Meet Celina Gauthier, the Operational Heartbeat of MTI

When it comes to funding initiatives, the people working behind the scenes are often the unsung heroes keeping everything running smoothly. Meet Celina Gauthier—MTI’s Office Coordinator whose operational expertise and passion for supporting small businesses makes her an invaluable asset to Maine’s innovation ecosystem.

The Small Business Champion

What drives someone to become passionate about supporting innovation? For Celina, it’s not just about groundbreaking technology—it’s about resilience.

“Our communities are filled with people, friends, and families that are doing what they love while trying to make a living,” Celina explained. “Small business owners are the most hardworking people you will ever meet.”

Her appreciation for entrepreneurs stems from recognizing their relentless pursuit of smarter, more efficient operations. Whether through new business models, digital transformation, or unique customer-driven solutions, Celina understands that innovation allows small businesses to stand out and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

A Day in the Life: Versatility in Action

No two days look the same for Celina at MTI. From managing communications and coordinating meetings to processing deposits and streamlining workflows, she ensures operations run efficiently. Her background in healthcare IT, manufacturing, and raising a family has equipped her with valuable skills that translate perfectly to supporting innovators.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve processes, enhance efficiency, and contribute to MTI’s mission,” she said. This continuous improvement mindset is exactly what Maine’s entrepreneurs need from their support organizations.

When asked what excites her about projects crossing her desk, Celina’s answer reveals her people-first perspective, she shared, “I am genuinely excited about projects that focus on improving quality of life, especially through groundbreaking technologies. New innovations that help people walk, see, prevent cancer, help children learn, or mitigate the impacts of climate change affect so many of us.”

This passion was reinforced during a memorable tour of UMaine Orono’s facility, where seeing the world’s largest 3D printer and advancements in nano cellulose technology showcased MTI’s tangible impact on Maine innovation.

Advice for Entrepreneurs: Possibility Thinking

If you’re fortunate enough to interact with Celina when applying for MTI funding, you’ll likely hear her signature advice: “Anything is possible.”

She emphasizes that even if MTI can’t fund a particular project, the team will help entrepreneurs explore other avenues. “Our team goal is to support entrepreneurs and their visions. We use all the tools we have in the box and outside of the box to connect aspiring business owners with the resources they need.”

Maine’s Innovation Future

Looking ahead, Celina sees significant opportunities in Maine’s expanding biomedical incubator landscape. From MDI Biological Laboratory’s Maine Center for Biomedical Innovation in Bar Harbor to the MaineHealth Innovation Center in Portland, these facilities are providing essential resources for startups to thrive.

If she could instantly solve one challenge facing Maine entrepreneurs? Making commercial space in high-traffic areas more affordable for small businesses.

Beyond the Office

When she’s not supporting Maine’s innovators, Celina recharges through outdoor activities—snowmobiling, four-wheeling, watching her daughter at horse shows, and gardening. Her ideal Maine weekend involves fresh fallen snow and deciding where to ride.

Her musical tastes are as versatile as her professional skills, ranging from Hard Rock, R&B Soul Favorites like Aretha Franklin, to good ole boys like Hank Williams Jr. and Waylon Jennings, depending on her mood. And if she could have dinner with any innovator in history? Henry Ford—admiring how his inventions and manufacturing innovations made automobile travel accessible to everyday people.

Through dedicated professionals like Celina Gauthier, MTI continues to strengthen its role as the operational backbone of Maine’s innovation economy—ensuring entrepreneurs receive not just funding, but the comprehensive support needed to transform their visions into reality.