Emerging entrepreneurs, technologists and innovators gathered on April 12, 2025, in Van Munching Hall to spotlight Maryland’s vibrant tech startup ecosystem. The event, Startup Bazaar, was organized by American Bazaar and hosted by the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller delivered the keynote address with additional speakers including Secretary of Higher Education Sanjay Rai and Secretary of General Services Atif Chaudhry.
“The event was a win for the Smith School,” says Managing Director Michael Hoffmeyer of the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship. “It positioned us as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The event came about through an ongoing collaboration between the Smith School and American Bazaar, which has hosted similar startup-focused gatherings in the region, says Hoffmeyer, who worked with Dean Prabhudev Konana behind the scenes to “lead a Smith effort to coordinate logistics, ensure a welcoming environment, and elevate the experience for both guests and attendees.”
“This year’s event grew significantly in scale and prominence, with the involvement of state leadership and a strong turnout from the entrepreneurial community,” Hoffmeyer added.
Konana joined the state officials in speaking to the gathering. He underscored Smith School AI initiatives, including the Center for AI in Business, the recent ‘AI for Small Business’ program—“a game changer,” he said—in partnership with the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation and the upcoming Free Online Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment.
Konana also cited collaborations with multiple state departments—including commerce, labor, veterans affairs, higher education and transportation—and said the school is exploring a partnership with the Department of General Services. The school, he also noted, recently launched the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium, which engages 20-plus companies, including Google and Fannie Mae, to explore risks ranging from climate change to cybersecurity. “The Smith School is committed to partnering with the state of Maryland to advance economic development, accelerate talent development for future, and provide thought leadership through its role as a strategic think tank,” he said.
Conversation at the event also addressed preventing brain drain from the state by establishing a pipeline of top Smith talent to companies and the State Government, which the Lt. Governor acknowledged in her speech, said Kimberly Rice DeGross, Smith's Assistant Dean, Strategic Relations and Head of Office of Career Services. “We are part of the flagship school in Maryland and ensuring that we retain talent for the benefit of Maryland businesses such as these startups is an important initiative.”
The Startup Bazaar further created “valuable exposure” for Smith’s Executive MBA program, and provided prospective students with direct engagement from top state officials. The bonus activity came about through a simultaneously held “EMBA for a Day” event. “This added energy to the atmosphere, turning Van Munching Hall into a lively showcase of Smith’s impact and leadership in business education,” Hoffmeyer said.
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About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.