Maine businesses, trade associations, and research institutions are invited to apply to MTI for funding to build collaborative initiatives that strengthen their technology industries

The Maine Technology Institute invites proposals by 5 pm on March 26, 2012 for collaborative, industry-led activities seeking to grow Maine’s technology-intensive industries and create good jobs across the state. Funding of up to $500,000 is available (all awards require a 1:1 match). Proposed initiatives can include providing opportunities for a critical mass of businesses to learn from and work with each other, identifying and addressing common skills training needs, sharing of equipment or infrastructure that enables greater innovation and company growth, and/or jointly tackling common challenges or pursuing new opportunities that accelerate industry growth.

“By working together, and with partners such as trade associations or research institutions, Maine companies can overcome the challenges of growing in a rural economy. Together, they can create peer networks and the critical mass of innovation necessary to drive regional business growth,” explained Betsy Biemann, President of MTI.  “Over the years, the CIP program has helped Maine companies in a number of Maine’s technology clusters come together and create efficiencies that help them to succeed at increasing revenues and entering new markets.  We encourage business collaborations to apply for this funding to help tackle their challenges and grow their industry together.”

For an overview of MTI’s Cluster Initiative Program and how to apply for funding, please attend a brown-bag workshop:

February 2 at the Target Technology Center in Orono from 11am-1pm

February 6 at the MTI Offices at Brunswick Landing in Brunswick from 11am-1pm

For detailed information on completing an application, please participate in the webinar on March 6 from 1-2pm.

Contact Patti Sutter at [email protected] or 207-582-4790 x 211 to sign up for workshops and the webinar.

MTI’s Cluster Initiative Program awards up to $500,000 for multi-year initiatives seeking to boost the strength and scale of Maine’s high-potential technology clusters.  Eligible applicants include businesses, trade associations, universities and nonprofit research institutions across Maine.  Program and application requirement information can be found online at www.mainetechnology.org/fund/cluster-initiative-program. Applications for cluster feasibility and planning awards of up to $50,000 may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  All Cluster Initiative awards require at least 1:1 in matching funding.

MTI là một tổ chức tư nhân phi lợi nhuận, được tài trợ công, do Cơ quan Lập pháp thành lập nhằm thúc đẩy hoạt động nghiên cứu và phát triển, hướng đến thương mại hóa các sản phẩm, quy trình và dịch vụ mới trong bảy lĩnh vực công nghệ thâm dụng của tiểu bang. Các chương trình được thiết kế nhằm nâng cao vị thế cạnh tranh của các lĩnh vực này và tăng khả năng một hoặc nhiều lĩnh vực sẽ hỗ trợ các cụm hoạt động công nghiệp và tạo ra việc làm chất lượng trên khắp Maine. Tìm hiểu thêm về MTI tại: www.mainetechnology.org.

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