2025 was a breakout year for the StarTUp at the Armory, defined by bold growth, innovative new programming, strategic partnerships and real, measurable impact. We doubled down on fueling entrepreneurship, supporting founders at all stages of growth, and activating our space. We were proud to welcome more than 18,000 visitors to the StarTUp, who came for co-working, events, mentorship and to gain hands-on resources.

Celebrating student entrepreneurs

Two student-led ventures — DegreeMap and SneakerSync Labs — each won $50,000 at the Maryland Intercollegiate Student Venture Showcase and inaugural Pava LaPere Innovation Awards. They were two of nine ventures selected from nominations from colleges and universities across greater Baltimore. Their hard work and success exemplifies the innovation fostered for student entrepreneurs at Towson University. Additionally, the DegreeMap team received a $30,000 grant in TEDCO’s Baltimore Innovation Initiative Pilot Program.

The College Cup is a university-wide competition.

Meal Mode won the top prize in our fourth annual College Cup. Developed by a father and son duo, Tamsir Toure ‘26 and Ahmed Satti ‘24, Meal Mode provides healthy, delicious lunches for kids through a seamless, reliable school lunch service, eliminating the barriers schools face in meal delivery.

StarTUp Accelerator alumni continue to find success

Daniel Osborne, Matt Tetro, Mack Anderson and Timmy Brumbaugh
Daniel Osborne, Mack Anderson and Timmy Brumbaugh, co-founders of Zenjoy, with Matt Tetro, Category Manager: Produce at Giant Food. 

Zenjoy (2024 Accelerator) runs their business from our second floor. In 2024, they landed a distribution deal with Giant to stock their drink in 165 grocery stores. And in 2025, Zenjoy reached a $1 million revenue run rate, and continues to be on track for a $1.25 million revenue year.

Let’s Tap In (2022 Accelerator) was founded by two Towson University students in 2022 and has been headquartered at the StarTUp since its inception. After expanding their services and growing their team to five full-time employees, the Let’s Tap In team moved into their own space in Hunt Valley, Baltimore County in late 2025. This milestone was made possible with support from the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development, a connection facilitated through the StarTUp. We couldn’t be more excited to see this accelerator alum and former resident company continue to thrive just up the road in a space of their own.

TANTV (2024 Accelerator) joined URL Media’s Publisher Network as one of 37 trusted outlets benefiting from a transformational $5 million Knight Foundation investment. We’re also thrilled to announce that TANTV is becoming a resident company and moving into the second floor of the StarTUp.

More accelerator alumni success includes:

Programming grew to meet community needs

The StarTUp team grew our youth entrepreneurship programs this year. And, in partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development, the StarTUp hosted over 60 Baltimore County Career Navigators from area schools for professional training. Full day programs focused on providing young entrepreneurs with needed resources. A panel of TU student alumni founders highlighted their experiences of growing their ideas into their own businesses as high school and college students. Additionally, the career navigators were guided through hand-on design thinking activities that could be replicated in their schools and introduced to key concepts such as business structures, legal terms, marketing, branding and audience, digital economy, sales and operations.

Moderator Britt Tegeler with panelists Danni Donovan, Anna Gavin and Joanna Jane Bartholomew at the Women in Trades panel.
Women in trades are redefining success on their own terms
Consumer packaged goods founders share secrets to success

In partnership with PNC Bank, the StarTUp hosted the ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore’s Women in Business Speaker Series for the third year. This inspiring series celebrates the achievements, challenges, and insights of women business leaders across Maryland. 

members of the 2025 startup accelerator
Members of the 2025 Startup Accelerator.

Over the summer, 10 community founders participated in the StarTUp Accelerator. They were joined by six participants from our Student Accelerator to develop one dynamic group. Over eight weeks, they worked side-by-side, shared perspectives, challenges and wins, and formed lasting connections. Over 200 people joined them for the annual StarTUp Accelerator Showcase, where they tabled and pitched their products to university and business leaders, potential investors and colleagues.

This year we piloted Entrepreneurship Bootcamps, sponsored by PNC Bank. These one-day sessions equip founders and small business owners with actionable training, hands-on mentorship and meaningful connections to accelerate their success. Over 50 companies joined us, taking the critical first or next steps to start, build and grow their businesses. Building on this momentum, we’re evolving the program with an updated format designed to create even greater impact for our community.

We couldn’t do this work without our sponsors and partners. Thank you.

We’re grateful for the partners and sponsors that collaborated with us and contributed to the StarTUp and our community throughout the year. Thank you to our sponsors Baltimore County Department of Economic & Workforce Development, Nemphos Braue, Greenspring Advisors, PNC and Mid-Atlantic Properties.

Get involved with the StarTUp at the Armory in 2026

We are thrilled about the opportunities coming to the StarTUp at the Armory in 2026. Here are ways to get involved and get connected to resources:

  • StarTUp Accelerator: Applications are open for the next cohort of innovators. Apply to shape the future of entrepreneurship and innovation. Learn more at an upcoming info sessions.
  • Entrepreneurship Bootcamps: These series of half-day sessions focus on a different topic to help entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. The first Bootcamp takes place on February 25 and focuses on design thinking and customer discovery.
  • Youth Entrepreneurship: Visit our website to learn how we’re empowering Baltimore’s youth to explore entrepreneurship and begin their entrepreneurial journeys. In 2026, we have several exciting programming days planned in partnership with Baltimore-area schools and we can’t wait to share more details soon.

Visit our website to learn more about these and other events.

Thank you for your continued support as we advance innovation and entrepreneurship together!