(From Offshore Energy) Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) recently signed a contract with Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program to initiate a modular RivGen power system demonstration project in the Lower Mississippi River. The product is being developed in Millinocket and can potentially provide power to EV chargers and support alternative fuels production. MTI has been a consistent funder and supporter of ORPC since its inception. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Ocean’s Balance is importing a kelp dryer that could process 30,000 pounds of seaweed in a single day. The Biddeford-based company makes edible seaweed products, and the ability to increase the drying capacity could position Maine's seaweed industry to become a major economic driver. MTI provided Ocean's Balance with early-stage support. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Sea Bags designs and makes totes and accessories crafted from recycled sails. This spring, the company is adding shops to its multi-state retail footprint, bringing the grand total to 50 Sea Bags stores with a presence in 15 states. MTI has provided the Portland-based company with ongoing support. Read more »
(From SeafoodSource) Land-based eel aquaculture farm, American Unagi, has opened its new 27,000 square foot facility for business. The facility uses a recirculating aquaculture system to raise elvers to adulthood in indoor tanks. The growth and success of the Waldoboro company has been made possible in part by MTI. Read more »
(From centralmaine.com) Tyler Technologies recently broke ground on a new office building in Orono. MTI's President, Brian Whitney stated, "The Orono location gives the company exposure to UMaine students and a potential pool of new employees. Tyler already runs educational programs such as an app development competition in Maine middle and high schools. Tyler is definitely a shining star” among the state’s technology companies. Read more »
(From Mainebiz) Kingfish Co. is making preparations to build a recirculating aquaculture system facility in Jonesport this year. The facility expects to create 70 full-time jobs at the site once it becomes operational. MTI provided the company with early-stage support for facility development. Read more »
(From PR Newswire) Prapela, Inc., was recently awarded a grant through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Blueprint MedTech program and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), to support the development and evaluation of Prapela's pad to treat apnea in preterm newborns in collaboration with neonatologists at Tufts Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The grant is expected to provide $3.5M over 3 years. MTI awarded funding to the Biddeford-based startup to help support its breakthrough medical device. Read more »
(From WMTW News) Hussey Seating ended the year with its largest sales total in the 188 years it's been operating. The North Berwick-based company is an innovation center that produces spectator and audience seating. MTI provided support to Hussey Seating through the Maine Technology Asset Fund 2.0. Read more »
(From Bangor Daily News) Springworks Farm uses aquaponics to produce around 2 million heads of organic lettuce annually and up to 200,000 pounds of tilapia. Aquaponics is a hybrid of hydroponics and aquaculture. The company plans to break ground on its fourth greenhouse and make 40 additional hires once it's completed. MTI has provided funding and support to the Lisbon-based business. Read more »
(From Portland Food Map) MTI portfolio company, Vertical Harvest, plans to hire a team of 40–50 employees to operate its greenhouse. Nearly half of those positions will be filled by people with intellectual and physical disabilities. The company aims to reduce barriers to meaningful work and offer opportunities for economic independence. The 70,000 square foot urban greenhouse will begin its first harvest next year. Read more »