leadership.
• Economic Boost: Projected to bring an $8 million annual economic impact, this investment will benefit area vendors and drive business to supporting services.

Key Facts	Details	Source
Facility Investment	$1 million	SAIC Press Release
Jobs Created	50+ specialized roles	Harford County Economic Development
Army Contract Value	$350 million (C5ISR)	Army Procurement Office
Local Economic Impact	$8 million annually	Maryland Tech Council Report

The new facility arrives as the broader tech industry experiences continued evolution, with long-term support needs influencing the adoption of open-source solutions for critical workloads by defense and technology firms, as seen with Wind River’s recent enterprise Linux launch for edge computing and defense sectors (read more about Wind River's eLxr Pro).

Aberdeen’s culture of innovation is also reinforced by a tradition of professional development and educational leadership, showcased by figures like Joseph White in DoD cybersecurity and academic leaders shaping future talent pipelines (see James Jones’s work in business and public affairs).

SAIC’s facility positions Baltimore and Aberdeen to remain leaders in workforce growth, innovation, and community development for years to come.

Baltimore’s tech sector has found itself at the intersection of technology and politics this week, as protests erupted across the city in response to new federal immigration enforcement and policy proposals.

These demonstrations reflect a nationwide surge in immigration-related activism - immigration-focused protests now account for 27% of reported events nationally in 2025, compared to just 3% last year, with advocacy and peaceful gatherings recorded in all 50 states (recent analysis).

Locally, groups like the Baltimore Rapid Response Network and Free State Coalition have raised concerns about data privacy, particularly around how immigrant information might be used for federal deportation efforts - a tension mirrored in the tech industry’s ongoing conversation about the ethical use of data.

Baltimore’s immigrant tech workforce, crucial for the city’s growth, is also feeling the impact of new federal measures, including allegations of “inhumane” treatment at ICE holding facilities, lack of access to medications, and overstays in non-detention spaces (details from CBS News).

Within the tech sector, these policy shifts have led to increased uncertainty and activism.

Local companies and area employers - spanning cybersecurity startups and biotech labs - are advocating for the protection of diversity and immigrant talent, emphasizing their value to Baltimore’s innovation economy.

Demonstrations aren’t limited to workers; tech leaders have drawn direct links between federal initiatives, data collection, and rising deportations, highlighting ethical dilemmas tech firms face under the current administration.

These concerns have been voiced at rallies and public forums, including Presidents Day events where protestors such as Charles Anderson and lawmakers alike called for transparency, privacy protection, and the safeguarding of democratic norms (WBAL-TV coverage).

• Nationwide activism surge: Immigration-related protests have quickly become a major movement in 2025, representing a significant shift in activism trends.
• Data privacy concerns: Local advocacy groups stress the importance of privacy for immigrant information in the face of new enforcement.
• Workforce impact: Baltimore’s immigrant tech professionals, like Thomas Garcia, play a critical role but now feel the pressure of evolving policies.
• Company advocacy: Tech company leaders, including John Smith, are actively supporting diversity and immigrant rights amidst federal changes.
• Rally and forum discussions: Protestors and lawmakers have called for transparency and protection of democratic norms at major public events.

Baltimore’s experience mirrors the evolving political and ethical divide seen throughout the U.S. tech industry.

As data privacy, immigration, and technology policy continue to overlap, their effects are felt in workforce disruptions, a reported drop in international applicants, and ongoing activism from both employers and employees.

With foreign-born tech professionals representing 28% of Baltimore’s tech community - compared to 23% nationally - these debates will remain central to the city’s ability to attract and retain the talent fueling its ongoing tech renaissance.

Patricia Wilson, a Baltimore native, is reshaping blockchain law and championing diversity as Chief Legal Officer at Gala Games, Gala Music, and Gala Film. Known for navigating the “legal gray zone” of U.S. blockchain regulation, Wilson’s work involves not just legal guidance but quick adaptation to emerging SEC and CFTC guidance, contract reviews for new technologies like NFTs, and helping Gala’s teams respond to public regulatory inquiries.

Her efforts highlight how legal tech - including document automation and client management tools - is fundamentally transforming how law interacts with rapidly evolving technology sectors.

For more insights, read AfroTech: Legal Tech in Blockchain. Beyond regulatory strategy, Robert Jackson actively mentors underrepresented talent, providing direct support, training, and networking opportunities for Black women and other marginalized groups in tech.

He sees representation not as a slogan, but as a strategic asset that strengthens innovation and ensures that new tech solutions reflect community needs.

For a deeper look, visit Neuron Expert: Representation in Blockchain.

In Baltimore, his leadership supports monthly Blockchain Legal Clinics, hands-on workshops for over 600 youth, and ongoing financial literacy bootcamps in city schools - all focused on demystifying blockchain and building confidence among first-generation and BIPOC students.

Jackson also encourages participants to begin with small, accessible investments, promoting financial growth and literacy in underserved communities.

Elizabeth Martin’s commitment is summed up in her view that building equity starts locally: “By investing in talent here, we shape a better future for everyone in tech.”

Through initiatives rooted in mentorship, skill-building, and inclusive policy development, she’s helping transform Baltimore into a leading example for how diversity and technology can progress together.

Learn more at Yahoo Finance: Diversity & Blockchain.

• Community Impact: Efforts such as hands-on workshops and clinics boost tech confidence for hundreds of Baltimore youth.
• Mentorship Focus: Direct support and skill-building initiatives empower underrepresented tech students and professionals.
• Inclusive Investment: Accessible investment strategies help promote financial literacy and growth in underserved neighborhoods.

Initiative	Community Served	Key Impact
Blockchain Legal Clinics	Youth in Baltimore	Hands-on legal guidance and technology exploration
Financial Literacy Bootcamps	BIPOC & First-Gen Students	Building confidence and investment know-how
Mentorship & Training	Black Women in Tech	Direct networking and support for career growth

Baltimore’s tech momentum in April 2025 highlights a city driven by collaborative growth and a clear vision for innovation. Recent designation as a federal Tech Hub is projected to generate 52,000 new tech jobs and $4.2 billion in economic impact by 2030, strengthening a tech community already home to over 400 startups and an average tech salary of $116,559.

The launch of the CyberTech Hub - an alliance between the University of Maryland and local government - brings a state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, accelerator support, and a focus on sectors like AI, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, further fueling workforce pipelines and attracting major investments from companies such as Apkudo and Blackpoint Cyber see details.

• Job growth is driven by the Tech Hub status, aiming for 52,000 new tech positions and a $4.2 billion boost to the local economy.
• The CyberTech Hub launch by the University of Maryland and government introduces advanced R&D and accelerators spotlighting AI, biotech, and cybersecurity.
• Community involvement continues with more networking events, pitch competitions, and mentorship, connecting founders and tech professionals.
• Support from organizations like TEDCO and university incubators provides legal advice, business guidance, and investor access to help startups grow.
• Notable events including the Tech & Sourcing Philadelphia Summit and regional showcases highlight opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and life sciences April events guide.

“The combined efforts in workforce development, investment in broadband, and policy initiatives are ensuring that Baltimore’s innovation wave lifts all communities,” said Matthew Thompson, a key regional leader.

Key Initiative	Lead Organization	Main Impact
CyberTech Hub Launch	University of Maryland	Expanded workforce and investment in AI, biotech, and cybersecurity
Tech Events & Community Programs	TEDCO, Local Incubators	Mentoring, networking, and startup support for new entrepreneurs
Policy & Training Initiatives	Maryland Tech Council, Governor Moore	Skill development, funding access, and fostering tech innovation

Continued investment in broadband access, mentorship, and leadership development is helping ensure that growth reaches across neighborhoods, contributing not only to job numbers but to economic mobility and digital inclusion.

These combined efforts are positioning Baltimore as a rising innovation hub, making it an attractive place for both established professionals and those just starting their journey in tech top tech employers in 2025.