§ 10-834

(a) The Institute may:

(1) maintain offices at the University of Maryland, College Park campus;

(2) coordinate and promote energy research and education at the University of Maryland, College Park campus, including its relevant energy centers, as well as at other academic institutions;

(3) provide energy policy innovation advice to State and federal units;

(4) collaborate with other academic institutions, governmental units, foundations, and industrial companies for advanced clean energy research and innovation;

(5) pursue grants, other funds, and in–kind contributions for advanced clean energy research and innovation;

(6) provide seed grant funding to academic institution–based entrepreneurs or entities, in order to promote the commercialization of advanced clean energy technologies developed wholly or partly by an academic institution, but not duplicate existing seed grants made through the Maryland Technology Development Corporation;

(7) work with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute to jointly manage, operate, and maintain facilities for an advanced clean energy and clean energy innovation incubator at the University of Maryland, College Park campus;

(8) work with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute to expand Maryland Industrial Partnership Awards to promote the commercialization of advanced clean energy and clean energy innovation technologies developed wholly or partly by an academic institution;

(9) work with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute and the University of Maryland Office of Technology Commercialization to:

(i) identify advanced clean energy and clean energy innovation technologies at academic institutions that may be viable for commercialization; and

(ii) provide grant funding and investment financing to cover patent, facilities, and other costs not allowed under federal or state research grants to an academic institution–based entrepreneur or entity, in order to promote the commercialization of advanced clean energy and clean energy innovation technologies developed wholly or partly by an academic institution;

(10) coordinate incubation and potential financing of academic institution–based entrepreneurs or entities with resources provided by the Center;

(11) work closely with State units, industrial partners, nongovernmental organizations, and federal agencies and laboratories to ensure effective implementation and execution of the State’s energy mission and vision, in collaboration with the Administration;

(12) undergo periodic reviews every 5 years consistent with University System of Maryland policies; and

(13) do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted by this part.

(b) The Institute shall coordinate with the Maryland Technology Development Corporation in supporting Maryland–based technology companies engaged in clean energy innovation.

(c) (1) The Institute and the Center shall implement an accelerator program for Maryland–based technology companies engaged in clean energy innovation that features seed funding, training, developmental support for the companies, and pilot projects focused on on–site clean energy generation for buildings.

(2) In carrying out their responsibilities under this subsection, the Institute and the Center shall consult with the Department, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, the Administration, the Department of the Environment, and the Maryland Industrial Partnership Awards program.