Innovation Ecosystem Development
Provides the Innovation Ecosystem Development grant to organizations building innovation infrastructure for Maine technology firms and growth networks.
The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is a quasi-public corporation created by the Maine Legislature in 1999 that has deployed more than $372 million across 4,000 projects in all 16 Maine counties. Its Innovation Ecosystem Development program awards grants of up to $500,000 to partner organizations whose work strengthens the innovation infrastructure supporting Maine's Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) across MTI's seven target technology sectors: advanced technologies and manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental and marine technology, composite materials and technology, food-based technology, forestry and agriculture technology, and information technology.
Applicants need not be incorporated in Maine, but every funded activity must serve Maine-based IDEs operating within those seven sectors. Co-investment is required, though the minimum match percentage is not published on the program page. Awards are multi-year and funds must be spent within three years of award. Only one award per organization is permitted; that limit extends across all departments of a multi-department institution. Collaborative applications from consortia are encouraged, and organizations that can demonstrate established track records and existing strategic partnerships receive additional consideration in review.
The program operates on a rolling basis with no fixed application deadline — the program page refers to a separate Fund Details page for deadline specifics. Applications begin with an interest form submitted to MTI, followed by engagement with MTI program staff. Organizations best positioned to win are intermediaries with proven capacity to deploy resources into Maine's IDE ecosystem — incubators, accelerators, industry networks, or research support organizations — rather than direct-to-company applicants.
Grants up to $500,000 for organizations building innovation infrastructure and support services for Maine's Innovation-Driven Enterprises across MTI's seven technology sectors.
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