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Quantum, Real Estate, and Maryland’s Opportunity: Travis McCready on What Comes Next on BioTalk

By BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Travis McCready, Head of Industries, Leasing Advisory at JLL, joins the conversation to discuss quantum computing, why real estate professionals are paying attention, and what this emerging technology could mean for regions like the BioHealth Capital Region.

Travis explains that quantum computing should be understood as an enabling technology, much like earlier waves of innovation that helped shape new industries, companies, and regional economies. While the field is still developing, he discusses why quantum is no longer just a distant concept and why real estate, infrastructure, workforce, and sector-specific use cases will all play a role in determining which regions lead.

The conversation explores the industry’s most likely to benefit from quantum first, including government and cryptography, life sciences, and finance and insurance. Travis also discusses how quantum computing could support areas such as molecular modeling, materials science, complex risk modeling, and other problems that involve large numbers of interconnected variables.

Listen via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/4ggQLHM
Spotify: https://bit.ly/465vcoY
iHeart Podcasts: https://ihr.fm/4670fkc
Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3vpZDHI
YouTube Music Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4cE5CuP
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4xIayXR

Rich and Travis also look at the real estate side of quantum, including what makes quantum facilities different from traditional data centers or life sciences buildings. Travis explains why energy, vibration sensitivity, floor loads, electromagnetic shielding, a skilled workforce, and proximity to key research and industry assets all matter when regions consider quantum site selection.

The episode also focuses on Maryland’s position in the emerging quantum economy. Travis and Rich discuss the state’s strengths in life sciences, federal agencies, defense, cybersecurity, cryptography, research universities, and companies such as IonQ. Travis emphasizes that Maryland’s opportunity is not only in building quantum assets, but in translating those assets into commercial activity, workforce development, company formation, and long-term economic growth.

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Travis A. McCready is Head of Industries, Leasing Advisory in the Americas for JLL and Chair of the firm’s Global Life Sciences Advisory Board. In this role, he oversees brokerage and advisory work across JLL’s key global industry verticals, including life sciences, healthcare, data centers, energy, security and defense, technology, and higher education. He is also a member of JLL’s Innovation Districts Practice, providing strategic advisory services to innovation districts around the world. Travis has more than 25 years of experience leading public, private, and nonprofit ventures focused on science and technology-based real estate and innovation infrastructure. He also serves on several boards and advisory groups across the innovation, life sciences, academic, and energy sectors.

Building a Life Sciences Innovation District in Manassas, Virginia on BioTalk

By BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

This episode of the BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast brings together leaders from industry, academia, and economic development to unpack the vision behind a new life sciences Innovation District anchored in Prince William County. With introductions to NAUGEN, George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation, and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, setting the stage for how each organization contributes to the district’s foundation. The guests discuss the life science assets, research strengths, and translational capabilities that define the district and explain why it is well-positioned to support biotechnology and advanced R&D companies.

The podcast explores how the partnership between Prince William County, George Mason University, and the City of Manassas came together, outlining the distinct roles each plays in advancing a shared strategy. The episode also introduces the NISA program, detailing how it supports companies seeking a soft-landing pathway into the district, the types of organizations best suited for the program, and the facilities, talent, and collaborative resources participants can access both immediately and over time.

Listen now via your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/4p94Dqe
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Y7dJZw
iHeart Podcasts: https://ihr.fm/3KLV7v4
Amazon Music Podcasts: https://amzn.to/4pajS1P
YouTube Music Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4phRV8I
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/44GoG7Y

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Jaehan Park is Founder and CEO of NAUGEN, a global innovation accelerator advancing novel technologies across life sciences and deep tech. With more than 25 years of experience in strategy and business development, he has led collaborations spanning cancer immunotherapy, vaccines, and biologics with global pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. He leads the NISA Program in partnership with George Mason University and serves as a Mentor-in-Residence at KIC DC, supporting international startups entering U.S. markets.

Amy Adams is Executive Director of George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation, where she advances biohealth research and innovation across more than 300 faculty and thousands of students. Her work focuses on partnerships, shared research infrastructure, and building hubs that connect academia with industry. She is co-leading the development of the Innovation District anchored at Mason’s SciTech campus and serves on the boards of BioHealth Innovation and the Association of University Research Parks.

Christina Winn leads the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, guiding investment, business growth, and redevelopment efforts across one of Virginia’s largest counties. She is overseeing the development of a research-driven Innovation District in partnership with George Mason University and the City of Manassas, supported by a GO Virginia grant. Her career includes leading large-scale economic development initiatives that have driven significant capital investment, job creation, and national visibility for the region.

Strengthening Virginia’s BioHealth Future with Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura on BioTalk

By BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast, News

Secretary Juan Pablo Segura joins BioTalk for a conversation about Virginia’s growing position in the biohealth economy and the statewide strategy behind it. He outlines the significance of the new partnership with AstraZeneca, Lilly, and Merck, including up to $120 million in private investment to create a workforce development center and expand the Commonwealth’s life sciences capacity. Segura talks through how Virginia approaches company recruitment, what investors are responding to, and why the state is seeing increased interest from biomanufacturing and advanced R&D companies. He also discusses Virginia’s use of public-private partnerships to accelerate industry growth, strengthen the talent pipeline, and support emerging hubs across the Commonwealth. The conversation closes with a look at Virginia’s role in the BioHealth Capital Region and how the regional identity helps amplify the state’s message as it continues building a competitive biohealth ecosystem.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/3M2UNbB
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4izRPYa
iHeart Podcasts: https://ihr.fm/3Ktc0u5
Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3K5kkjN
YouTube Music Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4owIZfc
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4ptw26O


Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Juan Pablo Segura is the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He leads 13 agencies focused on economic growth, business development, and industry expansion across the state. Before entering public service, Segura spent his career building companies in the digital health sector, most notably as a founder of Babyscripts, a widely adopted maternity care platform. His work has been recognized by Startup Health, CTIA, EY, and the White House. He is a CPA and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and he lives in Henrico, Virginia with his family.

TEDCO Awards $785,000 to the 2025 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program Awardees

By News

COLUMBIA, Md.Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TEDCOMaryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announced the 2025 Maryland Makerspace Initiative Program (“Makerspace Program“) awardees. A total of nearly $785,000 in awards will span across 14 entities located in 9 counties across the state.

“Since inception, the Makerspace Program has now provided $2.4 million across 52 awards to entities across the state, supporting the continued growth of Maryland’s innovation ecosystem,” said Terry Rauh, chief finance and operations officer at TEDCO. “We are hopeful that these 14 awardees will continue to advance the innovation capabilities within their communities.”

What is the Makerspace Program?
Created through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly, the Makerspace Program provides grants of up to $100,000 and technical assistance for qualified entities looking to establish a new Makerspace, expand an existing Makerspace, or develop Makerspace programming. The goal is to grow a state-wide community of Makerspaces that provides entrepreneurs with access to tools, technologies and knowledge to support their growth and development as well as expand workforce training.

“Out of 25 highly competitive applications, we are pleased to announce the support for the 2025 Makerspace Program awardees,” said Justin Ferguson, innovation manager for the Venture Development department. “We are excited to see the continued interest in Makerspace growth and development across the state.”

The 14 awardees for the 2025 Makerspace Program include:

  1. Allegany College of Maryland, located in Allegany County
  2. Chesapeake Arts Center, located in Anne Arundel County
  3. City Life Community Builders, located in Baltimore City
  4. Digital Harbor Foundation, Tech Lab, located in Baltimore City
  5. Inncuvate Community Development Partners, located in Prince George’s County
  6. Frederick Makerspace, located in Frederick County
  7. Makerspace of Annapolis, located in Anne Arundel County
  8. Maryland Assistive Technology Program, located in Baltimore City
  9. Players Philanthropy Fund (Code Super Powers), located in Prince George’s County
  10. Rockville Science Center, located in Montgomery County
  11. Salisbury University, Richard Bernstein Makerspace, located in Wicomico County
  12. St. Mary’s County Library, Lexington Park Branch, located in St. Mary’s County
  13. The SPACE: Free Art for All (E2Lab), located in Prince George’s County
  14. Washington College, The Innovation Plant, located in Kent County

For more information about TEDCO’s Makerspace Program, visit www.tedcomd.com/makerspace.

About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

Media Contact
Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, tthomas@tedcomd.com
Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, rkalinyak@tedcomd.com

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