Waterville accelerator picks lineup of 12 startups

(From Mainebiz) Twelve startups have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Dirigo Labs accelerator program in Waterville, including some MTI portfolio companies. The program will run through mid-June, culminating with a pitch event. Read more »

UMaine picks four teams for commercialization accelerator

(From Maine Startups Insider) The University of Maine’s Foster Center for Innovation recently selected 4 teams to participate in the Maine Innovation Research and Technology Accelerator (MIRTA) program. The MIRTA program is supported by MTI and the University of Maine System Research Reinvestment Fund. Read more »

$6M in grants to boost Maine’s forest industry

(From Bangor Daily News) MTI will administer $6 million in grants to more than 200 forestry companies in Maine. The Forestry Recovery Initiative will help bolster rural logging and trucking companies that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Read more »

Maine aerospace company successfully tests unique new rocket engine

(From WMTW) Recently Brunswick-based, bluShift Aerospace, successfully tested a full-scale version of its new rocket engine. The engine is 8 feet long and powered by a non-toxic, carbon-neutral, bio-derived solid fuel. The successful test makes way for the next suborbital rocket, Starless Rogue, and orbital rocket, Red Dwarf. MTI is an ongoing bluShift supporter. Read more »

Portland-based renewable energy company to expand into Millinocket

(From Mainebiz) Portland-based Ocean Renewable Power Co. (ORPC) will partner with Our Katahdin to create a river-driven power system testing facility at the former Great Northern Paper Mill site in Millinocket. The system will be designed to generate electricity from river and tidal currents. MTI has been a consistent funder and supporter of ORPC since its inception. Read more »