Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory

What Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory does

Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 and headquartered in Westminster, Maryland. The organization builds a rural tech ecosystem by delivering STEM education, cybersecurity training, and startup incubation services to students, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community residents across Carroll County. MAGIC operates the Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center (ARIC), a renovated 1930s Buick dealership on Union Alley that serves as a community makerspace with robotics clubs, VR simulation environments, and hands-on training infrastructure. Its program portfolio spans 17+ Capture the Flag cybersecurity competitions (engaging 19,000+ students), Hackathons, Cyber Clubs, the Good Game Fest gaming festival, summer tech camps, game development workshops, the Big Data Bootcamp, and the StartUp Lab incubation program launched in 2024.

MAGIC's core technology assets include the ARIC facility, a virtual-twin infrastructure for the Westminster Autonomous Corridor project (developed with partner DDT using its VxSIM VR simulation software), and the Healthy Smart Home IoT platform for senior aging-in-place monitoring. The organization leverages Westminster's municipal gigabit Fiber Network as a distribution advantage to attract technology entrepreneurs. Revenue is derived from foundation and federal grants (including a $274,498 EDA Build to Scale award and a $100,000 Gula Tech Foundation grant), corporate sponsorships, municipal support from the City of Westminster, and modest program fees ($350 per game development workshop, $20 fundraiser tickets). Distribution is community-led through schools, libraries, partner colleges, and in-person events rather than commercial channels.

Operationally, MAGIC runs on a lean 1-10 person staff led by Executive Director Kim Samuelson (promoted July 2024 from Program Director after Graham Dodge departed to TEDCO). The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and funded by a diversified mix of nonprofit, corporate, and government sources including Knorr Brake Company, TEDCO, the Kahlert Foundation, the City of Westminster, Carroll Community College, McDaniel College, the Maryland Department of Commerce, and the Maryland Connected and Automated Vehicle Working Group.

Name

Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory

Legal name

Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory, Inc.

Website

https://magicinc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

MAGIC is a Westminster, Maryland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers STEM education, cybersecurity competitions, robotics training, and startup incubation to students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses across Carroll County, anchored by its ARIC facility and the Westminster Fiber Network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Education and Community Innovation

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Amusement Arcades (71312)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business Planning, Pitching & Competitions (Pitch Decks, Demo Days) (EDAMAHAB), LEGO / Block-Based Robotics Programs (EDAMADAD), Entrepreneurship, Business & Innovation Camps (EDAMALAL), Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ)

Keywords

• Technology education programs
• Cybersecurity training
• Startup incubation services
• Robotics makerspace
• Community innovation projects

Headquarters

HQ city

Westminster

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Grants and Donations: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MAGIC relies heavily on grant funding and community donations. Major grants include $100,000 from Gula Tech Foundation, $15,414 from Rural Maryland Council, and funding from John J. Leidy Foundation (Truist).
2. Program Fees: Revenue generated from educational programs and workshops. Big Data Bootcamp available to anyone over age 16. Summer game development courses at $350 per person with free registration for Westminster residents.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Support from corporate sponsors and partners like Penacity LLC, Carroll Community College, and others who fund specific events and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

MAGIC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers technology education, entrepreneur incubation, and community innovation programs in Westminster, Maryland. It operates the Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center (ARIC) facility, runs cybersecurity competitions (Capture the Flag), game development and big data workshops, summer tech camps, the StartUp Lab startup incubator, and community projects including the Healthy Smart Home IoT platform and Autonomous Corridor smart city initiative.

Product overview

MAGIC operates as a non-profit technology education and incubation organization offering a portfolio of programs rather than a single product. The core offerings include STEM@ARIC (the Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center) providing hands-on robotics and technology education; cybersecurity programs including Capture the Flag competitions and Cyber Club; the Hackathon/STEP Challenge tech pitch competition; StartUp Lab for startup incubation; and community projects like the Autonomous Corridor and Healthy Smart Home. Additional programs include Game Development workshops, Big Data Bootcamp, Summer Tech Camps, and the Good Game Fest gaming festival. The organization leverages the Westminster Fiber Network gigabit infrastructure to serve students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Carroll County, Maryland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ARIC (Autonomous Robotics Innovation Center) A training and educational facility featuring community makerspace, robotics clubs and programs, and virtual reality and simulation software. Offers hands-on learning experiences in autonomous robotics for students of all ages in Westminster, Maryland.
• Capture the Flag (CTF) Cybersecurity Competitions Beginner-level cybersecurity competitions held multiple times per year. Teams solve cyber-related puzzles in an online environment to gain points. Open to students grades 8 and up.
• Hackathon / STEP Challenge Annual tech-based pitch competition where teams of students design and develop applications. Beginner-level event for coding, app development, graphic design, and business.
• StartUp Lab Year-long pilot program to boost STEM startup companies in Carroll County, Maryland. Provides guidance, peer-supported environment, and mentorship for tech entrepreneurs.
• Good Game Fest Annual gaming festival promoting healthy gaming attitudes. Features free-play retro arcade, console tournaments, gaming industry conferences, game jams, live music, and board game workshops.
• Big Data Bootcamp Program introducing adult students to Python, basic data science, and machine learning techniques. Designed for career changers and those seeking foundational data science skills.
• Game Development Summer Workshops Summer workshop series focusing on Unity and C# game development. Includes Intro to Game Development (2D) and 3D Game Development courses teaching game building skills, priced at $350 per person with free registration for Westminster residents.
• Summer Tech Camps Technology summer camps for grades 3-12 as well as Makerspace activities for all ages. Covers various tech education topics.
• Cyber Club Bi-monthly club meetings teaching students about technology, networking, system administration, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Healthy Smart Home Project A collaborative IoT-based project to bring long-term care into the home and allow seniors to age in place, providing better access to healthcare and delivering preventative care through Internet-of-Things technology.
• Autonomous Corridor Project Project to increase connectivity in Westminster by creating a virtual twin infrastructure for autonomous shuttle systems using the City's municipal gigabit fiber network.
• Entrepreneur Incubation Services Technology business start-up and incubation services leveraging the Westminster Fiber Network to make the community a destination for technology entrepreneurs and companies.
• Community Connections Program where students use STEM skills to solve real-world problems for local non-profits and the Carroll County community, teaching both technical and soft skills.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• City of WestminstercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides key financial support and access to municipal gigabit fiber network infrastructure. Partner in Autonomous Corridor project.
• Penacity, LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor of Capture the Flag events (CTF17, CTF18) and Hackathons. Key supporter of MAGIC's cybersecurity education programs.
• Carroll Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsors and hosts CTF competitions. Students participate in Hackathons and other programs. Partner in Good Game Fest and other events.
• McDaniel CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutions of Higher Learning partner developing workforce training for autonomous technology careers. McDaniel's Green Terror ESports collaborated on Good Game on the Hill event.
• Carroll County Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssists with research and planning for Autonomous Corridor. Co-sponsor of Hackathon events. Develops programs based on autonomous technologies.
• Dynamic Dimension Technologies (DDT)coreTechnology or IntegrationWestminster-based SBIR company providing VR simulation software (VxSIM) for creating autonomous corridor's 3D environment. Developed autonomous systems' virtual testing environments for US Navy.
• Internet of Things International (IoT International)coreTechnology or IntegrationLocal tech company based in Howard County that donated IoT technology for the Healthy Smart Home project - first time technology used for environmental monitoring in homes.
• Target Community and Educational ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Healthy Smart Home project providing long-term care solutions for seniors and individuals in Westminster.
• Dirigible Systems Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationWestminster-based IT systems engineering company that negotiated partnership with Nurselynx for app development, keeping development dollars in local ecosystem.
• Baltimore Ravens / Ravens Gaming LeaguemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Good Game Fest providing game tickets and prizes for tournaments. Ravens cheerleaders and mascot Poe appeared at festival.
• Tables and TowersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Good Game Fest gaming festival. Premium social gaming lounge promoting gaming community in Westminster.
• Save PointmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Good Game Fest. Historic Union Bridge arcade hosting free-play video arcade and gaming events.
• Ting InternetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of CTF events and Good Game Fest. Partner in supporting tech ecosystem development in Westminster.
• Startup PortalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in StartUp Lab mentor program. Judge in Hackathon events.
• Innovators of ProgresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAGIC serves as fiscal sponsor of this pre-accelerator program for college students. Founder Markus Proctor joined MAGIC's Board of Directors.
• Maryland Business Innovation Association (MBIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBIA awarded Nurselynx $10,000 Commercialization Impact grant; MAGIC served as qualifying sponsor as member of MBIA.
• Johns Hopkins UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTojAI Software Framework developed by Johns Hopkins researchers being used to combat AI-powered cyber attacks.
• Army AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in GRO MD (Grow Rural Opportunity in Maryland) Build to Scale Venture Challenge, tri-county regional partnership.
• Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in GRO MD Build to Scale Venture Challenge tri-county initiative.
• Harford County Office of Economic DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in GRO MD Build to Scale Venture Challenge, part of tri-county partnership.
• Carroll County Arts CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerARIC students developed custom PEEPshow coin counter for annual marshmallow masterpiece display, counting and bagging thousands of plastic vote coins.
• Maryland Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Working GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAGIC invited to participate in MDOT CAV Working Group recognizing efforts on Westminster autonomous corridor. Will help develop CAV permit process and coordinate policy.
• Carroll County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCPS is official MAGIC partner. Received National Inventors Hall of Fame grant for 500 Optibots to distribute to elementary students. Working with MAGIC and DDT on Autonomous Corridor planning.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cyber Innovation Center (CYBER.ORG): National nonprofit providing cybersecurity education to K-12 students, including CTF-style competitions and teacher training. Highly comparable to MAGIC's cybersecurity education mission and CTF franchise.
• Per Scholas: Nonprofit providing tuition-free technology workforce training to underserved adults, with hands-on programs and employer partnerships. Comparable as a community-anchored tech training and reskilling nonprofit.
• National Cyber League: Not-for-profit cybersecurity competition organization running biannual CTF-style events for high school and college students. Directly comparable to MAGIC's Capture the Flag program model.
• iD Tech (iD Tech Camps): Provider of STEM and technology summer camps for kids and teens including robotics, game development, and coding — comparable to MAGIC's summer tech camp and game development workshop offerings.
• Black Girls CODE: Nonprofit providing technology education and coding programs to underrepresented youth. Comparable as a community-based STEM enrichment nonprofit targeting underrepresented populations.
• Citizen Schools: Nonprofit providing after-school enrichment programs with a focus on STEM and career exposure for middle school students. Comparable to MAGIC's after-school and community STEM enrichment model.

Broad incumbents

• Code.org: Large national nonprofit focused on expanding access to computer science education in K-12 schools. Overlapping mission around STEM education access in underserved communities.
• Year Up: Large national workforce development nonprofit providing training and job placement in technology and professional services. Comparable mission around creating tech career pathways for underserved young adults.

Emerging players

• BioGenerator (and similar regional startup generators): Regional startup creation and incubator nonprofit that funds and supports early-stage science and technology companies. Comparable to MAGIC's StartUp Lab as a community-anchored startup incubator, though in life sciences rather than general STEM.

Regional players

• Dreamit Ventures (or comparable urban-tech accelerators): Tech-focused startup accelerator with programs supporting early-stage ventures. Comparable to MAGIC's StartUp Lab in incubating early-stage tech startups, though typically in urban markets rather than rural communities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MAGICWestMD
• Facebookfacebook.com/magicwestmd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/magic-inc.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory