Maryland Students Awarded Scholarships Through Pava LaPere Innovation Awards

The annual awards recognize the state's most promising young entrepreneurs.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Some Maryland students are receiving recognition and financial support through the Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards. The scholarship program, held on Thursday night, awarded $50,000 scholarships to the state's most promising young entrepreneurs. The awards are named after a former tech CEO who was killed in 2023, and aim to empower and advance the careers of undergraduates in the Greater Baltimore area.

Why it matters

The Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards highlight the importance of nurturing and investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By providing both financial resources and recognition, the program seeks to support the development of innovative ideas and business ventures that can drive economic growth in the region.

The details

The Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards were established to honor the legacy of Pava LaPere, a former tech CEO who was killed in 2023. LaPere was known for his commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs, and the scholarship program continues that mission by awarding $50,000 scholarships to Maryland's most promising student entrepreneurs. In addition to the awards, the LaPere family also announced the creation of the Pava LaPere Student Entrepreneurship Foundation, a nonprofit focused on advancing the careers of undergraduates in the Greater Baltimore area.

  • The Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards were held on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Pava LaPere, the tech CEO for whom the awards are named, was killed in 2023.

The players

Pava LaPere

A former tech CEO who was killed in 2023. The Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards were established in his memory to empower young entrepreneurs.

Frank LaPere

Pava LaPere's father, who spoke about the excitement and motivation of the student entrepreneurs at the awards ceremony.

Pava LaPere Student Entrepreneurship Foundation

A new nonprofit organization established by the LaPere family to advance the careers of undergraduates in the Greater Baltimore area.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing just the excitement and the vibrancy of these students. How they are so motivated about their ideas and the way they present. You can just feel their motivation and excitement to want to turn these things into viable businesses.”

— Frank LaPere, Pava LaPere's father (98online.com)

What’s next

The Pava LaPere Student Entrepreneurship Foundation will continue to provide support and resources to undergraduates in the Greater Baltimore area, building on the momentum of the annual innovation awards.

The takeaway

The Pava-LaPere Innovation Awards demonstrate the power of investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By providing both financial resources and recognition, the program aims to nurture the development of innovative ideas and business ventures that can drive economic growth in the region.