FREDERICK, Md. - The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) and Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) are proud to announce that Cytomos, a biotech innovator based in the United Kingdom, has officially launched its U.S. expansion through the Maryland Global Gateway program. The company established its U.S. operations in March in Frederick, Maryland, and welcomed Cailyn McNeil as its first Maryland-based team member to spearhead growth and engagement in the state.
“Cytomos’s decision to join the Global Gateway program underscores the strength of Frederick County's biotech sector. The swift move to establish a presence here highlights the robust resources and support we offer to international companies looking to expand," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "We are proud to welcome Cytomos to Frederick County and look forward to seeing the company thrive in our community."
To celebrate these milestones and connect with the regional biotech community, Cytomos hosted a Networking & Device Demonstration Event on Wednesday, July 16th at FITCI’s Ballenger Center Drive facility in Frederick. The event highlighted the company’s breakthrough device for high-throughput cell and gene therapy applications.
“Maryland’s blend of technical talent, supportive biotech infrastructure, and access to U.S. research funding makes it the perfect launchpad for Cytomos’s expansion,” said David Rigterink, CEO of Cytomos. “The Maryland Global Gateway program offers a strategic framework that enables us to accelerate commercialization and collaboration. We’re excited to deepen our roots here and partner with organizations like FITCI to bring our novel gene therapy tools to the U.S. market.”
That confidence is shared across state leadership, including the Maryland Department of Commerce. “Cytomos’s arrival is a testament to Maryland’s global reputation in life sciences,” said Jessica Reynolds, Senior Director of the Office of International Investment & Trade. “They bring innovation, jobs, and global partnerships—exactly the kind of high-impact company our Global Gateway program was built to support.”
As part of their U.S. entry, Cytomos is also participating in FITCI’s Soft Landing Program, which provides international companies with mentoring, infrastructure, and resources to reduce barriers to U.S. market entry.
“We are excited to welcome Cytomos to the FITCI ecosystem,” said Kathie Callahan Brady, CEO of Maryland’s EDGE – FITCI. “Their fast-track launch and deep community engagement reflect a real commitment to growth and innovation. We’re honored to support their U.S. expansion.”
About Cytomos:
Founded in the UK, Cytomos develops advanced automated systems for high-throughput cell and gene therapy applications. Their patented device dramatically improves consistency and scalability in cell processing workflows—a critical step toward making next-generation therapies more accessible and affordable.
About Maryland Global Gateway:
Maryland’s Global Gateway program attracts foreign direct investment in key sectors including biotech, cybersecurity, cleantech, and more. It offers inbound companies support with site selection, talent acquisition, connecting to local ecosystems, and navigating regulatory requirements. For more information please visit, https://commerce.maryland.gov/softlanding or contact Abisola Ude, Global Gateway Program Manager abisola.ude@maryland.gov.
About FITCI’s Soft Landing Program:
The Soft Landing Program from FITCI provides international companies with critical infrastructure, mentoring, and market-entry resources to establish a U.S. presence. The program accelerates integration into Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, offering a low-risk, high-support entry point for global ventures.
About Frederick County Office of Economic Development:
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development is a catalyst for economic growth in Frederick County. The agency’s mission is to sustain, diversify and grow Frederick County’s vibrant economy by providing leadership and resources for businesses to start, locate and expand. For more information, visit http://www.discoverfrederickmd.com.
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CONTACT: Britt Swartzlander, Communications Manager
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
301-600-1056