The Roux Institute has created an “innovation” partnership with a bank designed to help “cultivate tech talent, advance entrepreneurship and foster research that drives economic growth in Maine.”
The banking partner is M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB), which is based in Buffalo, N.Y., and has 18 locations in Maine.
“This initiative will further position the Roux as a vibrant hub for students, local entrepreneurs, community partners and residents, offering programming that spans the blue economy, business preparedness and student-led innovation,” said Phil Cohen, M&T Bank’s regional president in Maine.
Roux Institute, which is based in Portland, is part of Northeastern University.
The M&T Charitable Foundation will support the Roux Institute’s Entrepreneurship & Venture Creation initiatives, which are focused on building workforce and talent pipelines, supporting founders and advancing innovation. There will be particular emphasis on sectors like life sciences, climate technology and national security.
‘Momentum building’
As part of the collaboration, M&T and the Roux will develop programming and events for students, entrepreneurs and community partners. That could include workshops, panel discussions and educational sessions.
“This partnership with M&T Bank is another strong sign of the momentum building across Maine’s entrepreneurship and venture creation ecosystem,” said Chris Torina, director of entrepreneurship at the Roux Institute.
“Together, we’re creating more pathways for students, founders and community partners to engage, innovate and grow, while continuing to position the Roux Institute as a hub for talent, entrepreneurship and real economic impact,” he added.
