The Maine Technology Institute invites proposals by October 24, 2011 for collaborative, industry-led activities designed to help Maine’s technology-intensive industries grow and create good jobs across the state. Proposed initiatives can include providing opportunities for businesses to learn from and work with each other, boosting innovation and business xyz and/or jointly tackling challenges or pursuing new opportunities for industry growth. 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 intensive 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.
“Unlike more populous states, rural states like Maine struggle to reach a critical mass of innovation to drive regional business growth to the next level,” said Betsy Biemann, President of MTI. “By working together, and with partners, companies can help overcome these challenges. By collaborating to tackle their challenges, Maine companies can come together to create the scale to help them succeed.”
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 a 1:1 match.
Workshops and webinars are scheduled as follows. All interested parties are encouraged to attend:
Webinars:
Tuesday, September 6, 1-2pm
Thursday, October 6, 1-2pm
Workshops:
Thursday, September 8 at 4-5pm: Target Technology Center, 20 Godfrey Drive, Orono
Thursday, September 15 at 10-11am: Maine International Trade Center, 511 Congress Street, Portland
Contact Patti Sutter at [email protected] or 207-582-4790 x 211 to sign up.
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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