Photo / Courtesy, Dirigo Labs
Emalee Hall
Updated: August 13, 2024
Waterville incubator Dirigo Labs aims to foster business innovation
As Dirigo Labs in Waterville seeks applicants for a new incubator program called Dirigo Launch, Mainebiz checked in with Emalee Hall, the Labs' assistant director of innovation programming and partnerships, to find out more about what she describes as an "innovation incubator.”
Mainebiz: What are some examples of the types of businesses and sectors the program will cover?
Emalee Hall: We use the state of Maine's definition of clean technology: Cleantech products and services are any process, product, or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies, significant energy efficiency improvements or retrofits, the sustainable use of resources, or environmental conservation and protection activities.
Examples of clean technology businesses/sectors that would qualify include biofuels, solar and wind technology, sustainable materials including wood products, chemicals, etc., electric motors or engines, recycling or re-use technologies, and technologies to improve energy efficiency of buildings.
MB: How is an incubator different from an accelerator?
EH: An accelerator is designed for established startups to grow — increase customers, revenue and raise capital. An incubator is designed for startups at the ideation stage to develop a product and business plan that can be successful — customer discovery, market research, product development.
As simply as possible, an accelerator focuses on increasing revenue through sales and fundraising [while] an incubator focuses on preparing to launch a new product or service into the marketplace.
MB: How many entrepreneurs do you expect to admit to the first cohort?
EH; We expect to admit between six and 10 startups, with the goal of having enough startups to create a community feel but making sure each startup gets sufficient hands-on support from the entrepreneur in residence and the Dirigo Labs team.
MB: How will this program be different from or complement the clean energy incubator the Roux Institute plans to start, and do you see any possibilities to collaborate?
EH: We aim to complement the Roux Institute's program by providing founders with a vital foundation in customer discovery, market research, and product development to enable their long-term success.
A unique aspect of the Dirigo Launch program will include education on federal funding opportunities and support for grant applications. After completing the Dirigo Launch program we hope that founders will pursue other programs in the ecosystem including the Roux programs and our own Dirigo Labs accelerator program, depending on their fit and aspirations.
Many partners in the ecosystem, including Roux, provide excellent networking and educational opportunities which the Dirigo Labs team will encourage our founders to take advantage of.
MB: Can entrepreneurs from outside the country apply to the program?
EH; We welcome applications from other countries as well as other states. Our primary goal through our accelerator and incubator programs is to support the Maine startup ecosystem, so we would prioritize accepting startups with Maine-based founders, interest in moving to Maine or another kind of Maine connection.
More information
Find out more about the program and apply here.
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