(From Bangor Daily News) Eight years after she first started growing eels in her basement, Sara Rademaker is about to open the country’s first eel aquaculture production facility. American Unagi has received national attention and adds value to Maine’s $20M annual baby eel fishery. The company's growth and success has been made possible in part by MTI. Read more »
(From Portland Press Herald) Vertical Harvest Maine is under construction in Westbrook. This four-story urban hydroponic farm is designed to employ dozens of workers with intellectual disabilities and produce millions of pounds of microgreens for the area. MTI is an ongoing supporter of the project. Read more »
(From Bangor Daily News) MTI portfolio company, Bookclubs, has raised more than $1 million to add features to its website. The Camden-based business helps readers find other people with similar interests and guides them on how to form and sustain a club either virtually or in person. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) As part of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, MTI recently awarded $23.3 million through the PRIME Fund. Phase 1 of the the program resulted in 174 grants to companies to aid recovery from the pandemic, invest in new products and business lines, attract new customers, and sustain long-term growth. PRIME Fund Phases 2 and 3 are expected to launch in the coming months. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $1.2 million in grant funding to the Maine Space Grant Consortium for final planning around workforce development, business development and external engagement needs for the Maine Spaceport. The EDA funding will be matched by $407,407 in state and local funds. MTI is a supporter of the project. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Maine startup, NaviTour recently launched an online platform connecting independent tour guides and visitors to the state. The South Portland company is focused on broadening visitor experiences outward from congested tourist areas to rural communities, as well as increasing diversity among the people taking and leading tours. MTI grant support aided NaviTour with its pre-seed funding round. Read more »
(From News Center Maine) Running Tide Technologies employs engineers, software developers, and scientists to nurture oysters in a high-tech hatchery. They are focused on developing ecosystem services, including floating kelp buoys designed to capture carbon. MTI provided the company with early-stage funding and SBIR support. Read more »
(From Maine Life Media) Blue Ox Malthouse was recently featured on MaineLife Season 7, Episode 15 - Real Maine. This grain processing facility uses customized technologies to support Maine farmers and producers. The Lisbon Falls-based business has received funding and support from MTI. Read more »
(From PR Newswire) MTI portfolio company, Peaks Renewables is focused on investing in innovative technologies to decarbonize thermal energy. The company is a subsidiary of Summit Utilities, Inc., and recently broke ground on Maine's first renewable natural gas (RNG) dairy digester in Clinton. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Polymer Laboratories and Solutions LLC will take over a Bose business to make sound-damping headset components for the military. Poly Labs will begin immediately supporting Bose’s U.S., NATO and allied military customers with ear cushion replacement parts. The Lewiston-based company has received funding from MTI. Read more »