Meet Tom Kittredge: Finding Purpose in Maine’s Innovation Ecosystem

In our ongoing series exploring the people who drive Maine’s innovation economy, we spotlight Tom Kittredge, a Senior Investment Officer at the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). With over five years at MTI, Tom brings a unique background in international educational exchange and social entrepreneurship to his role supporting Maine’s innovators and entrepreneurs.

Tom’s journey to MTI wasn’t a direct path but was guided by a passion for mission-driven work. After spending his 20s in international educational exchange, including five years at the Council on International Exchange in Portland, he had a pivotal experience facilitating a leadership program focused on social entrepreneurship.

“Watching young people from across the world develop their own social enterprises was inspiring,” Tom explained, describing how this experience catalyzed his decision to pursue an MBA at IESE Business School in Barcelona, focusing on entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Upon returning to Maine, Tom connected with dozens of people in the state’s entrepreneurial community. “Everyone kept mentioning MTI,” he recalled, and fortunately, there was an open position available when he was ready to dive into Maine’s innovation scene.

A Day in the Life

Ask Tom about a typical workday, and “varied” is the first word that comes to mind. From meeting with new businesses to following up on existing projects, evaluating funding applications, conducting site visits, and planning the monthly Maine Accelerates Growth (MxG) meetings, no two days are quite the same.

This variety seems to suit Tom perfectly, especially given his background in diverse fields like international education and outdoor education at the Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset. These experiences instilled in him a desire to work for a mission-based organization.

“I love knowing that my job is working toward improving the livelihoods of Maine people,” he shared.

Creating a Future for Maine’s Youth

What keeps Tom excited about MTI’s mission? Creating quality jobs across the state—particularly ones that encourage young people to build their futures in Maine.

“When I graduated college, I was initially dubious about returning to Maine because I was not sure that there were interesting job opportunities available,” Tom said. “In the past decade or so, so many incredible Maine startups have been created, and I am hopeful that young people see a future for themselves in Maine at these companies.”

Reimagining Heritage Industries

When reviewing applications, Tom is particularly drawn to companies that have a new spin on Maine’s heritage industries.

“There are so many amazing companies in MTI’s portfolio working in the Blue Economy, be it by creating more sustainable materials, improving best practices in aquaculture, or figuring out ways to adapt to a warming Gulf of Maine,” he said.

During his five years at MTI, Tom has witnessed remarkable transformations. “Some of my most exciting moments have been watching companies scale from just an idea to a thriving, profitable company,” he said. “Several of my earliest portfolio companies have recently completed their Series A fundraising round, which is a very exciting milestone.”

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Tom’s consistent advice to innovators is to be thoughtful about how you use your funds.

“I have seen many instances of companies pouring many tens of thousands of dollars into creating their initial product, only to realize that it does not meet their customers’ needs,” he said. “I always recommend that entrepreneurs spend significant time conducting research and customer discovery prior to even starting on their prototype.”

He added that “remaining flexible and adaptable in the face of customer feedback—even if it means dramatically pivoting from your original idea—is key to long-term success.”

Life Beyond the Office

When not supporting Maine’s innovators, Tom stays active with soccer, pickleball, long bike rides, swimming, and the daily New York Times crossword. He also enjoys cooking and crafting cocktails. 

Tom’s favorite Maine experiences involve canoeing, sea kayaking, hiking, and long bike rides. His ideal weekend? A camping trip up to Flagstaff Lake and a hike of Mount Bigelow.

For local dining, Tom recommends Pai-Men Miyaki, and his current streaming favorites include “Andor” and “Shrinking.” Literary fans might find him with John le Carré’s “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” on his nightstand.

Through his work at MTI, Tom Kittredge embodies the connection between Maine’s storied past and its innovative future, helping entrepreneurs translate their passion into sustainable businesses that strengthen communities across the Pine Tree State.