SS/techctr.pr            97-276    Contact:  Jeanne Brewer, 301-217-2345

COUNTY,  STATE OFFICIALS
BREAK GROUND FOR NEW
TECH BUSINESS INCUBATOR       For Immediate Release:  Sept. 4, 1997   


          
     Construction of the new Maryland Technology Development Center -- a
planned business "incubator" which will serve as home to emerging biotechnology and
information technology companies -- is now officially underway in Rockville.
     Local and State officials, including Montgomery County Executive Douglas M.
Duncan, State Secretary of Business and Economic Development James Brady, County
Council members and State legislators, today celebrated the groundbreaking for the
facility with ceremonies on the site at Great Seneca Highway and Darnestown Road.
     Slated for completion in the fall of 1998, the $4.5 million, 52,000-square-foot
center represents a joint venture between the County and State.  It will feature 22,000
square feet of laboratory space for biotechnology companies, 20,000 square feet of
office space and 10,000 square feet of conference, meeting and common facilities.
     "This center will provide fully equipped start-up facilities for entrepreneurs in
rapidly growing technology industries," said Duncan.  "Here, young companies will
have the chance to test out new ideas, new products and new theories in an
environment that nurtures their growth.  From a start in an 'incubator' like this,
companies will be able to grow and mature, and possibly become the next Hughes
                                 - more -

GROUND BROKEN FOR TECHNOLOGY CENTER                    2-2-2

Network Systems or Human Genome Sciences of the world," said Duncan, referring to
two of Montgomery County's most prominent technology companies.
     The State is providing funding for the planning, design and construction of the
project, with project management being conducted by the Maryland Economic
Development Corporation.  In addition to contributing the land for the project,
Montgomery County will provide approximately $250,000 in annual operating costs
for the center.
     Day-to-day operations of the Maryland Technology Development Center will
be managed by the High Technology Council of Maryland, which will be co-located in
the new facility when it is completed.  Montgomery County's Department of Economic
Development will market the center and provide various services for its tenants. 
Tenant selection and review, as well as the establishment of the center's operational
policies, will  be handled by an advisory committee.

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