Maine Technology Institute

06/08/2026

What helps entrepreneurs take the first step?

Through the Expanding Maine's Innovation Ecosystem pilot, Maine Technology Institute partnered with seven organizations across the state to better understand how entrepreneurs, workers, students, and communities connect to Maine's innovation economy—and where support can make the biggest difference.

With more than $387,000 awarded, these pilots expanded access to business planning, workforce development, technology training, peer networks, community events, and regional partnerships. Together, they showed there is no single pathway into innovation—and that trusted local organizations are essential to helping people get started.

Explore the pilot's impact and what these efforts reveal about strengthening Maine's innovation ecosystem. Read more here: https://www.mainetechnology.org/updates/expanding-maines-innovation-ecosystem-building-new-pathways-for-entrepreneurs/

30/07/2026

🌱 Another strong year for Maine innovation! 🌱
As MTI closes the book on fiscal year 2026, we're reflecting on another year of investing in Maine's innovators, businesses, and research institutions to strengthen the state's economy.
Here's a snapshot of the impact:
✅ More than $39 million in funding awards across Maine
✅ $741 million in private sector matching funds—a 19:1 private-to-public investment ratio
✅ 23 Maine Technology Asset Fund 3.0 awards supporting transformative research and infrastructure
✅ 1,233 new jobs created and 2,700 jobs retained
✅ Continued investments in Maine's life sciences ecosystem and strategic innovation initiatives
Thank you to the entrepreneurs, researchers, partners, and organizations who continue to drive innovation across our state. We look forward to reconnecting this fall in the Bangor region and sharing more exciting updates.
👉 Read the full update here: https://www.mainetechnology.org/updates/summer-reflections/

Greetings!  I hope you all had a pleasant Semiquincentennial holiday weekend and managed the heat and humidity.   After a slow start and a cold spring, as our friends from Glidden Point Oyster tell us in their update, “the water has turned that nutrient-rich summer emerald, seed is growing in th...

16/07/2026

🌲 Maine’s forests have long been an economic driver, and WholeTrees Structures is creating new opportunities by transforming regional timber into sustainable, high-value building materials for commercial construction.

🚀 Supported by Maine Technology Institute through Business Innovation Funding and MERC, -trees-structures launched its Ashland facility, created 15 new jobs in Aroostook County, expanded its sales pipeline by more than 30% in its first year, and is helping strengthen Maine’s forest-based economy through innovation.

📖 Read the full Innovation Spotlight to learn how WholeTrees is turning underutilized forest resources into durable structural timber for projects across the country while creating jobs, supporting rural communities, and advancing sustainable construction: https://www.mainetechnology.org/impact/innovator-spotlight/wholetrees/

15/07/2026

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Free AI training for Maine businesses through MERC AI!

If you’re a Maine-based business ready to innovate, this opportunity is for you.

Here’s what’s included:
• Up to 3 Coursera licenses per business
• Unlimited access to Coursera’s GenAI course catalog
• Self-paced learning designed around your business goals
• Courses for all levels—from AI fundamentals to advanced applications

No prior AI experience required. Just be Maine-based and ready to put AI to work.
Supported by MTI and the USM School of Business. Space is limited.

Apply now: https://www.mainetechnology.org/explore-funding-programs/maine-entrepreneurial-resource-corps-merc/merc-ai/

14/07/2026

Meet Maria Forney, Chair of the IT Technology Board at Maine Technology Institute. With a career spanning technology, strategic partnerships, and sustainability, Maria brings deep experience helping innovators grow and turn bold ideas into lasting businesses.

💡 "I've always been inspired and energized by people who are creating something new."

As Chair of MTI's IT Technology Board, Maria helps evaluate funding opportunities and guide investments that strengthen Maine's innovation economy. She believes the strongest companies pair great technology with customer insight, strong leadership, and thoughtful ex*****on.

Outside of MTI, you'll find Maria swimming, hiking, sailing on Penobscot Bay, gardening, or enjoying a sunset on the Maine coast with family and friends.

👉 Learn more about Maria here:https://www.mainetechnology.org/updates/behind-the-scenes-with-maria-forney/

09/07/2026

🚀 Maine Accelerates Growth Monthly Meetup

Entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators — this is your community!
Join us every third Thursday, 11 AM – 12 PM (ET) for an hour of connection, inspiration, and insight from Maine startups and the organizations fueling their growth.

What to expect each month:
🚀 Startup spotlights & founder stories
💡 Presentations from ecosystem partners
📢 Updates from MTI + DECD
🤝 Networking with Maine’s innovation community

📅 Next meetup: Thursday, July 16 | 11 AM – 12 PM ET

🔗 Join us on Zoom:
Meeting ID: 885 1364 7732 | Passcode: 141648

03/07/2026

The 2026 Federal Funding Summit is here! Join us in Waterville on July 16th to learn how to navigate SBIR/STTR opportunities, connect with agency experts, and strengthen your funding strategy.

🪴What you'll gain:
How to identify the right Agency for your technology or idea
Overview of more than $4 billion in federal research and development funding opportunities
Navigate program requirements and develop strong, competitive applications
Understand agency priorities, topics, and proposal expectations
Access pro-bono Maine assistance, research partners, and commercialization resources
Opportunities to discuss your innovation and research needs in 1:1 meetings with agency representatives

If you find a fit with a specific Agency and don’t’ know where to start, attend this Summit – and the TAP team can help! With pro bono support from MTI’s TAP team, companies have a higher chance of being funded

📍 Greene Block + Studios, Waterville
📅 July 16, 2026
💲 Free to attend (space is limited)
Registration now open: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-federal-funding-summit-tickets-1988643999736

Check out the flyer for more info:https://www.mainetechnology.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Federal-Funding-Summit-edited.pdf

29/06/2026

🎓 “Don’t be afraid to deviate from your intended path to pursue a more emergent opportunity if it presents itself,” - Brian Whitney

MTI President Brian Whitney delivered the commencement address to graduates of the Roux Institute, encouraging the Class of 2026 to embrace unexpected opportunities and stay grounded in the values that matter most.

✨ His advice:
✅ Be accountable
✅ Prioritize the people you value most
✅ Practice gratitude
With 350 graduates representing 25 countries and more than 70% choosing to remain in Maine, the Roux Institute continues to strengthen Maine’s innovation economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

📖 Read more about Brian's remarks and the Roux Institute's largest graduating class to date: https://news.northeastern.edu/2026/06/14/roux-institute-commencement-ceremony-2026/

25/06/2026

🌱 MTI's innovation ecosystem is thriving this summer! 🌱
As we enjoy these longer, sun-filled days, we're reflecting on a season of connection, collaboration, and momentum across Maine's innovation community.

Here’s what’s happening:
✅ A successful MTI Networking & Portfolio Event with more than a dozen portfolio companies and a packed room of innovators, supporters, and community leaders
✅ Continued progress at the Maine Life Sciences Center, including active advisory board committees and planning for shared lab and clinical research investments
✅ Registration is open for the Federal Funding Summit on July 16, offering guidance on federal funding opportunities and access to free support from MTI’s TAP team

We're grateful to everyone who joined us this spring and look forward to gathering again this fall in the Bangor/Orono region.

👉 Read the full update here: https://www.mainetechnology.org/updates/june-momentum-building-relationships-advancing-innovation/