The Maine Technology Institute invites proposals by 5 pm on March 26, 2012 for collaborative, industry-led activities seeking to grow Maine’s technology-intensive industries and create good jobs across the state. Funding of up to $500,000 is available (all awards require a 1:1 match). Proposed initiatives can include providing opportunities for a critical mass of businesses to learn from and work with each other, identifying and addressing common skills training needs, sharing of equipment or infrastructure that enables greater innovation and company growth, and/or jointly tackling common challenges or pursuing new opportunities that accelerate industry growth.
“By working together, and with partners such as trade associations or research institutions, Maine companies can overcome the challenges of growing in a rural economy. Together, they can create peer networks and the critical mass of innovation necessary to drive regional business growth,” explained Betsy Biemann, President of MTI. “Over the years, the CIP program has helped Maine companies in a number of Maine’s technology clusters come together and create efficiencies that help them to succeed at increasing revenues and entering new markets. We encourage business collaborations to apply for this funding to help tackle their challenges and grow their industry together.”
For an overview of MTI’s Cluster Initiative Program and how to apply for funding, please attend a brown-bag workshop:
February 2 at the Target Technology Center in Orono from 11am-1pm
February 6 at the MTI Offices at Brunswick Landing in Brunswick from 11am-1pm
For detailed information on completing an application, please participate in the webinar on March 6 from 1-2pm.
Contact Patti Sutter at [email protected] or 207-582-4790 x 211 to sign up for workshops and the webinar.
MTI’s Cluster Initiative Program awards up to $500,000 for multi-year initiatives seeking to boost the strength and scale of Maine’s high-potential technology clusters. Eligible applicants include businesses, trade associations, universities and nonprofit research institutions across Maine. Program and application requirement information can be found online at www.mainetechnology.org/fund/cluster-initiative-program. Applications for cluster feasibility and planning awards of up to $50,000 may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All Cluster Initiative awards require at least 1:1 in matching funding.
MTI is a publicly financed, private nonprofit organization created by the Legislature to stimulate research and development activity leading to the commercialization of new products, processes and services in the state’s seven technology-intensive sectors. Programs are designed to enhance the competitive position of those sectors and increase the likelihood that one or more of the sectors will support clusters of industrial activity and create quality jobs across Maine. More about MTI at: www.mainetechnology.org.
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