For Immediate Release
Contact: Joe Migliaccio
Director, Business Ventures
207-588-1013
The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) today announced a total of $580,111 in TechStart, Seed Grant and Development Loans to 29 Maine companies engaged in the development of technology-based products and services in the industries of aquaculture and marine, biotechnology, environmental technology, forestry and agriculture, information technology and precision manufacturing. The MTI funding was matched by $963,607 raised by the recipients.
“We congratulate these entrepreneurs and innovators who are using technology to develop their innovative products or services,” said MTI President Bob Martin. “We look forward to connecting them to resources that will help them grow profitable enterprises. Research shows that resources spent on the creation of new technologies leads to an increase in economic growth.”
MTI awarded $73,495 in TechStart Grants, $221,349 in Seed Grants and $285,217 in Development Loans.
TechStart Grants up to $5,000 support entrepreneurs and companies developing new ideas and new products to bring to market. Seed Grants up to $25,000 supporting entrepreneurs pursuing early-stage research and development activities. Development Loans of up to $500,000 support research and development of new and/or enhanced products, processes or services leading to commercialization. Business Accelerator Grants are available to companies that have recently won federal Small Business Innovation Research Phase I and Phase II grants or are start-up or early-stage companies that have been awarded an MTI Development Loan. All MTI funding require at least a 1:1 funding match.
MTI provided Development Loans to Butterfield Technologies in Portland ($186,337) for development of its Pleurabrade for cardiothoracic surgeons who perform the pleurodesis procedure and Cerahelix in Orono ($98,880) for pilot production and field trials for their ceramic filtration membranes.
“These companies are poised to become world-class in their sectors,” said Bob Martin. “The matching funds raised by this group demonstrate that others recognize these value opportunities as well.”
List of Awards, by Type of Funding:
TechStart Grants were awarded to:
Environmental Technology
Oceanwind Technology, LLC in Waterford for NSF STTR Phase I Proposal Preparation
Submerged Web Foundation (SWF) is a novel approach to overcoming the challenges of making a cost-competitive deep water foundation for offshore wind farms. Preliminary hydrodynamic analysis supported by MTI generated very encouraging results, and the team is preparing to complete the detailed design of the SWF system. This TechStart Grant will allow Oceanwind to apply for the NSF’s STTR Phase I grant program to fund the development of FAST simulation code, and the design optimization based on the simulation results. The expected outcome is completion and submission of the proposal for the STTR grant program under the subtopic A.10.A Sustainable Energy.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $5,200
Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLC in Portland for Hydrodynamic Lift System for OCGen TGU
Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLC will use their TechStart Grant to apply to the U.S. Department of Energy’s SBIR program to develop a hydrodynamic lift system for the OCGen™ turbine generator unit (TGU). ORPC is incrementally developing its technology and moving towards the OCGen™ Power System, deployed as floating TGUs with tension leg moorings. This SBIR project will investigate the development of a system which will provide vertical support for a floating TGU by means of a wing attached to the TGU. This design will lead to the development of hydrokinetic devices with lower capital costs, lower installation costs, smaller footprints and lower environmental impacts.
Amount: $1,500 Match: $1,525
Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLC in Portland for Hydrostatic Bearing for a Hydrokinetic Turbine
Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLC will use their TechStart Grant to apply to the U.S. Department of Energy’s SBIR program to develop a hydrostatic bearing system for the main bearings of ORPC’s advanced design cross flow (ADCF) turbine used in the turbine generation unit (TGU). The hydrostatic bearing will provide a non-contact bearing system between critical moving parts under all operating conditions, reducing the wear rates of the bearing to such an extent that the bearings will not need to be replaced over the full life of the TGU and power consumed by friction in the bearings will be negligible.
Amount: $500 Match: $701
Forestry and Agriculture
Crinaloo in Portland for Bioplastic Manufacturing
Crinaloo will use their TechStart Grant to conduct market research in preparation for the manufacturing of a bio-plastic packaging product (b-ppp), derived from potato starch. As a green product, it is biodegradable; the facility exists to produce this raw material. The agricultural industry currently depends on plastic packaging. In addition, the food industry relies on plastic and/or foam packaging.
Maine has the natural resource of potatoes. This (b-ppp) will generate in excess of 435 jobs in the regions of Maine that need jobs. Orono has been developing this technology; Europe has been utilizing this technology for 25 years. Crinaloo and bio-plastics are an opportunity for a high tech manufacturing industry in Maine.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $38,000
Vital Herd, Inc in Falmouth New Sensor Design IP
Vital Herd, Inc (VHI) is developing the first practical, scalable and comprehensible solution for reducing death loss and feed costs on dairy and feedlot operations. VHI’s solution leverages a proprietary, low-cost and non-invasive inter-rumen sensor. ‘Vital sign’ data is transmitted wirelessly from inside each animal to VHI’s cloud-based analysis program for earlier, improved data-driven health and productivity management insights. VHI will use their TechStart Grant to explore, draft and file new patent applications with the USPTO and, ultimately, in select PCT countries, strengthening VHI’s patent position.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $5,000
Grow-Tech LLC in North Yarmouth for Market Research: Alternative Application Bio Foam
Grow-Tech LLC has developed a novel, biodegradable, plant-based, non-absorbent, impact resistant foam that has the potential of replacing Styrofoam in packaging and other applications. This material was created as a result of research and development of absorbent foams for the horticulture industry. The new foam will utilize the same machinery and similar raw materials as the absorbent foam. Grow-Tech will use their TechStart Grant to fund market and IP research necessary to make business planning decisions regarding the new foam. As a result of data obtained, Grow-Tech can seek further funding whether internally, SBIR grant or Development Loan.
Amount: $4,900 Match: $6,100
Geoffrey Warner Studio in Stonington for Owl Furniture- Wise Seating for Maine
Owl Stool is ergonomically designed for institutional and public use. Chiropractors and therapists report improved postural support and pain relief. Student testing in grades 1-5 reports comfort and provides baseline data for student-productivity research. January 2013 Owl sales quadrupled from January 2012. This TechStart Grant will be used to conduct laboratory testing with US Ergonomics to analyze Owl Stool ergonomic performance by assessing spinal and postural benefits. Economically, Maine-made Owls promote local and regional wood-product, value-added markets; supports sustainable forestry, and foster healthy, productive students and communities.
Amount: $4,900 Match: $4,900
Information Technology
Black Lobster LLC in Yarmouth for Black Lobster Digital Arts Academy for Market Research
Black Lobster Digital Arts Academy is establishing a unique online digital arts school. We utilize emerging technologies, ranging from innovative interactive training on tablet devices to sequenced instructional exercises, designed to accelerate the learning experience. Our students are guided to create portfolios of original artwork to help them access positions in the highly competitive and expanding fields of digital illustration, video game design, entertainment, and marketing. Our goal is to provide the tools and online community to create highly skilled professionals for a future-leaning industry, as we develop an incubation hub for computer graphics in Maine and throughout the region. Black Lobster LLC will use this TechStart Grant to conduct market research in preparation for the launch of its Digital Arts Academy.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $8,980
PJ Coeur LLC in Gorham for User-Generated Content Storage and Publishing System
PJ Coeur™, LLC is entering the online media/communications and custom self-publishing markets. The company’s business model is focused on products and services related to aggregation, storage, sharing, and publication of user-generated content. The company will initially partner with the University of Southern Maine’s Department of External Programs, which will assist in refining the business model and conducting market research in preparation for proof-of-concept/prototype development. Outcomes of this TechStart Grant include market quantification, approach to market entry, and prioritization of technology development projects (i.e. “minimum viable product”) in advance of an MTI Seed Grant application and possible equity financing opportunities through Maine’s Top Gun Program.
Amount: $2,000 Match: $2,925
LifeKite in Portland
LifeKite is a web-based platform that allows users to maintain collections of cloud-based images and data tied to their life goals. LifeKite will use their TechStart Grant to market research to discover whether our value proposition hypothesis is correct: people have life goals and would use an online social tool to track and share them in exchange for receiving offers for goods and services relevant to those goals. The project outcome would be a Market Analysis Report, a market-informed product development and business plan, together with trademark protection.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $10,975
Introspective Systems LLC on Peaks Island for Architectural Programming Focus Group
Revenue for the sustainable Architectural design industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 22.7% totaling 23.3 billion by 2017. The SIMplexity suite addresses the need for “informed sustainable design” tools and exploits this growing market. SIMplexity Launch Pad application assists architects in the systematic evaluation during pre-design of the interrelated values, goals, facts and needs of a client’s organization then “informs” the sustainable design process in later design stages. This TechStart Grant will be used to conduct a focus group of architectural professionals seeking information about the detailed features and function of the product by observing the architectural process in the office.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $6,760
Patient Performance Institute in Portland for Home Health Care Patient Assessment Tool
The Patient Performance Enhancement Test (PET) is a patient self-assessment tool that allows health care providers to identify the non-medical factors affecting a patient’s ability to follow medical instructions and achieve the best outcome. The Patient Performance Institute has already developed a version of the PET for hospitals and is now beginning research on the possible extension of a special version of PET for home health care organizations. This TechStart Grant will be used to help PPI conduct market research and develop a business plan for the new home health version of the PET.
Amount: $4,095 Match: $4,375
Freeport Metrics, Inc. in Portland for Floral Design Software
Freeport Metrics will use their TechStart Grant to create a web and mobile enabled visual estimating tool to be used by event and/or wedding floral coordinators, and their clients. This new software will address difficulty of having to collaborate remotely between floral designers and their clients while offering the ability to make use of easy to use images. The TechStart Grant enables Freeport Metrics to complete market research, assess the competitive landscape, verify the customer demand, create sketches of the concept, and develop a business plan.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $6,060
Mobile Magic LLC in Westbrook for Augmented Reality Market Research
Mobile Magic is developing augmented reality social marketing apps for use on smartphones and future mobile platforms. The first of such products, Marqi, lets users create virtual art and leave their mark on the world wherever they go. Mobile Magic will use their TechStart funding to utilize the resources provided by USM’s Campus Ventures program for local market research. The focus will be on identifying early adopter customers and initial functional requirements of the software.
Amount: $1,200 Match: $1,200
Precision Manufacturing
Parent Technology Group, LLC in Windham for Business Plan Development for Photovoltaic Textile
Photovoltaic textiles convert sunlight to electrical power while maintaining the useful mechanical properties of a fabric. Parent Technology Group and the University of Southern Maine have developed innovative technologies that resolve these difficulties, enabling improved electrical performance. A PCT patent application has been filed and a full US patent application is in process. This TechStart Grant will fund market research and a business plan to bring this new technology to market.
Amount: $4,900 Match: $4,900
Bitzy Baby, LLC in Brunswick for Bitzy Baby Breathable Infant Bedding Patent
Bitzy Baby ™, a juvenile safety product company founded by parents Whitney and Seabren Reeves, is partnering with a multi-national company to commercialize, through licensing, its Bitzy Bumper™ breathable infant bedding technology. This revolutionary product, a 2011 JPMA Innovation Award Finalist, has been scientifically tested by Intertek International and proved to have a 30x less suffocation hazard and 10x less CO2 re-breathing hazard than the industry standard established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This MTI TechStart funding will support global patent protection, which will enable Bitzy Baby to revolutionize and shift the paradigm of the infant’s sleeping environment.
Amount: $5,000 Match: $34,046
Amount: $5,000 Match: $ 5,000
VisionMaster, Inc. in Scarborough for VisionMaster Business Plan
VisionMaster, Inc. creates 3D non-contact sensor systems which use Structured Light Scanning (SLS) technology, a technology that is exponentially more precise than laser-triangulation technology. VisionMaster President Shahzan Kirmani has been creating machine-vision systems for twenty years. Two years ago, Mr. Kirmani founded VisionMaster, Inc. and has engineered revolutionary new sensor systems for Solder-Paster Inspection (SPI), a quality-control application used by Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturers. With representatives around the world, VisionMaster is poised to attract outside funding. VisionMaster will utilize this TechStart Grant to create a comprehensive business plan for presentation to potential investors, grant and loan officers.
Amount: $4,550 Match: $5,022
Seed Grants were awarded to:
Aquaculture and Marine
Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education in Machias for Developing a Reliable Source of Blue Mussel Seed
The success of Maine’s farm-raised, suspended mussel industry depends on the quantity of microscopic, swimming larvae that settle naturally onto ropes hung from floating rafts each spring in coastal embayments. This is a “hit-or-miss” scenario at best, and in recent years, the industry has suffered from high spatial and temporal variability in wild seed production. This Seed Grant will be used to pilot-scale investigation of hatchery methods with the goal of producing a consistent and reliable source of cultured blue mussel seed for farmers. Field trials in eastern Maine to follow the fate of hatchery seed will complement the hatchery effort.
Amount: $25,000 Match: $25,043
Biotechnology
The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor for Albumin KO in FcRn Models
A major bottleneck in drug development is access to appropriate animal models which accurately reflect the human condition. For albumin-based drugs the current best mouse model needs to be further engineered as mouse serum albumin masks the properties of human albumin therapeutics. This Seed Grant will be used to generate a new model by inactivating mouse albumin with better relevance for preclinical studies using advanced genetic engineering tools. JAX will directly market this new model, via sales and licensing to scientists worldwide. They expect its rapid acceptance, as such a model is critical for producing superior preclinical data for FDA submission for human albumin therapeutics.
Amount: $25,000 Match: $27,765
Forestry and Agriculture
Peter Bragdon, Sole Proprietor in Vassalboro for Hay Fire Log Development
This agricultural technology project converts waste hay into fire logs, creating value with a sustainable product that is carbon-neutral after one growing season. Seed Grant funds will be used to file a nonprovisional US patent on the invention, test fire log emissions and residue, and manufacture prototype logs. Work completed will pave the way for manufacturing and marketing in 2013.
Amount: $8,345 Match: $11,270
Dirigo Gas, LLC in Portland for Dirigo Renewable Gas
Dirigo Gas, LLC (“Dirigo”) aims to develop an anaerobic digestion technology that converts biomass and pulp waste streams into pipeline quality renewable natural gas (RNG) for the transportation sector. This will allow Maine to use its indigenous assets to become the “Saudi Arabia” of RNG and therefore take advantage of the natural gas to transportation boom. This Seed Grant will be used to partner with the Gas Technology Institute to conduct technological and economic analysis of converting wood-based waste streams into RNG with the goal of determining the optimal configuration at specific Maine locations.
Amount: $ 12,500 Match: $17,500
Information Technology
HistoryIT, LLC in Portland for Archives Tree Development
This Seed Grant will be used to support the completion of HistoryIT’s web software ArchivesTree ™ version 1.0. This software will allow managers of historical collections to easily and efficiently organize, catalog, and share their collections. ArchivesTree™ fills a void, meeting technological and archival needs of cultural institutions facing limited software options. MTI’s support will allow ArchivesTree™ to complete development, and thus begin user testing and further product refinement. HistoryIT estimates that at least 100 customers will adopt ArchivesTree™ during 2013 and plans to grow the customer base of annual subscriptions each year, growing the company and its support services in Southern Maine.
Amount: $25,000 Match: $38,924
Tide Creative in Portland for Tide Creative iSPYLove Platform Development
Tide Creative is working to change the way people experience weddings and take advantage of the steep curve in demand for mobile photo applications. The project will be built with PHP using CodeIgniter as platform framework, which will allow the crowdsourcing of photos and digital notes at a wedding. Tide Creative will also be building out the mobile iOS component of the application with ObjectiveC, which interacts with the platform. This Seed Grant will be used to develop a working photo platform and mobile application that Tide Creative will be able to leverage into sales through the iTunes App Store.
Amount: $15,000 Match: $15,000
Wireless Sensors, LLC in Falmouth for Advanced Analytics for Data Center Cooling Systems
Wireless Sensors, LLC is the manufacturer of the patented SensiNet wireless sensor system providing vital environmental information for the optimization of cooling systems in data processing centers. This project supports collaboration with Aware Technology and the National Science Foundation’s Center for Advanced Knowledge Research (CAKE) to integrate Aware’s advanced analytics engine into the SensiNet platform and validate the system though controlled studies in cooperation with CAKE and an industry partner. These combined technologies will allow the world’s data centers to reduce operating cost and increase reliability.
Amount: $25,000 Match: $47,000
Beach Glass Transitions, LLC in Portland for TransitionKey Development
TransitionKey is an online tool for Maine caregivers of elders transitioning into senior care services. It does for caregivers what TurboTax does for taxpayers. TransitionKey was created by Beach Glass Transitions, a team of Senior Care Advisors with more than 40 years combined experience in the senior care industry. This Seed Grant will be used to contract with programmers and a web commercialization consultant to build, launch, and beta test version 1.0 of the website, pursue IP protection, and prepare for future funding. Ultimately, BGT will take TransitionKey nationwide, but will remain Maine-based, creating local jobs and stimulating the economy.
Amount: $15,230 Match: $15,230
Flux Integration LLC in Buxton for FluxIDE Beta Testing
FluxIDE™ is an integrated development environment for designing and manufacturing electro-mechanical systems. FluxIDE™ provides functionality and efficiency to any market which designs and manufactures physical components. Their focus is on agile small businesses and entrepreneurs who are attempting to design and manufacture a product in-house. This Seed Grant will be used to execute the beta testing process.
Amount: $25,000 Match: $68,200
Precision Manufacturing
Bellwether Design Technologies, LLC in Biddeford for Structural Glass Skylight Development Phase 2
Bellwether Design Technologies is developing a structural glass skylight system called Insight, to deliver significant cost savings and superior performance benefits to commercial building owners. In keeping with current trends and requirements for high energy efficiency and environmental building practices, Insight skylights will deliver improved thermal performance, acoustical attenuation properties, and dramatically superior aesthetics, all at a lower costs for purchase, installation and maintenance. The Insight system is designed with Bellwether’s unique combination of twenty years of experience in the development of skylight systems, as well as proven expertise in successful business development and new product rollouts. This Seed Grant will focus on laboratory testing of prototype mockups.
Amount: $20,774 Match: $20,656
Pantheon Guitars in Lewiston for Pre-Aged Acoustic Guitars
Pantheon Guitars has obtained a market leading opportunity in use of thermally aged (torrified) wood for acoustic guitar tops. Combined with a unique finish, these guitars are now widely acclaimed. This exclusive for the U.S. will end in Jan 2013 as the supplier of this wood will sell to others. This Seed Grant will be used to improve torrifaction processes in-house and obtain process patents for a novel set of parameters in order to maintain quality control, product differentiation and to defend profit margins. Pantheon will also improve the bracing and finish process required for our Aged Tone finish.
Amount: $24,450 Match: $38,350
Development Loans were awarded to:
Biotechnology
Butterfield Technologies, LLC in Portland for Pleurabrade™ Commercialization
Butterfield Technologies, LLC intends to commercialize and market its patented medical device, the Pleurabrade™. This exclusive technology is part of the biotechnology sector and will fill a need for cardiothoracic surgeons who perform the pleurodesis procedure. To date, intellectual property rights have been procured through the USPTO. A working prototype has demonstrated safety and efficacy. Sterilization and validation protocols have been established and an FDA pre-market notification application has been submitted.
This Development Loan from MTI will support the following: Mold-building and tooling set-up costs for the first (beta) batch run, manufacturing, sterilization and packaging, the required validation of the sterilization procedure, initial research and development and legal activities for market expansion, and office and insurance expenses during the first year of sales. This is the first of several product launches planned by Butterfield Technologies.
Amount: $186,337 Match: $187,000
Environmental Technology
Cerahelix in Orono for Pilot Production and Field Trials
Cerahelix produces ceramic filtration membranes with a pore size less than a nanometer capable of removing contaminants ten times smaller than other ceramic membranes used today. Demand for filtration products in this range is growing due to increased regulations for product purity, rising energy costs and competition for freshwater resources. The global market for nanostructured products used in industrial filtration was estimated at $1.4 billion in 2010 and is expected to grow to $2.2 billion by 2015. Emerging nanotechnology products are the fastest growing segment of this filtration market with an expected CAGR of 20+%. Ceramic materials are expected to outpace the more mature polymer material market by 2:1 during that time.
Cerahelix membranes have higher throughput and efficiency than other nanofiltration membranes and with a far broader range operating range (temperature and pH) plus a longer expected operating life than polymer alternatives. These key attributes translate directly to dramatic cost reductions for industrial customers while still providing attractive margins. The Cerahelix helix-NFM™ filtration technology has applications across a wide range of industrial processes and can deliver significant cost savings to customers in the biorefinery, food and beverage, and point-of-use water treatment industries.
Amount: $98,880 Match: $300,000
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is a publicly-funded, industry-led, non-profit corporation that provides competitive grants, loans and equity investment to help grow technology-intensive companies and generate high-quality jobs across Maine. More about MTI at:
www.mainetechnology.org.
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