Elements of this interview sourced from Quick Bits - July 2026 Quantum Startup Foundry Newsletter
Behind every successful startup is more than a great idea. There are mentors, advisors, and experienced professionals who help entrepreneurs navigate the challenging journey from concept to commercialization.
One of those leaders is Rob Cohen, Program Manager with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) at the University of Maryland.
As part of Mtech, Cohen helps support early-stage technology companies commercializing university-developed innovations while serving as a regional instructor and mentor for the NSF I-Corps Mid-Atlantic Hub. His work focuses on helping faculty-founded startups survive one of the most critical stages of business development—from customer discovery through securing their first round of venture capital.
With more than 30 years of experience developing products, services, and technology solutions across healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences, Cohen brings both technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight to every company he mentors.
Prior to joining Mtech, Cohen served as Director and Product Developer for a biotechnology startup, where he developed innovative approaches to managing biological and clinical data while overseeing clinical trial operations. Earlier in his career, he was a Product Development Manager at the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Institutes of Health.
His educational background reflects that same multidisciplinary mindset, holding bachelor's and master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering along with an MBA—all from the University of Maryland.
An inventor on more than 30 issued and pending U.S. patents, Cohen continues to help innovators transform promising technologies into scalable businesses that can positively impact communities and industries alike.
Getting to Know Rob
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cohen believes success is built on discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, his answer was immediate:
"Take more risks. You have no financial responsibilities. Do something off the wall. Try something. Be wrong—it's okay, you have a safety net. Just do something really cool."
His philosophy also extends into the workplace.
"My wife has a T-shirt that I love," Cohen said. "It says, 'Nobody cares, work harder.'"
Among his biggest workplace pet peeves are laziness and unnecessary penny-pinching.
"If we go out for lunch, we're not going to argue over who had the bigger meal—we just split it," he laughed.
The part of his work that energizes him most is seeing entrepreneurs grow.
"Participating in the I-Corps program at Mtech," he said. "I get to see the light bulb go on for our participants, and then six months later when I check in with them, they've figured out the issues we worked through together. Making a difference energizes me."
Outside of work, Cohen is a private pilot, an avid baseball fan, and a competitive cook.
If his home were ever on fire, after ensuring his family's safety, he'd first save his family's computers, followed closely by his wife's treasured collection of family photographs—or his cherished recipe book.
And if he ever won the lottery?
"I wouldn't tell anybody," he joked. "I'd want to remove financial stress for my family without changing our lifestyle."
His longer-term vision, however, reflects the same commitment to helping others that defines his professional career.
"I'd like to become a philanthropist—particularly supporting programs that educate students and empower young women to become contributing members of society."
Building the Innovation Economy
Leaders like Rob Cohen play an essential role in strengthening Prince George's County's innovation ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs move breakthrough ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace.
Through organizations like Mtech and partnerships throughout the County, innovators are gaining access to mentorship, commercialization resources, and entrepreneurial support that continue to position Prince George's County as a destination for technology, research, and startup growth.
As the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation continues supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, professionals like Cohen demonstrate that successful ecosystems are built not only on great ideas—but on experienced mentors dedicated to helping others succeed.