At Connect Labs Baltimore, innovation is powered not only by groundbreaking research but also by the people driving it forward. This summer, interns from universities across the region gained hands-on experience contributing to companies advancing the future of science, exploring career paths, and building professional networks with companies located at Connect Labs Baltimore. 

Many of these internship opportunities were made possible through the Maryland Technology Internship Program (MTIP), a statewide initiative that helps Maryland companies connect with emerging talent. Administered by University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and funded by the State of Maryland, MTIP provides reimbursement support to eligible organizations, helping startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies expand paid technical internship opportunities. By reducing barriers to hiring interns, the program strengthens Maryland's innovation ecosystem while creating valuable pathways for students and early-career professionals.  

At Connect Labs Baltimore, the impact of the MTIP program can be seen every day as interns work alongside founders, scientists, and innovators within a shared environment designed to foster collaboration and discovery.
 

Learning Beyond the Laboratory

Working within a startup environment gave interns exposure not only to cutting-edge science, but also to the many disciplines required to bring new technology to market including AI, diagnostics, and engineering workflows. For Cameron White, an intern at Gelectric Medical and an incoming PhD student in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, the experience provided valuable insight into the broader innovation journey.

"I learned how to structure research and development from a holistic perspective, including regulatory and financial considerations. I also enjoyed connecting with colleagues across the startup ecosystem,”

— Cameron White, Gelectric Medical Intern, University of Pennsylvania

Manjot Dhaliwal, a BioBuild Intern and student at Johns Hopkins University found value in seeing how different areas of the organization worked together to advance the company's mission.

“I learned how to communicate across different departments and how each one plays a role in BioBuild. I was able to use my expertise and domain knowledge to evaluate AI models and help improve them,”

— Manjot Dhaliwal, BioBuild Intern, Johns Hopkins University 

A Community That Encourages Connection 

In addition to gaining technical and professional experience, interns consistently highlighted the value of working within the Connect Labs environment. The shared laboratory and office space create opportunities for organic networking, peer learning, and interactions that often extend beyond a single company. 

“Connect Labs is an awesome space to work in. I like how everyone is in the same room because it promotes conversation,”

— Trent Raffaelli, Gelectric Medical Intern, University of Maryland 

“The people are kind and lively. I enjoy how positive the environment is.”

— Manjot Dhaliwal, BioBuild Intern, Johns Hopkins University 

“The events, networking opportunities, and conversations with other interns were really interesting”

— Swardhuni Pawar, Irazu Oncology Intern, University of Maryland Baltimore

Growing the Network 

Connect Labs Baltimore, in partnership with the University of Maryland BioPark, hosted an Intern Mixer event, bringing together interns from across the ecosystem to connect, unwind, and learn from one another. Alongside resume reviews and a friendly game of cornhole, the event featured a talk from Courtney Cavin, an alumna of the MTIP program and current COO of Astek Diagnostics, who was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Courtney spoke to interns about the experience and exposure needed to catapult their careers forward, offering a firsthand look at where an internship in the Connect Labs ecosystem can lead. 

Strengthening the Talent Pipeline 

Creating an environment where innovation can thrive means supporting both the companies advancing scientific discovery and the people who will shape the future of the industry. Programs like MTIP help member companies connect with talented students and early-career professionals while providing meaningful career experiences.  

The result is a cycle of innovation: companies gain access to emerging talent, students gain real-world experience, and the broader ecosystem becomes stronger. Through partnerships, collaboration, and community, Connect Labs Baltimore and the companies that shape this space continue to help build the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.