The BioTechnical Institute of Maryland, Inc. (BTI) was founded in 1998 as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation, to fill a need for specialty scientific training of entry-level biotechnicians for employment in Maryland's rapidly expanding biotechnology industry. The BTI Laboratory Associates Program provides tuition-free training in basic laboratory skills to bright, ambitious, unemployed and under-employed Maryland residents. A combination of classroom instruction, and on-the-job work experience, enables BTI's successful graduates to realize employment options, while employers benefit from a stream of ready-for-hire, well-qualified lab technicians. In addition, BTI serves biotech employers by providing education in relevant science topics, through a series of three-to-four-day workshops. The workshops are designed to teach participants using both lecture and hands-on laboratory instruction. Each BTI workshop reinforces the lecture material with extensive hands-on laboratory exercises. This teaching method enables clients to take what they've learned in the classroom and laboratory, and use it in their workplaces. BTI is also a source for customized training programs to upgrade, the skills of companies' existing employees. Contact BTI for further information about designing specialized training at your lab, or at BTI's facilities.

Biotech in Baltimore: The Baltimore area is a great place to locate and grow a biotech company. In addition to its several well-known universities and medical schools, the area offers a rich scientific environment, with major research institutions, and libraries specializing in bioscience and medical engineering. There is also a plentiful supply of workers ranging from entry-level laboratory technicians, to those with post-graduate educations. To learn more about financial and other resources available to local businesses, visit the Department of Business and Economic Development.