MTI awards $665K for tech-focused development in state

The Maine Technology Institute’s Cluster Initiative Program awarded three organizations in the state $658,765 that will be used to develop technology-intensive clusters in the state.

The three cluster awards from MTI that were met with a contribution of $895,229 from private donations went to:

Coastal Enterprises Incorporated received $134,189 for the Maine Scallop Aquaculture Cluster Project. The proposal was matched by an additional $134,310 to support the effort to capitalize on the opportunity for scallop aquaculture to thrive in Maine by growing the knowledge and technology needed to adapt techniques from the well-established Japanese scallop aquaculture industry.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute received $398,306 for the continuation of the Sustainable Seafood Cluster Initiative. The grant was matched by an additional $398,307 from industry, grants and individual giving to continue its work with seafood harvesting, processing, distribution and sales companies to capture economic benefit from an economically and ecologically sustainable Gulf of Maine fishery.

The City of Ellsworth’s Union River Center for Innovation received $126,270 to support the bioscience cluster. MTI funds will be used to develop an incubator to assist bioscience cluster entrepreneurs in the greater Ellsworth region. The MTI funding was matched by an additional $376,802 from the City of Ellsworth and other private industry supporters.

Two companies also were awarded Tech Start Grants from MTI totaling $5,900. Portland-based Traps Eyewear was awarded $2,100, which was matched by an equal amount from the company. Cape Elizabeth-based MedRhythms was awarded $3,800, which was also matched by an equal amount from the business.

Tech Start Grants are awarded to entrepreneurs and companies across the state that are looking to develop innovative products and services. They can be used for specific developmental activities such as market analysis and intellectual property filings.