A new cross-border collaboration is set to connect the technology ecosystems of Maryland and the Kingdom of Jordan. TEDCO, the University System of Maryland (USM), and the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) have partnered with Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship to host a webinar titled “Bridging Innovation: Why Jordan Can Be Your Tech Gateway to the MENA Region.” Originally scheduled for March, the event has been moved to April 6, 2026, at 10 am EST.
The webinar aims to highlight Jordan’s rapid emergence as a premier tech hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Boasting one of the world’s highest concentrations of engineers per capita, Jordan has already become a strategic base for global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Cisco. Attendees will be introduced to “Jordan Source,” an initiative designed to help international businesses leverage Jordan’s unique geographic position—bridging Middle Eastern, European, and Asian markets—to scale their operations.
Key speakers include His Excellency Sami Smeirat, Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall. The discussion will delve into Jordan’s private equity and Venture Capital landscape, showcase local company success stories, and explore how Maryland-based firms can use Jordan as a springboard for regional expansion. This partnership reflects a growing trend of “innovation diplomacy,” fostering economic development through shared technological expertise and investment.
