Startup Maine Week & other updates!

Greetings!

April showers bring May flowers, so we have high expectations for May, which is right around the corner. With it, comes our in-person event on May 21, as part of  Startup Maine Week.  Come and visit some of our innovative portfolio companies from 4:30-6:30 pm – the event is free but we ask that you register online. Looking to exhibit? This is a great opportunity to showcase your business and connect with industry leaders. If you are interested in exhibiting, please complete this form by April 18. We look forward to seeing you in person.

MTI is preparing to launch a $2.75 million funding solicitation to attract or develop a life sciences incubator in southern Maine. This facility would provide access to specialized equipment, infrastructure, and support services for companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs who need lab space but don’t have the resources to build it themselves. These spaces can spark innovation and collaboration, especially in fields like life sciences and biotechnology. To help us accurately assess demand, we have a brief survey  (~5 mins) for various audiences. Please help us with this exciting project by completing the survey. Community members survey ici; prospective tenant survey ici; academic, research institute, or organization that spins out startups survey ici. Thank you in advance for taking the time to assist us with this important and impactful endeavor!

Finally, starting this spring, we are offering free AI training through our Maine Entrepreneurial Resource Corps (MERC) program for Maine businesses. MERC-AI helps Maine businesses build foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore how it can support day-to-day operations. Through a partnership with Coursera, MTI is offering free access to curated AI courses designed with small businesses and entrepreneurs in mind. Eligible businesses can apply for up to three Coursera licenses, each providing four months of access to Coursera’s GenAI catalog. The content includes beginner-friendly introductions and more targeted learning paths for marketing, finance, customer service, and other business functions. Licenses are available through Spring, 2026, but space is limited. Stay tuned for more information….and for those May flowers.

–Brian