The Maine Technology Institute has awarded more than $272,000 to 14 companies as seed grants for early-stage research and development, according to a press release. Seed grant recipients are:Advanced technologies for forestry and agricultureMaineAsia LLC, Portland Award: $25,000; Match: $62,000The company is looking to test its composite solar photovoltaic greenhouse and develop a new, cost-effective […]
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The Maine Technology Institute has awarded more than $272,000 to 14 companies as seed grants for early-stage research and development, according to a press release. Seed grant recipients are:
Advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture
MaineAsia LLC, Portland
Award: $25,000; Match: $62,000
The company is looking to test its composite solar photovoltaic greenhouse and develop a new, cost-effective design using the University of Maine's bridge-in-a-backpack technology.
Farming Fungi LLC, Sanford
Award: $24,990; Match: $61,087
The company is developing technology to grow organic culinary mushrooms, and will use the grant to develop software and control systems.
Aquaculture and marine technology
RAS Corp., Brunswick
Award: $23,872; Match: $24,442
The company will test the second phase of its prototype system that removes waste from a tank storing black sea bass using sandworms instead of mechanical filtration.
University of Maine, Orono
Award: $20,100; Match: $27,860
The university is developing fish vaccines for aquaculture uses.
Composite materials technology
Falcon Performance Footwear, Auburn
Award: $18,705; Match: $18,800
The company will work with UMaine's Advanced Manufacturing Center and TexTech of North Yarmouth to develop a production system for puncture-resistant bi-fit, a type of insole. The company currently sources the bi-fit from outside the United States, but is looking to insource production by the end of the year.
Environmental technology
Count and Crush LLC, South Portland
Award: $25,000; Match: $39,000
The company will develop the second generation of CLYNK, a can and bottle recycling and redemption operation. It plans to develop a new customer interface system, lowering barriers to usage as well as cost, with the ultimate goal of launching nationwide.
SeaChange Group LLC, Cape Elizabeth
Award: $24,654; Match: $28,250
The company will develop a prototype Eco-Hybrid fuel processor, which reduces emissions in diesel engines. Second Award: $17,465; Match: $34,590. The company will use its second award to test a high-speed diesel engine testing platform through a partnership with Maine Maritime Academy and its Bucksport facility.
University of Maine, Orono
Award: $13,085; Match: $16,360
The university is developing a sensor for chemiluminescence detection of pollutants like nitrates and THMs for aquaculture and drinking water treatment.
Information technology
Zylo Media LLC, Portland
Award: $25,000; Match: $44,200
The company is developing a mobile application of its BoodleUP digital marketing platform, following a successful testing of its web version in the Portland market.
MTK Technology Group LLC, Gorham
Award: $25,000; Match: $37,453
The company is working with Maine Maritime Academy to develop a system to control hazardous electrical energy, called Lockout-Tagout.
VetEnvoy Inc., Portland
Award: $16,700; Match: $49,500
The company is working on phase II for its software hub that connects veterinary clinics that includes a telemedicine transfer protocol to allow sharing of diagnostic images.
Precision manufacturing technology
Howell Laboratories Inc., Bridgton
Award: $25,000; Match: $27,250
The company is developing a broadband low-power FM broadcast antenna.
Bellwether Design Technologies LLC, Biddeford
Award: $24,994; Match: $25,581
The company is developing a structural glass skylight system with improved thermal performance and energy efficiency, with a lower cost.