By Mike Kelleher, January 2026
Maryland MEP enters 2026 with strong momentum and a clear sense of purpose—focused on driving innovation, strengthening competitiveness, and supporting the continued growth of Maryland’s manufacturing sector. With stable funding, trusted partnerships, and expanding capabilities, our organization is well-positioned to help manufacturers navigate change and seize new opportunities.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, Maryland MEP remains committed to delivering practical, results-driven support to companies across the state. By advancing workforce development, sustainability, and technology adoption, we are helping ensure Maryland manufacturers have the tools and resources they need to succeed in 2026 and beyond.
A National Perspective on MEP
At the national level, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has faced ongoing scrutiny, particularly around federal funding. Despite proposed cuts to NIST and MEP early in 2025, the program has since received strong bipartisan support—underscoring the vital role manufacturing plays in the nation’s economy and supply chains.
Congress recently passed a funding bill, signed into law on January 23, 2026, that provides continued funding for the MEP program through FY 2026. (https://federalbudgetiq.com/insights/fy26-appropriations-tech-funding-in-commerce-justice-and-science-bill/) As a result, Maryland MEP is confident that consistent funding and support from both federal and state partners will enable our organization to stay focused on what matters most: supporting local manufacturers in critical sectors such as defense, medical devices, and life sciences. By fostering innovation and growth, we are helping to strengthen supply chains and drive economic resilience across the state.
Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Resilience and Progress
Despite challenges at the federal level, Maryland MEP achieved several significant milestones in 2025. We launched new initiatives and expanded existing programs to better serve manufacturers statewide.
One highlight was the Maryland Manufacturing Technology Summit held in October, which celebrated Manufacturing Day and kicked off Manufacturing Month—bringing together industry leaders to explore emerging technologies and best practices.
Maryland MEP also secured continued to receive funding from the Maryland Energy Administration to advance the Energy Efficiency for Maryland Manufacturers (e2m2) program. In parallel, workforce training programs supported by the Maryland Department of Labor continued to grow, further reinforcing Maryland MEP’s role as a trusted resource for manufacturers across the state.
Embracing Innovation for the Future
Looking ahead, Maryland MEP is focused on turning opportunity into action. With access to world-class universities, federal laboratories, and defense organizations, Maryland is uniquely positioned to lead in advanced manufacturing.
The adoption of cutting-edge technologies—such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence—will be essential to the long-term competitiveness of Maryland manufacturers. By supporting the integration of these technologies, Maryland MEP aims to position the state as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.
What’s Next for Maryland MEP?
As we move into 2026, my focus—and the focus of our entire team—is on converting momentum into meaningful, measurable outcomes for Maryland manufacturers. We are entering the year with a strong foundation, clear priorities, and the partnerships needed to deliver real impact.
Three signature events will anchor our efforts: the Manufacturing Innovation Workforce Summit in April, the e2m2 Environmental Summit in June, and the Manufacturing Innovation Technology Summit in the fall. These convenings are designed to do more than bring people together—they will align resources, funding, and expertise around the most urgent challenges facing manufacturers today, from workforce development to sustainability and technology adoption.
Beyond these events, Maryland MEP will continue to strengthen and expand our core programs. With solid congressional support, continued state investment, and trusted stakeholder partnerships, we are well-positioned to scale our work in advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency, and talent development—ensuring manufacturers have access to the tools and guidance they need to compete.
Equally important, we remain committed to elevating the voice and visibility of Maryland’s manufacturing sector. Our manufacturers are innovative, resilient, and essential to the state’s economy. By telling their stories and advocating for their needs, Maryland MEP will continue to be a strong partner and trusted resource—helping ensure long-term growth and success in an increasingly competitive global market.
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