Innovation Ecosystem Development Details

Who Should Apply?

Am I Eligible for Innovation Ecosystem Development Funding?

The Innovation Ecosystem Development Program aims to spur projects and programs from new and established organizations serving innovative startup businesses in Maine. Organizations not currently based in Maine are eligible to apply; however, all grant awards must be directed toward Maine-based projects/programs that benefit entrepreneurs in Maine. Applicants need to demonstrate how their project/program will support innovation and provide a catalyst for startup companies as they scale and grow in the state.

Your organization may be considered eligible for an Innovation Ecosystem Development Program grant award if:

• You have developed or have plans to develop and implement a project/program that serves Maine’s startup business community.
• Your proposed project/program supports innovation in one or more of MTI’s seven technology sectors.
• Your organization has funding available to match 1:1 the amount requested from the Innovation Ecosystem Development Program Fund. 
• Your organization is – or will be – registered with the Maine Secretary of State corporate registry before award funds are disbursed.
• Your organization can describe how its proposed program complements existing resources in Maine.

How Much Funding Can I Request?

The maximum award amount will not exceed $500,000. MTI Funding requests must be matched at least 1:1 with additional funds committed on behalf of the applicant organization.

We encourage collaborative efforts on proposed projects/programs; however, any particular organization can only serve as the primary applicant for one Innovation Ecosystem Development Program application.

Multi-year awards will be considered, and MTI reserves the right to tranche awards based on project/program milestones and performance vs. plan.

What Can I Use Innovation Ecosystem Development Funds For?

Funds must be used to implement the proposed project/program identified in your Application Word document. Your plan should directly support innovation and startup businesses in Maine’s technology sectors.

All project funds (MTI and matching investments) should be directed toward efforts that have not yet been completed: these funds are not meant to serve as reimbursement for prior expenditures.

Suggested expenses may include, but are not limited to:

• Payroll costs and expenses for existing or new hires
• Business-related equipment purchases
• Startup costs for new projects/programs

Step 1-Complete your paperwork

Use the Application Word Document to provide all the information requested. Download the Application Word Document, answer all the questions, then save the file.

You must also compile electronic files for all the required documents in our checklist below.

Application Checklist

Before you access MTI’s Online Application Portal, you will need the following documents ready for upload.

1. Completed Application Word Document
2. Signed and dated W-9 Form (Access a blank W-9 Form HERE )
3. Income Statement (or NPO Statement of Activities) for 2024 & YTD-2025
4. Current Balance Sheet (or NPO Statement of Financial Position)
5. Supporting documents (optional): letters of support, market data, team resumes, etc.

Step 2: Submit your application documents online

MTI has recently upgraded to a new online application portal.  All applicants will be required to create a new online account with a valid email address and register their organization in our new online portal database.

Once you have completed your Application Word Document and compiled all required financial documents in the checklist above, you must submit your application information through MTI’s new online portal.

The link to upload your application materials to MTI’s Online Application Portal is on Page 1 of the Application Word document.

The online application form will require that you enter specific data regarding your organization and then upload all required electronic files. 

We estimate that you will need at least 30 minutes to complete the online application form, enter all required data, upload all required electronic files, sign the electronic disclosures, review your online form and complete your online application submission.

You can save an incomplete online application form and return to complete it later; however, you must return to complete your online application submission by the application deadline date — incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

MTI recommends completing the online application in one sitting, after you have compiled all required items noted above.

What If I Need Help With My Application?

For questions regarding this program, please contact Tom Kittredge at: [email protected].

We attempt to respond to all emails within 24 hours.

What Happens After I Apply?

You should receive a confirmation email shortly after your application has been submitted.

After the application deadline, each application will be evaluated by our ecosystem review team.

As part of the review process, MTI staff may contact applicants for additional information or clarification. The total amount of awards will be dependent upon the total number of Innovation Ecosystem Development Program Fund applications received and the aggregate scoring from all reviewers.

Scoring will be based on the following four categories of assessment:

1. Alignment with MTI mission:  Economic impact for Maine
2. Team
3. Value Proposition and Market Need for the proposed program here in Maine
4. Implementation plan

There will be two rounds of scoring. Applicants who advance to the second round of the competition will pitch to MTI’s Board of Directors during the month of August. MTI will work with these applicants to find a convenient time for this pitch session, which will take approximately thirty minutes, including Q&A.

All applicants will be notified via email regarding award determinations.  MTI plans to notify all applicants of funding decisions no later than September 30, 2025.

If your organization is selected for funding, MTI staff will work with you to compose the award agreement customized to specify measurable project deliverables, a finalized project budget, and an award payment schedule. We anticipate initial award payments will be made by Q4-2025.