HJF Innovation Lab @ MontgomeryCounty, MD (HIL) has created a regional biotech incubator tailored to the needs of startups and small companies developing dual-use (military and civilian) medical technologies., helping emerging companies overcome financial and operational barriers, navigate the unique challenges of military medical product development, and access the resources, partnerships, and expertise needed to accelerate their innovations to market.

Located within HJF’s North Bethesda home office, the HIL offers flexible, affordable wet and engineering lab space, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The labs include BSL-2 capabilities and provide modern facilities that can be customized to meet the specific needs of accepted companies.

Centrally located in a vibrant biotech region, the HIL gives startups access to a rich ecosystem of funding, research, and commercialization opportunities, making the space ideal for companies looking to advance dual-use medical technologies with both military and civilian impact.

Surrounded by Leading Institutions in Military, Federal & Biomedical Research: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Uniformed Services University (USU) Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Fort Detrick

Innovation Ecosystem Initiative events and HJF’s business expertise are available, both onsite and virtually, to resident companies.  Business and Commercialization Support includes: Intellectual property Licensing and commercialization Information technology (IT) Proposal development Clinical trial protocol drafting and management Regulatory navigation (FDA & DoD pathways) Investor and funding connections

HJF manages multiple federal research programs and Centers of Excellence, giving tenants of the HIL unique proximity to a global clinical research network, advanced research infrastructure, and established defense and healthcare partnerships. This close connection enables startups to pursue field testing, validation, and regulatory pathways with direct input from military and clinical stakeholders – advantages rarely available to early-stage companies.

By combining wet lab and engineering space under one roof, the HIL offers startups and small companies a unique environment to design, build, and test their technologies. This co-location model supports innovations emerging from federal labs, universities, and private ventures, while accelerating commercialization through HJF’s established infrastructure, clinical networks, and partnerships.

HJF is establishing an Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC) composed of thought leaders and subject matter experts from across the innovation ecosystem. Members bring experience in translating and transitioning medical innovations and provide guidance on HJF’s mission-driven projects and investment opportunities.

The IAC helps ensure that HJF supports the most promising dual-use technologies, providing startups with strategic insights, feedback, and connections to advance their technologies toward commercialization and impact.

If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to participate in the HJF IAC in another way,please contact ecosystem@hjf.org.

The HJF-MDC Venture Fund provides a promising source of capital for startups developing dual-use medical technologies. In addition to flexible lab space, startups can leverage HJF’s existing and prospective partnerships within the military and regional technology ecosystem to navigate the unique challenges of dual-use development.

Affordable, adaptable access to lab space and equipment lowers the barrier to entry, allowing startups to focus their resources on critical areas, such as product development, regulatory planning, and building skilled teams. By combining capital, infrastructure, and strategic support, HJF helps dual-use innovators accelerate their path from concept to commercialization.

HJF Innovation Ecosystem event sand programs connect startups, researchers, investors, and military medical stakeholders. These opportunities foster collaboration, accelerate commercialization, and expand access to the defense and civilian health markets

Collaborative Opportunities include:

• Networking events that bring together innovators, investors, and DoD medical leaders
• Programming focused on working with DoD and military health partners
• Entrepreneurial training tailored to dual-use technology development
• Incubator and accelerator programs at the HJF Innovation Lab @ MontgomeryCounty, MD