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MTI's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) team can help you secure federal funding for your innovation

Monthly Blog Post from MTI''s President, Brian Whitney

TAP team assistance is free and can be utilized to help Mainers win a portion of $3.7 billion in available funding.

Each month in MTI''s eNews, we provide information on federal grant solicitations in the "SBIR/STTR Solicitations" section. SBIR and STTR are acronyms that stand for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. There are 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program and 5 agencies that participate in the STTR program. On an annual basis, approximately $3.7 billion is made available from the programs to support our nation''s innovators.

We apprise Maine innovators of these funding opportunities each month to educate and encourage them to seek the grants and to highlight the fact that MTI can assist them in securing the awards through our free Technical Assistance Program resource. 

Success Story of the Month

MedRhythms: Harnessing the healing power of music

Each year, over 2.5 million people in the United States suffer a stroke or traumatic brain injury. MedRythms has earned accolades, advocates, patents, and some significant outside investors since relocating from Boston to Maine. See how this Portland-based company is pioneering the use of Neurologic Music Therapy and wearable sensors to improve patients'' quality of life.

What''s Going on in the Ecosystem

Big Gig Virtual Pitch-Off: Supporting Maine entrepreneurs by awarding a total of $5000!

Big Gig''s mission is to support local, Maine entrepreneurs, and on July 28 they will host a virtual, COVID-19 Edition Pitch-Off.  To qualify, small businesses and start-ups must have pivoted their businesses, recognize an opportunity to pivot their business but can''t currently afford to do so, or have created a business in response to the needs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovators will pitch their business or business idea to an audience and panel. Because of a generous grant from Machias Savings Bank the top three finalists will win a total of $5000. First place $2500; Second place $1500; Third place $1000. Applications are due by July 14.

To learn how to participate and sign-up go directly to the Big Gig website.

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Pandemic poses unique challenges for Portland-area startups

The software startup KinoTek had a virtual reality and kinesiology focus, but shifted from sports to digital health when the pandemic changed potential clients' interests.

Waterville startups focus on college experience

Easy Eats received $10,000 and Sklaza received $5,000 in software development grants from MTI. Both were founded by Colby College students.

Gorham textile designer wins 'Greenlight Maine' $100K prize

Textile designer Erin Flett''s victory comes on the heels of a new collaboration between L.L.Bean and the company she started in her basement.

Portland biotech firm gets $500K loan from MTI

Portland biotech company ImmuCell Corp., makes preventive health products for beef and dairy cattle. The company received a $500,000 loan from MTI to help boost its production capacity.

UMaine med device spinoff Neuright receives $225K tech transfer award

Neuright Inc. was formed as a result of the team's participation in the first cohort of the UMaine Innovation, Research and Technology Accelerator program (MIRTA). The startup has also received funding and support from MTI.

Two Maine startups get into national cleantech accelerator program

Both the Yarmouth-based company BaselineES, and Foothill Fuels of Portland have been admitted into a national accelerator program which has helped some of the country''s leading early-stage clean technology companies succeed. MTI will cover the costs for both Maine participants.

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Another Strong Year of Investing in Yankee Ingenuity

Monthly Blog Post from MTI''s President, Brian Whitney

As mentioned previously, since March the Maine Technology Institute has been actively implementing measures to ensure that Maine''s innovators and startup businesses are getting the support and assistance they need to get through this chanllenging time. With the support of MTI''s Board of Directors, we altered our funding process in March to allow us to be more responsive and helpful to bolster innovative Maine companies.

We liberally offered loan deferments and restructures to existing clients and infused new funding and investments into Maine entities. We also expedited decisioning related to COVID-19 mitigation solutions so that those innovations could get to market rapidly. Many MTI companies have made amazing operational pivots in response to the pandemic, shifting production to make personal protective gear, hand and surface sanitizer, face masks, and even toilet tissue. 

To demonstrate the impacts of those measures, MTI experienced another strong year of investing in Maine businesses and entrepreneurs. In FY20, which ended on June 30, MTI deployed $9.6 million across 140 distinct projects throughout Maine. That''s up from $9.3 million in FY19.

Success Story of the Month

Maine Grain Alliance: The new movement in a millennia old industry

In recent history, the key to success in agriculture has been size and scale. The businesses that can grow quicker, process more and distribute widely have been the winners. The Maine Grain Alliance is challenging that notion, and they're making a convincing argument. Their effort to build small, local grain economies is winning the hearts, minds and appetites of discerning bakers, brewers and consumers.

What''s Going on in the Ecosystem

Maine Angels raises $2.4M fund to invest in startups

Maine Angels announced it has raised $2.4 million from local angel investors to create a pooled investment fund to invest in early-stage, high-growth companies. The fund will seek to invest in 12 to 15 companies over the next two or three years with a target of at least 50% of those companies based in Maine and at least 25% owned, founded, or led by women. Click here for information about how to apply to the new fund.Enter body content here

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Renewable energy partnership boosts Millinocket mill site redevelopment

The former Great Northern Paper mill site in Millinocket is making improvements. An $837,000 loan from MTI helped fund the infrastructure buildout.

Startups, downtown activity are now central to the central Maine economy

A record $125 million-plus invested in downtown Waterville has catalyzed local economic growth. Colby and Thomas colleges, Kennebec Valley Community College, MTI, and Bricks have contributed to the boom.

HighByte creates board of directors, including new independent chair

This Portland-based industrial software startup recently formed a Board of Directors to provide perspective and guidance on the company's ongoing strategic direction. Matthew Hoffner of MTI has joined the board as an observer. MTI participated in the company''s $875,000 pre-seed funding round.

A force of nature in Maine''s startup scene

Startup Maine serves as a convener, educator and catalyst of Maine's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organization aims to reach "startup curious" people and grow the talent pipeline. There are numerous resources available and access to capital - including CEI, Maine Venture Fund, and MTI.

Startup launches skincare brand using lobster glycoprotein

Amber Boutiette and Patrick Breeding co-founded a company called Dermarus, and Marin Skincare is its first product brand. The product blends lobster glycoproteins with other ingredients to treat dry skin conditions. Dermarus has reived $30,000 in grant funding from MTI and Libra Foundation.

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SPACE IS FOR EVERYBODY

Monthly Blog Post from MTI''s President, Brian Whitney

Maine SpacePort Complex Boosted by EDA Funding Announcement this Morning

Christa McAuliffe, the first American civilian to go into space, once said that, "Space is for everybody. It''s not just for a few people in science or math, or for a select group of astronauts. That''s our new frontier out there, and it''s everybody''s business to know about space."

Given that the American space industry has shifted from strictly government-led projects to private industry missions to capitalize on, among other things, the deployment of lower cost small satellites, her words are perhaps more poignant than ever.

This morning, Dana Gartzke, Assistant Commerce Secretary, and Kevin O''Connell, Director of the Office of Space Commerce, were in Brunswick to announce a momentous federal funding award to the Maine Space Grant Consortium to develop a strategic plan to establish the Maine SpacePort Complex.

You know, in 2018, MTI worked with USM''s Dr. Terry Shehata and provided a $50,000 grant to the Maine Space Grant Consortium to conduct a feasibility - and market demand - study for a spaceport that would focus on the growing global nanosatellite market and become the foundation of a new space economic cluster, building on existing economic activity and attracting new companies to utilize its unique capabilities.

That study led to some widely supported state legislative deliberations this year seeking to establish the Maine SpacePort Complex Leadership Council.

Today''s exciting funding announcement from the EDA, along with a matching funds commitment from MTI, provides the necessary resources to establish a stratgic plan for the Maine SpacePort Complex.

Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program: Phase 2

September 22 - October 23, 2020

Maine''s Path To Recovery: In addition to the threat to public health, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the global business environment, causing severe supply-chain disruptions, reduced consumer spending, and unprecedented losses that are felt across all sectors. U.S. industries are no exception, with hospitality, tourism, retail, restaurants and bars, entertainment, manufacturing and countless others facing a host of new challenges and barriers that disrupt operations and impede growth. Here in Maine, the closure of the Canadian border, the stoppage of cruise ships, and reluctance of people to travel have impacted our economy, from agriculture to fisheries, to retail, recreation and hospitality sectors.

The State of Maine plans to use CARES Act relief funding to help our economy recover from the impacts of the global pandemic by supporting Maine-based businesses and non-profit organizations through an Economic Recovery Grant Program. The funding originates from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund and will be awarded in the form of grants to directly alleviate the disruption of operations suffered by Maine''s small businesses and non-profits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has been working closely with affected Maine organizations since the beginning of this crisis and has gathered feedback from all sectors on the current challenges.

Last week the Governor and the Commissioner of the DECD announced the opening of Phase 2 of the program that will provide grants to more businesses and larger businesses in the state (vs. Phase 1). If you have already applied for a grant as part of Phase 1 last month or earlier in September, you will be hearing very shortly if you are recieving a grant. If you have not applied yet, this is a great opportunity to receive support from the state and the federal government that authorized the CARES Act.

A list of the eligibility requirements and a link to the online application can be found on the DECD website. Your MTI investment officer can provide some additional information as well. Please apply if you feel you qualify for assistance and please do so as soon as possible before the cut-off date of October 23, 2020.

Success Story of the Month

Running Tide: Fighting climate change with kelp

From forest fires raging out West to warming ocean waters here in Maine, the news is filled with constant and countless reminders of climate change. As its impact becomes more immediate and intense, solutions must be more innovative and bold. Read about the Maine startup with an ambitious plan to remove billions of tons of carbon from our atmosphere and bury it deep in the ocean.

What''s Going on in the Ecosystem

UMaine I-Corps Program Opens to Teams Outside the University

The University of Maine I-Corps Program is a good first step in exploring the commercialization potential of a novel technology and provides grant funding for customer discovery. 

This six week program includes a full-day boot camp followed by weekly one-on-one coaching sessions. Team ideas or projects can originate from student work, research, institutional, or industrial projects. Topical focus of a project must be in the area(s) of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Innovations in the humanities, business, social sciences and interdisciplinary fields are also eligible if there is a technology application. Assistance forming teams is also available.

The fall cohort begins on October 2 and is now open to non-UMaine teams. Click here to apply.  

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MTI Announces Awards of $2.16M to Support 10 Innovative Projects that will Create and Retain Over 1600 Jobs

Funding from the MTAF2.5 Program will create and retain over 1,600 jobs across the State of Maine from the north (Limestone and Madawaska), south (Springvale), and east (Eastport), as well as points in between (Brewer, Brunswick, Lisbon, Thomaston, Waldoboro and Westbrook).

Island Institute wins $300K contract to roadmap Maine's marine economy

The Maine Technology Institute and FocusMaine awarded the Rockland-based Island Institute a $300,000 contract for spearheading an industry-wide roadmap to grow Maine''s marine economy. The nonprofit advocacy and policy organization will serve as program director for SEAMaine.

New UV light sanitation device designed in Saco

Sales for UV light sanitizing devices have skyrocketed. With a big boost from MTI, there''s a new device in the works, backed by research, from the Saco Industrial Innovation Center that could be used to clean objects in schools, workspaces, and so much more.

Lyman Morse, American Unagi receive grants from Maine Technology Institute

Lyman Morse, in Thomaston was awarded $140,000 and American Unagi, in Waldoboro received $175,000 as part of the Maine Technology Asset Fund 2.5 (MTAF2.5) program. They were among 10 businesses receiving grants from MTI.

Two Maine organizations awarded federal innovation accelerator grants

Waterville''s Central Maine Growth Council and Portland-based Maine Center for Enterprise Development have been awarded grants that support creation of rural innovation hubs including a startup accelerator, Dirigo Labs. The award is in addition to matching funds, including a $300,000 grant from MTI.

Maine business relief grants launch; federal help sought for state, local governments

A second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program for small businesses and nonprofits was launched. MTI is leading the application review and financial disbursement of up to $5 million dedicated to support businesses less than a year old, in its sectors. Applications are due by October 23.

Lewiston-Auburn teachers' literacy app wins statewide Top Gun pitch-off

The 2020 Top Gun Showcase top prize went to Lewiston Middle School teacher Michelle DeBlois and Auburn Middle School teacher Kathryn Lariviere.The $25,000 award provided by MTI will help continuing development of the literacy app, ReMo, designed to aid teachers with tracking students'' progress.

After winning $225K grant, Orono startup moves ahead with ocean-friendly drink lid

Paramount Planet Product was awarded a $225,000 National Science Foundation grant through the SBA''s Small Business Technology Transfer program. MTI''s technical assistance team, led by Karen West, helped with everything from choosing the right funding to completing the application.

Help us spread the news!

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In a Year of Tumult and Challenges, There's Much to be Thankful for

Monthly Blog Post from MTI''s President, Brian Whitney

2020 has unquestionably been rife with health, economic and societal challenges unlike any most of us have experienced in our lifetimes. And, while the past year is one that many would like to forget, it is prudent that, with the Thanksgiving holiday at hand, we reflect and appreciate how well we as a state and nation adapted, innovated, persevered and transcended. 

The year certainly started off on a high note when David Roux announced a $100 million investment to create a graduate education and research center in Portland. His bold vision for the Roux Institute will help shape talent and venture creation across Maine for years to come. We thank him for his intrepid generosity and foresight. MTI looks forward to closely collaborating with the Roux Institute as it delivers its new model of graduate education and research that will "spur innovation, build talent, and drive economic growth" in the State of Maine. 

Once the coronavirus crept into Maine, there was an obvious chill that gripped the business community due to the uncertainty. However, as Mainers often do, our entrepreneurs and businesses responded with vigor. Over the past year, there have been innumerable examples of Maine''s dreamers and doers stepping up to tackle the formidable challenges. MTI portfolio companies like STARC Systems, Flowfold, JAX and Hyperlite Mountain Gear, to name just a few, pivoted their operations to help meet the needs of their fellow Mainers during the pandemic. They deserve our recognition and appreciation.

In early October, the Harold Alfond Foundation announced that it was making an unprecedented $500 million investment in Maine and its institutions to "enhance the skills of the state workforce, promote innovation and entrepreneurial solutions, and strengthen the state''s infrastructure." The funding was allocated across eight entities including the UMaine System, Roux Institute, University of New England, Thomas College, FocusMaine, Colby College, Waterville Creates, and JAX. We applaud the Harold Alfond Foundation for its transformational commitment to Maine and its future.

Speaking of Maine''s future, the members of the Governor''s Economic Recovery Committee, an impressive assemblage of private and public sector leaders, has been meeting regularly since the spring to develop recommendations that will help Maine''s economy stabilize, sustain and grow. I commend them for their extraordinary efforts and thank them for the prudent recommendations they released this week. 

Top Gun 2021

Applications are Open!

Top Gun accelerates the progress of Maine''s most promising early stage, high-growth potential companies through a combination of mentoring, learning sessions, and community. The highly selective Top Gun program will accept about 40 companies in total, approximately 10 companies in each of the 2021 regional locations: Portland, Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn and Waterville.

In addition to submitting a short online application, prospective companies to the program will be required to submit a pitch deck and present a live pitch to the interview committee.

For dates, curriculum topics and more, visit the Top Gun page on the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs website.

Success Story of the Month

Friday: Responding to the rise in remote work

A few years ago, Luke Thomas moved back to Maine while he continued to work remotely for his employer in Boston. Being part of a distributed team inspired him to create online tools that made it easier to communicate and collaborate with co-workers. See how, with MTI's help, he turned these tools into a software company that just raised $2.1 million.

What''s Going on in the Ecosystem

The USDA Forest Service is Currently Accepting Applications for $10 Million through Grant Programs

The 2021 Wood Innovations Grant and the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant seek to support local economies through wood products and wood energy innovations while reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health.

More specifically, the Wood Innovations Grant program aims to strengthen emerging markets for innovative wood products. Projects that qualify would increase wood products manufacturing capacity, strengthen markets supporting forest ecosystem restoration as well as develop commercial facilities for wood biomass and wood products. Applications for the 2021 Wood Innovations Grant are due by January 20, 2021.

The goal of the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant program is to support forest health by increasing renewable wood energy and innovative manufacturing for wood products. Applications for the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant are due by February 3, 2021.

 Click here to learn more about these grant programs.

MTI Team Spotlight

Amy Leshure, Senior Investment Officer

In what year did you join the MTI Team? 2019

What is your favorite aspect about your role with MTI? It is a great honor to work with such inspiring, knowledgeable and hardworking entrepreneurs. I love helping business owners any way I can.

How do you enjoy spending time when not at work? I have a degree in Botany, so I love to garden. If you give me a seed, I will sprout it and probably turn it into a houseplant. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I would be having a coffee on a sidewalk in Paris.

Share something most people don''t know about you. I experienced a real volcano eruption in the next town over while I lived in Japan. The Earth shook for 4 days straight!

True or False. Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself, so our readers can guess which is false! (1) I am a descendant of Charlemagne. (2) I have used a Flamethrower. (3) I am trained in Hypnosis.

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Company plans biorefinery for zero-emission heating oil in Maine

Biofine Developments Northeast Inc. of Bangor has formed a partnership with New Hampshire-based wholesale energy supplier Sprague Resources LP to help produce and market a patented biofuel. The company was awarded a $750,000 grant from MTI to support commercial development.

Small businesses from Hancock, Washington counties vie for pitch-off prize

Five small businesses from Hancock and Washington counties will pitch their plans for the chance to win up to $8,000 in cash and in-kind services. The program aims to encourage, engage and create community for Downeast entrepreneurs.

Tech startups sought for Roux Institute residency program

As Northeastern University''s Roux Institute sets out to turn Portland into a technology and life sciences "innovation hub," the academic center is launching a residency program for startups focused on those and other areas. The program is set to formally kick off in January 2021.

Maine small businesses that won stimulus grants to start getting checks next week

Some 2,400 Maine small businesses and nonprofits that won a first round of federal pandemic stimulus grants will soon begin receiving checks. The grants are being awarded in two rounds by the state of Maine as part of the federal CARES Act. MTI and other organizations are reviewing applications.

For EBM Implant Manufacturer, Growth Is Built into the Plan

Amplify Additive, a startup founded in 2018 in Scarborough, Maine, focuses on additive manufacturing via electron beam melting (EBM) for the orthopedic implant industry. President, CEO and founder Brian McLaughlin recognizes that being ready to scale will be key to the success of his business.

Portland tech entrepreneur urges Maine investors to be better startup 'ambassadors'

As part of Startup Maine''s new virtual speaker series, Torey Penrod-Cambra encouraged Maine-based investors to grow their professional networks and expand their familiarity with other parts of the investment world. She also highlighted Maine organizations offering support such as MTI, mvf and FAME.

In Portland, MedRhythms and Roux Institute team up on research, talent development

MedRhythms Inc., a Portland-based medical technology startup, is teaming up with Northeastern University''s Roux Institute to generate strategic research collaborations, internships and cooperative work opportunities for Roux Institute graduate students.

Maine to give out another $54M in small business grants

As part of Phase Two of the federal CARES Act, more than 1,200 small businesses and nonprofits in Maine will soon learn if they won economic recovery grants. Nearly $54 million in checks will be coming in mid-December.

Portland remote-work startup raises $2.1M to fund further growth

Friday, a Portland-based developer of a communications platform for remote-work teams, recently raised $2.1 million in venture capital funding. The firm plans to use the funds for hiring, product development, sales and marketing and general costs. Friday received funding from MTI in prior years.

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MTI''s FY20 Annual Report Released

Organization deploys $9.6 million across 140 distinct projects, leveraging $58 million in private sector matching funds

As 2020 mercifully comes to a close, it is my pleasure to release the Maine Technology Institute''s fiscal year 2020 (FY20) annual report. MTI''s fiscal year began in July of 2019 and concluded on June 30, 2020. It was a year that started with great promise and fervor as we planned to celebrate Maine''s bicentennial and our own 20th anniversary and ended with our organization surmounting challenges associated with a global pandemic to bolster and support Maine''s entrepreneurs and technology-based businesses.

MTI experienced another strong year of investing in Maine businesses and entrepreneurs. In FY20, MTI deployed $9.6 million across 140 distinct projects throughout Maine. That''s up from $9.3 million in FY19. And, perhaps more importantly, MTI''s funding leveraged more than $58 million in private sector matching investment (6:1 private/public funding ratio).

Nearly half of the money we deployed in FY20 went out when Maine businesses needed it most, from March to the end of June during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. During that period, MTI awarded $4.67 million to support innovative Maine companies -- including those that pivoted to offer COVID-19-mitigation solutions -- and that funding was matched by almost $22 million in private sector matching funds. 

Created by the Legislature and Governor in 1999, MTI has now disbursed $280 million in nearly 2,950 distinct projects across the State of Maine, and that funding has leveraged well-over $1 billion in matching investment. The economic impacts generated as a result of those investments over the past 20 years are worth celebrating.

Briana Warner Wins 2021 Leadership Award for Business Leadership

Atlantic Sea Farms

CEO, Briana Warner rebranded Ocean Approved, Inc. as Atlantic Sea Farms and was the first commercially viable business to introduce domestic, fresh seaweed products to the marketplace. The Saco-based company fosters an underwater, regenerative crop that reduces the acidity of local waters and absorbs significant amounts of carbon. 

The Specialty Food Association presented Briana with the 2021 Leadership Award for Business Leadership. This award honors "influential and innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming the specialty food industry". 

Ocean Approved, Inc. received Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) support from the MTI Technical Assistance Program (TAP) team. Visit the MTI website to learn more about the expertise, guidance and free services our TAP team provides Maine small businesses seeking funding.

Success Story of the Month

Fresh Chemistry: Breaking out of the beauty industry's stale approach

When Nisha Dearborn moved to Maine, she found herself being more active and healthy, including being more mindful of using fresh ingredients in the meals she prepared for her family. Using fresh ingredients for food inspired the longtime beauty industry marketer to take a similar approach with skincare. Learn how Nisha, with help from MTI, launched a skincare company all around the idea of shopping "fresh".

What''s Going on in the Ecosystem

Helping Women Entrepreneurs Succeed in Innovation and Technology

Propeller is a free, six-week course which offers guidance for women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds who want to build their businesses and tackle challenges in the tech field. Technology and innovation are essential to Maine''s economic future, and both are difficult fields for women to enter and be successful. "Entrepreneurship is a path to self-reliance. We created Propeller to provide the structure necessary to help women test their ideas, find their first customers, and become business owners," said Anna Ackerman, program developer at CEI Women''s Business Center and Propeller instructor.

Operated by CEI Women''s Business Center and Tortoise Labs, this hands-on course provides aspiring women with an introduction to customer research and product development. It also helps create a network which supports women in tehcnology. Enrollment is currently open for cohorts beginning in January 2021.

Learn more and register for the Tuesday Cohort or the Wednesday Cohort.

MTI Team Spotlight

Barb Ford, Lending and Grant Associate

In what year did you join the MTI Team? 2019

What is your favorite aspect about your role with MTI? I love watching a huge variety of great ideas come to fruition creating companies and jobs in Maine. 

How do you enjoy spending time when not at work? I love being on the water and racing our sailboat with my husband and playing in the snow in the winter with our dog, Lily. 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I''d like to go to Scandinavia in the winter to see the northern lights, but I might have a different answer if you ask me in February or March. 

Share something most people don''t know about you. I once jumped the shark like Fonzie on Happy Days, sans the shark. 

True or False. Tell us two truths and a lie about yourself, so our readers can guess which is false! (1) My grandfather was a friend of Chief Joseph''s son as a boy. (2) My husband is a descendent of Henry Ford. (3) My 5th great grandfather fought with Washington at Valley Forge. 

Last month''s True or False answers: Amy Leshure has used a Flamethrower and is trained in Hypnosis. However, she is not a descendant of Charlemagne.

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Tourism, hospitality businesses in line for $40 million in state relief

Applications for the Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Recovery Grant Program will be available beginning December 2, 2020 and will be processed through the state''s Department of Economic and Community Development. Eligible applicants may be awarded up to $20,000.

Founder Forum: Nisha Dearborn of Fresh Chemistry

Based on the idea that - like food - fresh skincare products are best; Fresh Chemistry is leading the way in a new category of skincare products which require a bit of assemble. The company was awarded a $25,000 grant from MTI.

Josh Kim Named CMGC 2020 Emerging Leader of the Year

The 2020 Emerging Leader of the Year award was presented to Josh Kim, Founder and CEO of The Cubby (Sklaza LLC). Josh is the first college student entrepreneur to receive this award. The Waterville-based startup received a grant from MTI to help support expansion across college campuses.

Brewer business' focus on locally roasted coffee line a lifesaver during pandemic

Coffee Hound Coffee Company re-imagined its business model putting it on a path to success amid the challenges of 2020. Learn how the Brewer-based company utilized valuable resources available for entrepreneurs including Top Gun, Big Gig, and UpStart.

On the Record: For Torey Penrod-Cambra, co-founder of HighByte, success is more than an idea

Torey Penrod-Cambra, co-founder and chief marketing officer at Portland-based industrial software startup HighByte, discussed how HighByte began and what lies ahead in 2021. She highlighted resources available to entrepreneurs in Maine including MTI.

New cookbook promotes Maine's burgeoning farmed scallop sector

"Recipe Ideas for Farmed Sea Scallops" is a new cookbook co-authored by Marsden Brewer and Marnie Reed Crowell. Funded in part by MTI, the publication is part of a three-year initiative to further develop scallop farming efforts in Maine.

Students get hands-on lesson about upcoming rocket launch from Maine

Students from Challenger Learning Center and the YMCA learned about the upcoming bluShift Aerospace rocket launch and were given a kit to build their own paper rocket and launcher run by air power.

Cerahelix Relocates Corporate Headquarters, Consolidates Operations at Bangor Innovation Center

Cerahelix, Inc., a leader in the development and manufacture of disruptive ceramic nanofiltration membrane products, has relocated. The new Bangor headquarters facilitates coordination of all key functions as well as plans to accelerate commercialization of the company''s products.

Help us spread the news!

Send your press releases, events and news to info@maintechnology.org