Summary
In this episode of the Driving the Business of Science podcast, host Keith Parent, CEO of Court Square Group, speaks with Ezekiel Kelley, VP of Engagement and Growth at the Frederick Innovation and Technology Center (FITCI), about the importance of incubators in driving innovation. FITCI, a business incubator in Frederick, Maryland, supports life science startups by providing resources, office and lab space, and connections to state and federal resources. FITCI has grown from 40 to nearly 120 companies in two years, many collaborating with the FDA, NIH, and Fort Detrick. The center offers shared lab space, accelerated courses, and an advisory board of experienced founders. FITCI’s success is attributed to its nonprofit status, cost-effective operations, and strategic partnerships.
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Guest Profile – Ezekiel Kelley
Ezekiel Kelley is the Vice President of Community and Growth at FITCI, where he focuses on building partnerships, supporting founders, and strengthening Maryland’s innovation ecosystem. His work centers on helping startups—especially in tech and biotech—access the resources, community, and knowledge they need to scale sustainably. Ezekiel brings a background in operations, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, with a strong commitment to expanding opportunity through collaboration.
- Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
- Keith Parent introduces himself and the purpose of the podcast, which focuses on the business of science and drug development.
- Keith mentions his company, Court Square Group, which manages infrastructure for life science companies.
- Ezekiel Kelley, VP of Engagement and Growth at the Frederick Innovation and Technology Center, is introduced as the guest.
- Keith provides a brief overview of Court Square Group, including their work in clinical and regulatory spaces and the development of AI components for content management.
Overview of the Frederick Innovation and Technology Center
- Ezekiel explains the mission of the Frederick Innovation and Technology Center (FITCI) to increase the success of life science businesses.
- FITCI provides resources, office space, and lab space for entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Ezekiel describes FITCI as a connector and convener, helping businesses access state resources and partnerships.
- Keith mentions an upcoming event at FITCI and his involvement in it.
Collaboration with International Companies
- Keith shares how he met Ezekiel through Jim Kernin from ProNAV Clinical, an Irish company looking to expand in the US.
- Ezekiel discusses Maryland’s Soft Landing Program, which aims to attract international businesses, including life sciences, medical devices, and biotech.
- The program helps companies set up shop in Maryland, rent space, hire staff, and license technology.
- Ezekiel highlights Jim Kernin’s contribution to the program and the collaborative efforts with other companies like Court Square and Sinatra.
Advantages of the Frederick Area for Life Sciences
- Ezekiel explains why Frederick is a great area for life sciences, citing lower costs compared to places like Boston or DC.
- FITCI provides shared equipment and helps companies apply for grants and find investors.
- The nonprofit status of FITCI allows them to lower costs for companies, making it easier for entrepreneurs to stay afloat.
- Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of mitigating risks and keeping companies alive long enough to succeed.
Support from Local and State Resources
- Keith mentions an upcoming conference in Bethesda and the proximity to the FDA, which benefits companies at FITCI.
- Ezekiel provides an overview of the companies at FITCI, many of which work with the FDA, NIH, and Fort Detrick.
- Some companies license technology from the Navy and develop technology to detect infections through smell.
- The close proximity to federal institutions and military bases provides unique opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing.
Economic Development and Funding
- Ezekiel explains that FITCI was founded by Frederick City, County, and Hood College, with support from local and state economic development.
- FITCI provides a pathway for companies from idea to market, with support from local and state resources.
- Keith shares his experience with federal government interactions and the benefits of being close to federal institutions.
- Ezekiel discusses the Tech Showcase event, where FITCI and Fort Detrick companies showcase their technologies and build relationships.
Resources and Services at FITCI
- FITCI offers co-working space, shared labs, and lab space for rent, with plans to expand in the future.
- The center provides accelerated courses on business models, product-market fit, and customer discovery.
- Ezekiel highlights the Small Group Advisory Board (SGA B), a volunteer group of experienced founders who provide guidance to FITCI companies.
- The SGA B’s involvement is crucial to FITCI’s 93% success rate, as experienced founders help push technology forward.
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
- Keith asks Ezekiel to share final thoughts on driving the business of science and FITCI’s role.
- Ezekiel emphasizes the importance of organizations like FITCI and Court Square in supporting life sciences and bringing technologies to market.
- Keith mentions the Clinical Bridge initiative, which aims to support scientists transitioning from the lab to starting companies.
- Ezekiel and Keith look forward to meeting at the upcoming event at FITCI and continuing their collaboration.